Please update the tee time system!

[toddsmig]

TV hasn't updated their online golf system in decades. Especially same day, having to call multiple courses in the hopes of maybe finding a tee time wastes golfers' time, and the starters'/pro shops' time. Most courses nowadays (outside of TV) have "real time" tee times right on their website. As a reservation is made, the site updates immediately. Calling around course to course is archaic. Id#'s and the "points" system could all easily be integrated into a new real-time, entirely web based system.

[Bogie Shooter]

I don’t think anyone on TOTV can do what you are asking for.
Have you called Golf Administration?

[Mrprez]

Didn’t they put it out for bid? Most companies declined to participate due to the large numbers of tee times we have every day. But, I thought one company said they could do it, but haven’t heard anything else.

[BrianL99]

TV hasn't updated their online golf system in decades. Especially same day, having to call multiple courses in the hopes of maybe finding a tee time wastes golfers' time, and the starters'/pro shops' time. Most courses nowadays (outside of TV) have "real time" tee times right on their website. As a reservation is made, the site updates immediately. Calling around course to course is archaic. Id#'s and the "points" system could all easily be integrated into a new real-time, entirely web based system.

The District posted a Job Opening earlier this month, for a new Director to manage the Golf Tee Time system. The job is no longer posted, so I assume they hired someone.

Perhaps give them a call.

[Pairadocs]

TV hasn't updated their online golf system in decades. Especially same day, having to call multiple courses in the hopes of maybe finding a tee time wastes golfers' time, and the starters'/pro shops' time. Most courses nowadays (outside of TV) have "real time" tee times right on their website. As a reservation is made, the site updates immediately. Calling around course to course is archaic. Id#'s and the "points" system could all easily be integrated into a new real-time, entirely web based system.

Just a thought: Upgrading could cost m.o.n.e.y.. That would mean higher amenity fees, I agree it's very outdated, but paying more for a new system may be very unpopular ? Did you see the suggestion on this site that perhaps raising the fees to have better maintenance, especially on the executives ? It was instantly very UN popular, so, taking the negative view, probably not going to see a new, improved, real time system ! ?

[Pairadocs]

I don’t think anyone on TOTV can do what you are asking for.
Have you called Golf Administration?

Think the poster meant any of us (residents) could change it ? Maybe they just wanted to "toss" it out for discussion, see how people react, take the "temperature", LOL, so to speak ?

[kellyjam]

The Villages loves DOS too much to change.

[kkingston57]

[QUOTE=toddsmig;2336009]TV hasn't updated their online golf system in decades. Especially same day, having to call multiple courses in the hopes of maybe finding a tee time wastes golfers' time, and the starters'/pro shops' time. Most courses nowadays (outside of TV) have "real time" tee times right on their website. As a reservation is made, the site updates immediately. Calling around course to course is archaic. Id#'s and the "points" system could all easily be integrated into a new real-time, entirely web based system.[/QUOTE

Met a man 3 years ago who wrote the current tee time system program and he told me that the administration was looking for bidders to re write the system but could not do it. WAY too many different contingencies.

[tophcfa]

Leave it as is, I got it all figured out and don’t want to have to figure out a new system.

[MrChip72]

Met a man 3 years ago who wrote the current tee time system program and he told me that the administration was looking for bidders to re write the system but could not do it. WAY too many different contingencies.

Software developer of 30+ years here. The algorithm is actually quite straightforward with very few data points compared to many with 120 different data points that I've worked on for things like travel booking sites. A working prototype could be coded in a weekend, but realistically a customer facing suitable replacement could easily be done in 200 hours. I've worked on apps with over 1 million daily users. A few thousand a day isn't much of a big deal.

[Rwirish]

The system works just fine.

[golfing eagles]

Just a thought: Upgrading could cost m.o.n.e.y.. That would mean higher amenity fees, I agree it's very outdated, but paying more for a new system may be very unpopular ? Did you see the suggestion on this site that perhaps raising the fees to have better maintenance, especially on the executives ? It was instantly very UN popular, so, taking the negative view, probably not going to see a new, improved, real time system ! ?

In that case I would suggest we get the poster from another related thread to do it. He claimed he ran 98 websites including servers, routers, switches, rent, payroll, updates, equipment replacement and electricity for $2.50/month. Here's his chance to prove it :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Mrmean58]

Most other courses do not have to juggle reservations for 50+ courses and up to 10000 tee time requests daily based on the current points system. So let's start with that. If the request requirements were not a factor then what you ask for could be easily done. Calling on the phone to individual courses would be no different than you accessing individual websites to see what's available with the exception of it being much easier on the golf shop staff.

[Mrmean58]

200 hours at what rate? $250-500 per hour. Now let's assume the current computer equipment is capable of running modern day programs. (Hint: it's not). So then you are asking for over a hundred locations to be upgraded.

[srswans]

TV hasn't updated their online golf system in decades. …

Yeah, it could be improved.

The need to call each starter shack on day-of is probably due to each starter having a printed copy of the tee times. The starter appears to use that to determine open slots. However, I do see them check online sometimes at the newer courses (e.g., Mickylee) to validate ID cards.

Also, the actual algorithm used and the other quirks may be difficult to reverse engineer. I suspect many players would complain if any of that got changed.

This might be a fun side-job for the retired SWENG among us.

[PoolBrews]

Just a thought: Upgrading could cost m.o.n.e.y.. That would mean higher amenity fees, I agree it's very outdated, but paying more for a new system may be very unpopular ? Did you see the suggestion on this site that perhaps raising the fees to have better maintenance, especially on the executives ? It was instantly very UN popular, so, taking the negative view, probably not going to see a new, improved, real time system ! ?

I was in IT for 40 years. You can tell by the screens and the way the current system runs that it's based on ancient technology - specifically IBM AS/400 or the equivalent. These systems require you run an update on changes nightly, which is why you don't get same day changes.

The cost to maintain these old systems and to actually obtain expertise in this area is far higher than what the cost of a new system with readily available hardware, software, and modern skills would be. Now add to this the ridiculously expensive maintenance of the antiquated phone system they use.

Put in a new system, retire BOTH the phone and current online system, and they should actually save money if done right. In addition, it then be easy to offer an app for Android and iPhone that connects to the system and make it truly accessible by everyone. This is what I did for companies throughout my career. What they offer here is laughable.

[biker1]

It is hard to know exactly what the current situation is. Approximately 8 years ago, I was attending one of the “learn all about The Villages” day long series of lectures. I remember speaking with one of the golf representatives who told me that a new tee time system would be coming online in about 6 months. Obviously that didn’t happen. The easiest thing to do is nothing. The current system works and people are familiar with it. It probably brings in about $2M a year so it might actually be a money maker. While I would appreciate a newer system that addresses some shortfalls in the current system, I would not be surprised if the current system continues for the foreseeable future. I have never used the phone system. I read the instructions, shook my head, and then signed up for the $8 per month website access.


I was in IT for 40 years. You can tell by the screens and the way the current system runs that it's based on ancient technology - specifically IBM AS/400 or the equivalent. These systems require you run an update on changes nightly, which is why you don't get same day changes.

The cost to maintain these old systems and to actually obtain expertise in this area is far higher than what the cost of a new system with readily available hardware, software, and modern skills would be. Now add to this the ridiculously expensive maintenance of the antiquated phone system they use.

Put in a new system, retire BOTH the phone and current online system, and they should actually save money if done right. In addition, it then be easy to offer an app for Android and iPhone that connects to the system and make it truly accessible by everyone. This is what I did for companies throughout my career. What they offer here is laughable.

[dewilson58]

If you upgrade and have live access...................it will screw up the paperwork the Ranger Ricks have.

:22yikes::22yikes:

[MidWestIA]

Come out of the dark ages - Golf Now has numerous courses that online update The Villages can and should it's time

[jedalton]

\still runs on DOS operating system

[jarodrig]

Let A sleeping dog lie !!

The system is fine the way it is . You can look for open tee times the night before play .

If you have to wait until the day of play to decide you WANT to play , well…….then I don’t know what to tell you.

From now until the return of “high season “ , you’ll be able to show up early afternoon and play at just about ANY course ….

[firefighter4u]

I agree, the system is archaic and kludgy. The model T car was great for a while....

[dewilson58]

All those wanting an upgrade will be the first to post when the monthly fee goes to $20.

:a040::a040:

[nhtexasrn]

TV hasn't updated their online golf system in decades. Especially same day, having to call multiple courses in the hopes of maybe finding a tee time wastes golfers' time, and the starters'/pro shops' time. Most courses nowadays (outside of TV) have "real time" tee times right on their website. As a reservation is made, the site updates immediately. Calling around course to course is archaic. Id#'s and the "points" system could all easily be integrated into a new real-time, entirely web based system.
Even updating the system to merely show the same day open tee times would help. That would at least eliminate calling all over.

[HORNET]

Been playing golf in The Villages for over 15 years, I use the tee time system with no problems. I plan my week and put my tee times and I do care and watch points. The Villages have made it fair to every and all Villagers. If want to play a lot, you will have high points. Sounds HOGGY to me. PS: If someone cancels then they get 2 points, if they don’t show up they get 3 points. Sounds FAIR to me!

[ahockeynut]

They should update for championship and leave exec on phone system

[evfan]

TV hasn't updated their online golf system in decades. Especially same day, having to call multiple courses in the hopes of maybe finding a tee time wastes golfers' time, and the starters'/pro shops' time. Most courses nowadays (outside of TV) have "real time" tee times right on their website. As a reservation is made, the site updates immediately. Calling around course to course is archaic. Id#'s and the "points" system could all easily be integrated into a new real-time, entirely web based system.

I’m still new-ish to the Villages (~ 1 year), but I quickly realized the tee time system was pretty difficult to use. Just for some background, I don’t consider myself a good golfer but my past life was writing code for big data. Among the 5896 golfers whose GHINs are with the Villages, the average HCP (as of a few days ago) is 19.25 and I’m still in the mid 30’s (bottom 5%). I can't hit a driver to save my life. So I like playing as a single with (hopefully) few behind me just to improve and work on my game.

I wrote some code to help me visualize tomorrow’s tee times using a series of bar graphs of tee times, down to 15 minute blocks. In seconds, I can see on one screen all of the available tee times here and then I look for open foursomes for either type of course: championship or executive. I run my code quite late in the evening so I can wake up the next morning and decide where I’m going to go play. I sort the courses on the screen by GPS distance from my house. It also emails me a copy so I have it on my phone. I’ve successfully used this for about a year to play nearly 120 rounds on the championships (I’m usually off in the first hour) and I’m always a walk on. I also added code to show course closures and tournaments, but that was for completeness’ sake. Eventually I’ll attempt to add the aeration schedules when time permits.

I have enough daily historical data now to compute stats on which courses are the easiest to walk on for any given day of the week.

I pondered turning all of this into a mobile app (and maybe an Alexa skill) which would address the OP’s question. One issue is I briefly moved my code to run in the cloud, but it was just a little too expensive to maintain versus just running it on my own PC. In addition, there are some legal terms of service which suggest I can’t repost or commercialize the data. So that mobile app idea may be out the door. No, I haven’t talked with anyone officially about it.

It isn’t live data, but it works pretty doggone good for my own use as a walk-on. I’m only posting just to say this can be done.

[tophcfa]

Been playing golf in The Villages for over 15 years, I use the tee time system with no problems. I plan my week and put my tee times and I do care and watch points. The Villages have made it fair to every and all Villagers. If want to play a lot, you will have high points. Sounds HOGGY to me. PS: If someone cancels then they get 2 points, if they don’t show up they get 3 points. Sounds FAIR to me!

The point system is very fair for the Executives, not so much for the Championship courses. A guest of a priority member, regardless of points, gets preference over a resident. It’s hard for me to justify how that’s fair to the resident?

[togabill]

TV hasn't updated their online golf system in decades. Especially same day, having to call multiple courses in the hopes of maybe finding a tee time wastes golfers' time, and the starters'/pro shops' time. Most courses nowadays (outside of TV) have "real time" tee times right on their website. As a reservation is made, the site updates immediately. Calling around course to course is archaic. Id#'s and the "points" system could all easily be integrated into a new real-time, entirely web based system.
How about not charging a point to play any of those pitch and putts? Also put them on a different reservation system.
When looking for a real executive tee time is difficult because 99.9% of the openings are on those pitch and putts. Maybe if there were no points people would play them more. Plus then you would be able to see real executive tee times that are open.

[golfing eagles]

The point system is very fair for the Executives, not so much for the Championship courses. A guest of a priority member, regardless of points, gets preference over a resident. It’s hard for me to justify how that’s fair to the resident?

That resident has the option of purchasing the membership enhancement. That purchase entitles the enhanced member AND HIS GUESTS to a higher priority for tee times. That's how it is fair and justified.

How does one justify frequent fliers getting higher boarding priority? Or pay $25 to get an earlier boarding place----same thing.

[Papa_lecki]

If you update, long term maintenance costs go down. You don’t need to pay someone to answer to phone to change your credit card on thevillages.net

You need the cash to pay now (line of credit or loan) - then the new system is capitalized and depreciated, so the impact to the statement of activities (a non profit/governemnt income statement) is lessened.

[wisbad1]

TV hasn't updated their online golf system in decades. Especially same day, having to call multiple courses in the hopes of maybe finding a tee time wastes golfers' time, and the starters'/pro shops' time. Most courses nowadays (outside of TV) have "real time" tee times right on their website. As a reservation is made, the site updates immediately. Calling around course to course is archaic. Id#'s and the "points" system could all easily be integrated into a new real-time, entirely web based system.
Just pay $8. and you can see them

[mrf0151]

I know off topic but talk about outdated web sites, how about this TOTV site. They need a web master to really revamp this also. Seems very old school.

[Bogie Shooter]

I know off topic but talk about outdated web sites, how about this TOTV site. They need a web master to really revamp this also. Seems very old school.

But, but it’s free! Enjoy.

[Bogie Shooter]

Just pay $8. and you can see them

Same day?

[dewilson58]

I know off topic but talk about outdated web sites, how about this TOTV site. They need a web master to really revamp this also. Seems very old school.

First.....................Villagers are Old School.

Second................ToTV just went thru an update. You have an option, New Version vs. Old Version. That was painful enough. :cryin2:

[mtdjed]

TV hasn't updated their online golf system in decades. Especially same day, having to call multiple courses in the hopes of maybe finding a tee time wastes golfers' time, and the starters'/pro shops' time. Most courses nowadays (outside of TV) have "real time" tee times right on their website. As a reservation is made, the site updates immediately. Calling around course to course is archaic. Id#'s and the "points" system could all easily be integrated into a new real-time, entirely web based system.

What you request is great, but more than just a new system is involved. Perhaps you are the problem and not the system.

Consider what happens that affects the system.

Cancellations are often called in or found when the person does not show up. The starter shacks may not have computer access nor time to enter all changes. Even if the starter did have access to computer, he would still get manual input phoned in or by walk ups. He may be busy collecting money from guests, persons who need to pay trail fees, cart rentals. He would have to have access to real time schedules as persons show up and his preprinted schedule with notes would be obsolete. With tee times scheduled every 8,9 or 10 minutes, the starter must keep the unruly mob of cats in line and moving.

And much of the hectic activity is caused by people who don't use the automatic system to start with. They are the ones who call around at the last minute searching for tee times that match their needs. I golf 3 times a week using the scheduling system to reserve times. If I find that I want to play after the schedule is in place, I still have three days to search for an open time on the system. If I wait for the day of play consistently, perhaps I am the problem and not the system.

[jarodrig]

How about not charging a point to play any of those pitch and putts? Also put them on a different reservation system.
When looking for a real executive tee time is difficult because 99.9% of the openings are on those pitch and putts. Maybe if there were no points people would play them more. Plus then you would be able to see real executive tee times that are open.

I don’t think points have anything to do with it.

Many (if not most) are unwilling, unable or too lazy to walk the course.

THAT is why you see their open tee times all of the time .

[mrf0151]

First.....................Villagers are Old School.

Second................ToTV just went thru an update. You have an option, New Version vs. Old Version. That was painful enough. :cryin2:

First, you are right about that

Second, that new version upgrade was ho-hum.

[ldj1938]

People from all over the world have come here to see our reservation works. It works very well in my (25 years) experience. OK it does cost you $8 a month, but I believe you might have access from a phone in the pro shops. You can even do it on your phone or computer. Trying to call the pro shops is silly and a total waste of time.:crap2:

[BrianL99]

Trying to call the pro shops is silly and a total waste of time.:crap2:


Calling the Pro Shop is the ONLY way to book a Tee Time on the same day, without going directly to the course.

[Papa_lecki]

Cancellations are often called in or found when the person does not show up. The starter shacks may not have computer access nor time to enter all changes. Even if the starter did have access to computer, he would still get manual input phoned in or by walk ups. He may be busy collecting money from guests, persons who need to pay trail fees, cart rentals. He would have to have access to real time schedules as persons show up and his preprinted schedule with notes would be obsolete. With tee times scheduled every 8,9 or 10 minutes, the starter must keep the unruly mob of cats in line and moving.
Change the workflow. Put a tablet or a PC in all the starter shacks, and have the checkin by electronic vs paper.
$800 for a new computer for each starter shack won’t break the bank. One big capital purchase.

[Flyers999]

I have no problem with the current system. I've never had to call around for a tee time, because I actually know the night before whether I want to play the next day. I guess a new system could record whether someone is playing nine or 18, which would allow someone to "squeeze in" the night before, but that would just cause more players on the course. Which would cause worse course conditions.
On a similar topic, I heard someone complain that now the account holder gets points if someone in his/her group doesn't show. Can anyone confirm this?

[jarodrig]

On a similar topic, I heard someone complain that now the account holder gets points if someone in his/her group doesn't show. Can anyone confirm this?

Highly doubtful.

But, call the tee times office to get an ACCURATE answer. 352-750-4558.

All you will get here are opinions and speculation….. (like my speculation that the info is BS !)

Please report back after you call….

[justjim]

Maybe best to “let a sleeping dog lie”.

[DonH57]

Leave it as is, I got it all figured out and don’t want to have to figure out a new system.

Besides that we never have any trouble finding open tee times with the current system. We've never had to call around to the starter shacks.