Golf Course Conditions

[schotzyb]

Pooh, Taj and Schotzy,

Thank you for a civil discourse - where you disagree with each other, without snide, rude comments!



kate


No reason to be rude when stating ones opinion.

[katezbox]

No reason to be rude when stating ones opinion.

I agree - but some posters seem to think that rudeness is key to making their point heard...

[pooh]

Well we both know they are not going to quit building houses so I guess all one can do is grin and bear it . Not me, I refuse to pay another ~$1000 for a Priority Membership to play on courses in these courses conditions. I will take my chances with outside courses .
I don't remember paying that much for a priority membership, but it probably was.. Personally, I don't play enough, even on the executive courses to warrant that expense. With the summer heat, the chances of playing lots of golf on championship courses for me is nill... ;)

If you find courses off campus more to your liking, then those should be the courses you use for now.

Have you done calculations to determine if the priority membership is worth purchasing? Do you play that much golf on the larger courses? Do you save enough paying reduced greens fees to cover what you pay for membership? I didn't so it wasn't worth it.

[pooh]

I agree - but some posters seem to think that rudeness is key to making their point heard...

LOL....so true, but at least they're not typing with all CAPS! http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac232/drdoolittle/Icons%20Animated/Smilies/AnimatedGIF-BigGlassesTypingSmiley.gif :a20:

[schotzyb]

I don't remember paying that much for a priority membership, but it probably was.. Personally, I don't play enough, even on the executive courses to warrant that expense. With the summer heat, the chances of playing lots of golf on championship courses for me is nill... ;)

If you find courses off campus more to your liking, then those should be the courses you use for now.

Have you done calculations to determine if the priority membership is worth purchasing? Do you play that much golf on the larger courses? Do you save enough paying reduced greens fees to cover what you pay for membership? I didn't so it wasn't worth it.

I have the Priority Membership for myself and my wife is the reaon it is ~$1000. I very rarely play the Executive Courses. My wife plays them when her knee allows. I play 3 times a week on the Championship Courses once on Friday morning with a group of neighbors and the other two times in the afternoon with 3 other resident/friends. The Priority is definetly worth it especially in the winter months with the higher rates and the difficulty in getting T times on specific courses. Cane to me has been unplayable ever since overseeding. The courses outside The Villages base their green fee rates on what a Priority Member would pay inside The Villages; at least that is what I have been told by those people running those courses

[pooh]

I have the Priority Membership for myself and my wife is the reaon it is ~$1000. I very rarely play the Executive Courses. My wife plays them when her knee allows. I play 3 times a week on the Championship Courses once on Friday morning with a group of neighbors and the other two times in the afternoon with 3 other resident/friends. The Priority is definetly worth it especially in the winter months with the higher rates and the difficulty in getting T times on specific courses. Cane to me has been unplayable ever since overseeding. The courses outside The Villages base their green fee rates on what a Priority Member would pay inside The Villages; at least that is what I have been told by those people running those courses

Since you play often enough, it is worth it for you. If you decide to renew, maybe it might be better or maybe I should say, more cost effective to not renew your wife's membership since she plays much less often than you.

Hubby used to have a solo membership, then we got dual and discovered that I just didn't play enough to warrant the expense. This year, we've been pretty busy with other things so he didn't renew his priority membership. Next year he'll renew, but I won't.

[schotzyb]

Since you play often enough, it is worth it for you. If you decide to renew, maybe it might be better or maybe I should say, more cost effective to not renew your wife's membership since she plays much less often than you.

Hubby used to have a solo membership, then we got dual and discovered that I just didn't play enough to warrant the expense. This year, we've been pretty busy with other things so he didn't renew his priority membership. Next year he'll renew, but I won't.

Her main use of the Priority is the use of the Championship Club pools such as Palmer and Lopez. Thought about only a 6 month membership for the winter months when rates are the highest but it is 3/4 the cost of a a full year. If it was closer to 1/2 that would be the way I would go.

[pooh]

Her main use of the Priority is the use of the Championship Club pools such as Palmer and Lopez. Thought about only a 6 month membership for the winter months when rates are the highest but it is 3/4 the cost of a a full year. If it was closer to 1/2 that would be the way I would go.

Forgot about the pools, schotzyb, those are important to many.

[Bogie Shooter]

Well we both know they are not going to quit building houses so I guess all one can do is grin and bear it . Not me, I refuse to pay another ~$1000 for a Priority Membership to play on courses in these courses conditions. I will take my chances with outside courses .
!

[Bogie Shooter]

Forgot about the pools, schotzyb, those are important to many.

Waste of water that could be used on the golf courses!

[Taj44]

It could be that one course has more storage than another. I'm not sure how much "storage" Havana has vs Mallory.

It still boils down to just how much water there is available and without much rain, retention ponds are low.

I agree with you regarding storage and retention ponds, but back to your original comment regarding allocations, your point is certainly valid, but having played both Havana and Mallory a lot, I don't see where one has more storage than the other, hence it seems like they would have the same allocation amount. That's what I mean when I say "makes no sense" (to me anyways). I just have a feeling there is more happening than we see, regarding how the available water is dispersed to the various courses. My spouse spoke to Todd Basso, head of golf course operations, and he said Palmer has the same allocation as the other courses. I find this really hard to believe. I used to see them watering Palmer all the time, and as mentioned, Mallory very little.

I would love to hear from Mr. Basso, all the nitty gritty details on allocations. Are they monthly, yearly allocation amounts? What are the exact amounts for each course? If Palmer gets the same amount of water as Cane or Mallory for example, why is Palmer so green and in such nice shape while Cane and Mallory are not? If I get some free time I may give him a call to help clear up some of these inconsistencies.

[katezbox]

I agree with you regarding storage and retention ponds, but back to your original comment regarding allocations, your point is certainly valid, but having played both Havana and Mallory a lot, I don't see where one has more storage than the other, hence it seems like they would have the same allocation amount. That's what I mean when I say "makes no sense" (to me anyways). I just have a feeling there is more happening than we see, regarding how the available water is dispersed to the various courses. My spouse spoke to Todd Basso, head of golf course operations, and he said Palmer has the same allocation as the other courses. I find this really hard to believe. I used to see them watering Palmer all the time, and as mentioned, Mallory very little.



I would love to hear from Mr. Basso, all the nitty gritty details on allocations. Are they monthly, yearly allocation amounts? What are the exact amounts for each course? If Palmer gets the same amount of water as Cane or Mallory for example, why is Palmer so green and in such nice shape while Cane and Mallory are not? If I get some free time I may give him a call to help clear up some of these inconsistencies.

Taj and all - a question for you...

I seem to recall hearing that the management company for Havana is different than for all the other courses. Can anyone confirm - and would that make a difference in the water allocation or just the care of the course?

k

[pooh]

I agree with you regarding storage and retention ponds, but back to your original comment regarding allocations, your point is certainly valid, but having played both Havana and Mallory a lot, I don't see where one has more storage than the other, hence it seems like they would have the same allocation amount. That's what I mean when I say "makes no sense" (to me anyways). I just have a feeling there is more happening than we see, regarding how the available water is dispersed to the various courses. My spouse spoke to Todd Basso, head of golf course operations, and he said Palmer has the same allocation as the other courses. I find this really hard to believe. I used to see them watering Palmer all the time, and as mentioned, Mallory very little.

I would love to hear from Mr. Basso, all the nitty gritty details on allocations. Are they monthly, yearly allocation amounts? What are the exact amounts for each course? If Palmer gets the same amount of water as Cane or Mallory for example, why is Palmer so green and in such nice shape while Cane and Mallory are not? If I get some free time I may give him a call to help clear up some of these inconsistencies.

When you get some free time, I know we'd all appreciate you calling to get answers. Thanks so much.

[pooh]

Waste of water that could be used on the golf courses!

You're so bad.....:1rotfl::clap2:

[nitehawk]

When you get some free time, I know we'd all appreciate you calling to get answers. Thanks so much.

Sorry to hear about you finger

[pooh]

Sorry to hear about you finger

Thanks....I'm heading out of country http://www.colormegood.com/colormegoodPDFthumbnails/countriesandcultures/europe/scotland/scotland09.jpgand have lots to do. I'll leave it in the capable hands or should I say finger, of Taj.

[Mikeod]

Taj and all - a question for you...

I seem to recall hearing that the management company for Havana is different than for all the other courses. Can anyone confirm - and would that make a difference in the water allocation or just the care of the course?

k
The management company is the same for all the courses. What varies is the company contracted to perform the maintenance on the courses. Someone posted earlier that there was a problem with one company about a year ago and they were not renewed when their contract expired.

[Bogie Shooter]

I agree with you regarding storage and retention ponds, but back to your original comment regarding allocations, your point is certainly valid, but having played both Havana and Mallory a lot, I don't see where one has more storage than the other, hence it seems like they would have the same allocation amount. That's what I mean when I say "makes no sense" (to me anyways). I just have a feeling there is more happening than we see, regarding how the available water is dispersed to the various courses. My spouse spoke to Todd Basso, head of golf course operations, and he said Palmer has the same allocation as the other courses. I find this really hard to believe. I used to see them watering Palmer all the time, and as mentioned, Mallory very little.

I would love to hear from Mr. Basso, all the nitty gritty details on allocations. Are they monthly, yearly allocation amounts? What are the exact amounts for each course? If Palmer gets the same amount of water as Cane or Mallory for example, why is Palmer so green and in such nice shape while Cane and Mallory are not? If I get some free time I may give him a call to help clear up some of these inconsistencies.

Are you saying he lied to your spouse?

[Taj44]

Are you saying he lied to your spouse?
No, I'm thinking either he mis-spoke, or my spouse mis-understood. Or maybe the courses do get the same amount of water, but Palmer has better sub-base conditions so it is able to retain the water better. Perhaps it was built better with better and more topsoil with water retaining abilities, while Mallory may be been built with little top soil and lots of sand, which won't retain water as well.

[Taj44]

Taj and all - a question for you...

I seem to recall hearing that the management company for Havana is different than for all the other courses. Can anyone confirm - and would that make a difference in the water allocation or just the care of the course?

k

I don't know what company is in charge of Havana. I can't imagine that would impact the amount of water they are allocated, but don't know for sure. I thought I read somewhere that water allocation was based on golf course size i.e. acreage.

[Bogie Shooter]

No, I'm thinking either he mis-spoke, or my spouse mis-understood. Or maybe the courses do get the same amount of water, but Palmer has better sub-base conditions so it is able to retain the water better. Perhaps it was built better with better and more topsoil with water retaining abilities, while Mallory may be been built with little top soil and lots of sand, which won't retain water as well.

What is the ultimate goal here. With all the speculation, theory and opinion what are you trying to accomplish? Every opinion offered to you is countered with the same argument of speculation.
I think you need to make an appointment with the powers to be and see how they respond to your theories. Although in the end I don't think you will be satisfied.

[Larry Wilson]

Think water allocation. It differs from place to place, with a lot depending on when they were built, even within TV. That's why Hacienda wasn't overseeded completely. In TV, with more and more homes being occupied, the drain on the reclaimed water supply is increasing. Home irrigation has priority over golf courses. Wanna bet some people are irrigating more than two times a week? Look at the zoysia lawns around TV. They are the closest to the bermuda used on the golf courses. Lots of brown. And they don't have golf carts running over them every day. To blame this on anything but the lack of rainfall presumes the people responsible for the golf courses don't care or don't know what they are doing. Their hands are tied by the water restrictions THEY have imposed on them. It's not fair to compare to courses outside TV which may have sources or allocations of water TV doesn't have. OBH is the oldest course in TV, with plenty of time for the roots to get deep so the grass can sustain drought conditions better than the newer courses. It is not a coincidence that the courses above 466, in general, have been in better condition (except Hacienda, for obvious reasons) than the newer courses south of 466.

I have met and spoken to people responsible for golf courses in TV and they are passionate about these courses. Talk to the pros at the courses and you will see the same concern about conditions, tempered by the reality of the unusual seasons we have experienced the last two years with temperature and rainfall.

Sorry to be late to this conversation. I totally agree with mikeod in his posts.
I think the staffs are doing the best they can with the amount of water they have to use. One staff might be a bit better at it than another but I think they are all trying their best. The problem is as mikeol said- that we don't have enough water for all the houses and the golf courses. Most states would never of let a developer impact the local environment with this many people. All the lakes have been used up in Ocala National Forest. We use a great deal of water in here.
Friends of ours bought 40 years ago and believe me they have gone through many, many changes in plans and build out dates. So I don't believe for a minute plans can't be changed. I don't believe in building more and more when you don't have enough water for what is already built.
So I think mikeod knows what he is talking about. One thing I hear all golfers agreeing on is that the golf courses are in poor condition.

[ajbrown]

Not sure who talked to who, but nice work. Looks like we are getting a little bit of rain in Mallory :)

[Bogie Shooter]

not sure who talked to who, but nice work. Looks like we are getting a little bit of rain in mallory :)

1-800-god

[skyguy79]

1-800-godDidn't you mean... 1-800-god-rain?

[skyguy79]

You're so bad.....:1rotfl::clap2:Especially since the water from the drinking fountains wasn't mentioned with the pool water! :loco:

[PylutDood]

Winter and Spring...6 months out of the year, Florida is dry. We ARE in drought conditions all over the state, usually 6 months out of every year.

In a nut shell...it's all a cycle, usually influenced by WX in other areas of the country and the World.

Summer and Fall are our wet seasons. Unfortunately, most of our rainfall detriment is made up in the form of Tropical Storms and Hurricaines.

Going into June and July, things start changing. The rainfall you had today is but a first "Glimpse" of the WX pattern to come.

Pretty soon, if you're not at the 19th hole by noon - 2pm...you'll be rained out of the rest of the day, due to convective thunderstorm activity. Enjoy it while you can, learn to play a dry FAST course before the 90+ deg temps and 90+ humidities take their toll.

The course's will recover, and so will the water table.

I can go into a long disertation of why this is but I wont on this board. If we meet one day I'll be happy to explain it.

I hold a B.S. from F.S.U. in Meterology and Climatology and have lived in Florida almost all my life.

(I'am just hoping I did'nt stick my nose into somewhere it did'nt belong)

Dave

[red tail]

Winter and Spring...6 months out of the year, Florida is dry. We ARE in drought conditions all over the state, usually 6 months out of every year.

In a nut shell...it's all a cycle, usually influenced by WX in other areas of the country and the World.

Summer and Fall are our wet seasons. Unfortunately, most of our rainfall detriment is made up in the form of Tropical Storms and Hurricaines.

Going into June and July, things start changing. The rainfall you had today is but a first "Glimpse" of the WX pattern to come.

Pretty soon, if you're not at the 19th hole by noon - 2pm...you'll be rained out of the rest of the day, due to convective thunderstorm activity. Enjoy it while you can, learn to play a dry FAST course before the 90+ deg temps and 90+ humidities take their toll.

The course's will recover, and so will the water table.

I can go into a long disertation of why this is but I wont on this board. If we meet one day I'll be happy to explain it.

I hold a B.S. from F.S.U. in Meterology and Climatology and have lived in Florida almost all my life.

(I'am just hoping I did'nt stick my nose into somewhere it did'nt belong)

Dave

its refreshing to hear from someone who knows what they are talking about. we dont get that often enough on this forum!
it gets tiring hearing about flying monsters stealing our pets and others building concrete bunkers in their garage for the killer tornados and lightening rods on their roof!!

[Taj44]

We know the courses will recover once we get rain - many us us are longtime Villages residents and see the seasonal changes each year. But some of our questions, at least those of us who have inquiring minds, hinge on the water allocations during drier times, and why, even though there are water restrictions, some courses like Havana, that are newer than other courses and conceivably receive the same water allocation, are greener and nicer.

[spk7951]

Played TPC Tampa today and what a difference from TV courses. Course is in very good shape and probably the best greens I have ever putted on. Talked to a couple of folks there and they told me that they do not have any watering restrictions.

[jcgolfs]

After playing Glenview and Lopez this past week, must give both a very good rating.

[Taj44]

I played Glenview this week, and found the fairways pretty decent, greens on Fox Run were in good shape, but were pretty shaggy and didn't putt well. Stirrup Cup greens hadn't quite healed from the aerification - this may be due to the lack of rain. A good rain should get everything growing pretty fast in this heat.

[schotzyb]

I played Glenview this week, and found the fairways pretty decent, greens on Fox Run were in good shape, but were pretty shaggy and didn't putt well. Stirrup Cup greens hadn't quite healed from the aerification - this may be due to the lack of rain. A good rain should get everything growing pretty fast in this heat.

Have the areas where they replaced sod on the greens improved? Two weeks ago they looked like a quilt.

[Taj44]

I remember seeing a few of those areas; they hadn't healed completely, but I guess the day we played they didn't have the pins in those areas so it wasn't a factor. My problem was that the greens were slow and I was having trouble getting the ball to the hole. They may be keeping them on the long side due to the heat, but whatever reason, I didn't like the way they putted.

[Taj44]

I received interesting information from the office of golf operations. I had asked some questions regarding water allocations for the various courses. In a nutshell the following information was given:

1. Mallory and Cane didn't get their fairways overseeded this year due to lack of rain.
2. Cane and Palmer receive the same water allocation. Havana receives about 2% less water, and Mallory receives about 9% less water due to the allocations. Local Water Management determines the water allocation for the golf courses based on the permits with SWFWMD.
3. Mallory had some major pump irrigation problems this spring.
4. The courses were all built to the same specs i.e. Palmer built to the same specs as Cane or Mallory
5. There will be improvments made to Orange blossom - enlarging a couple of the greens, leveling some of the tees, and building 2 new restrooms.

[nkrifats]

Thank you for the update

[nitehawk]

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Developer can get permits to build more and more homes - permission to have golf carts cross 472, El Camino Real, but not (Rollings Acres). but cant get permission for more water for courses (maybe give out less permits for commercial bottler to sell us water in a bottle). Build baby - Build baby ---- maybe need money for a new ranch in Wyoming with new hunting licenses

[kyblue]

Play Terra yesterday - carts had to stay on path - lot of walking in the hot Florida sun.

[clekr]

Played Mallory today. If the choice comes to playing MH or staying home. Stay home.

[memason]

Play Terra yesterday - carts had to stay on path - lot of walking in the hot Florida sun.

I'm playing Tierra Del Sol tomorrow, but I am NOT about to walk 18 holes, back and forth from the cart path. Therefore, I called Tierra and they said there are NO restrictions on the course. You are able to drive on all holes, except the par 3's, of course.

Are we talking about the same Tierra ????

Played Palmer today (6/4/11 ... Riley Grove --> Cherry Hill) and the greens are still rough and have lots of sand on them. Fairways are in pretty good shape though.

[schotzyb]

Played Orange Blossom yesterday and have to say, it is still in the best shape of any course here in The Villages. Greens were very nice with excellent speed on them. $13 is quiet a bargain.

[Indy-Guy]

It seems that the small amount of rain that we have had has almost drowned this topic. With no complaints for a week.

The little rain that we have had has helped the condition of the courses with much more improvement needed. When we start getting more rain then there will be even a larger positive look to the courses.

I played Havana today and it is getting better daily but we still need more rain.

Perhaps if as predicted for next several days we will see more inprovement.

[Taj44]

Played Orange Blossom yesterday and have to say, it is still in the best shape of any course here in The Villages. Greens were very nice with excellent speed on them. $13 is quiet a bargain.

I heard a rumor that OB is now required to cut back on their watering, so I guess we need to enjoy the nice conditions while we can, they may not last, unless we get some rain.

Played Cane, Jacaranda to Allamanda last week. Conditions are better than they were a month ago, but fairways are still pretty rough, especially on Allamanda. Greens were okay.

[spk7951]

I heard a rumor that OB is now required to cut back on their watering, so I guess we need to enjoy the nice conditions while we can, they may not last, unless we get some rain.

Played Cane, Jacaranda to Allamanda last week. Conditions are better than they were a month ago, but fairways are still pretty rough, especially on Allamanda. Greens were okay.


Played Allamanda to Hibiscus Friday and I agree Allamanda is getting better. But I suggest staying away from Hibiscus for a bit. Fairways are in tough shape due to aeration and holes 2, 4, 6 & 9 are cart path only at present, did not get an answer as to when that will change. Also played Havana last week and it does appear to be a little better than two weeks ago but still more rain/water will help.

[schotzyb]

Played Palmer Friday and found Cherry Hill to be in very nice shape. Greens were very good; nice speed and the aeration had healed completely. Can't say the same about Riley Grove though. Fairways and T boxes were fine but the greens were still not very good . Were really "bumpy" and had not healed well from aeration. Should be better in another week or so and more rain.

[memason]

Played OB today (Sunday) and the course is still in great shape...both fairways and greens. A bargain at $16.00!

[pjolson]

Played Mallory today. Don't bother. Amelia is closed (has been for some time now), Virginia was cart path only, and both Virginia and Caroline are dry as a bone. Fairways in many places were like playing off the cart path. No grass at all and dry, dry, dry.

[ajbrown]

Played OB today (Sunday) and the course is still in great shape...both fairways and greens. A bargain at $16.00!

I was at OB at 10:36. I agree the course is in nice shape. The rough is filling in which makes little short shots around the green interesting........

Most of the courses down south you can still putt from 10 yards off the green. This will not work at OB.

[Taj44]

Played back nine on Tierra this morning. Fairways were pretty good, but greens were terrible - shaggy, bumpy, hole number 10 had noticeable weeds on the green; overall the greens get 2 thumbs down. I personally would avoid Tierra for this reason, but that's just me.

[bmar723]

Why can the Villages use the lack of water(rain) as an excuse for the poor, or atrocious,conditions of the courses? If water is in such short supply, why can they water the medians on Morse and BV Blvd? Why are they allowed to build unchecked all the way down to 44 and yet tell us there is no water? When the latest parts of The Villages are built, what can we expect for conditions when water will be spread even thinner than now. As much as I love living here(now), I am sorely disappointed in what is going on this summer with the lack of care for the courses. I played Mallory yesterdaay,6/13, and it was a disgrace. The course should not even have been opened. And to make matter worse, the $6 evening rate is drawing even more people to trample the turf.(notice I did not say grass).:swear:

[schotzyb]

Well, this much needed rain should help considerably but some courses are already in such bad shape , it will take many more rains like today to bring them back to Championship caliber.

[Bogie Shooter]

Well, this much needed rain should help considerably but some courses are already in such bad shape , it will take many more rains like today to bring them back to Championship caliber.

Don't be so optimistic.:laugh:

[schotzyb]

Don't be so optimistic.:laugh:

Do you really believe one rain will bring Cane Garden or Mallory Hills back to Championship quality?Have to be one helluva rain!

[Taj44]

Why can the Villages use the lack of water(rain) as an excuse for the poor, or atrocious,conditions of the courses? If water is in such short supply, why can they water the medians on Morse and BV Blvd? Why are they allowed to build unchecked all the way down to 44 and yet tell us there is no water? When the latest parts of The Villages are built, what can we expect for conditions when water will be spread even thinner than now. As much as I love living here(now), I am sorely disappointed in what is going on this summer with the lack of care for the courses. I played Mallory yesterdaay,6/13, and it was a disgrace. The course should not even have been opened. And to make matter worse, the $6 evening rate is drawing even more people to trample the turf.(notice I did not say grass).:swear:

I imagine they have watering quotas and priorities i.e. medians get higher priority than golf courses, because they want the place to look good so they can sell more homes.

I was watching them water a grassy area near the Mallory gate last night, right across from the clubhouse. The majority of the water was going in the road - it only hit about a 3 foot patch of the grass along the side of the road. What a waste of water. When I was driving to Tierra yesterday morning, same deal - a row of sprinklers were on for over 2 hours - I hit them on my way over and on my way back, watering some grass along the side of the cart path near the church on Morse just after crossing 466. What a waste.

I also agree with you about the $6 rates and turf damage. These people have not paid for a priority membership, yet they are allowed to go out and essentially damage the already stressed golf courses. And many times you get inexperienced golfers who don't know the etiquette trying to take advantage of a "cheap deal" and they don't fill their divots or repair ball marks on the greens, etc. I wish golf course management would consider closing down the courses after a certain time of day or if the income from those $6 fees is so important, make sure players after a certain time are cart path only.

[bmar723]

Having paid over $700 for a priority membership, the cheap evening golf bothers me. It cheapens my membership as residents without one are allowed to play cheaper than me. If I play at 4 PM, it costs me $16-21 to play 18 but if I wait until 5 PM I can play for $6 and most likely still get in 18 holes.
I am also bothered by the fact that there are a bunch of "executive" course players out there taking advantage of the cheap situation. As mentioned by Taj, many of them know little of course etiquette and taking care of the course. How can I make this statement? Just play an exec course and see how many ball marks are fixed or traps are raked for example.
If conditions don't improve soon on our courses, I am going to be visiting off-Villages course more often.

[aljetmet]

As a wannabee who would play the majority of the time on the championship courses, this is scary. I have some time to go before arriving at TV so I hope this thread is kept up and eventually has more positive comments.

Seems questionable to have a priority membership especially in the summer.

[Mikeod]

Having paid over $700 for a priority membership, the cheap evening golf bothers me. It cheapens my membership as residents without one are allowed to play cheaper than me. If I play at 4 PM, it costs me $16-21 to play 18 but if I wait until 5 PM I can play for $6 and most likely still get in 18 holes.
I am also bothered by the fact that there are a bunch of "executive" course players out there taking advantage of the cheap situation. As mentioned by Taj, many of them know little of course etiquette and taking care of the course. How can I make this statement? Just play an exec course and see how many ball marks are fixed or traps are raked for example.
If conditions don't improve soon on our courses, I am going to be visiting off-Villages course more often.
Please explain how these people play for less than you. If you choose to play at 4PM for the PM rate, that's your choice (as is the one to become a priority member) and it's not available to those who wish to pay $6. But, you can also play any other time of the day for less than a non-priority member, so these people are not paying less than you. If you're including the cost of a priority membership, remember, it was your choice to do that. A priority membership only provides better access to the courses/tee times, club tournaments, and access to the pools. Others have done the math and figured it wasn't worth it for a single golfer.

As both a championship and "executive course player", I take offense at your characterization of the "executive course players" as less worthy to be on "your" course. Remember that owning a home in TV makes everyone a "member" at all the championship courses.

As for conditions, remember that some players on executive courses are new to the game and don't yet understand all the facets of course maintenance, so the conditions there may be worse than on the championship courses. However, I encounter the same problems on the championship courses. Divots and ball marks unrepaired. Sand traps that show little attempt to smooth either divot or footprints. Perhaps not as frequent, but still there. And this is before those $6 "executive players" have a chance to play.

[Mudder]

Mikeod, I agree with you what you said. Another reason they do the $6 rate is so that perhaps people will then move up to championship course play in the fall, winter and spring. We played with a couple who were on championship course for first time, they told us that before we started. They were eager to learn all they could about playing the courses, they wanted to do the right things. They were good golfers and respected the beatiful course. Don't forget.....everyone has to start somewhere

[Taj44]

Mikeod, I agree with you what you said. Another reason they do the $6 rate is so that perhaps people will then move up to championship course play in the fall, winter and spring. We played with a couple who were on championship course for first time, they told us that before we started. They were eager to learn all they could about playing the courses, they wanted to do the right things. They were good golfers and respected the beatiful course. Don't forget.....everyone has to start somewhere

That's nice when that happens. I've also met beginners who are anxious to learn the right things. I don't have a problem with people paying $6 to play late in the day. We've tried it in the past, and the pace of play is so slow, we have been unable to get 18 in. Its more like 10 or maybe 12 holes. But I still think if the courses are stressed out, that is one place they could look at "un-stressing" things, by having the people playing at a really discounted rate having to play cart path only.

[bmar723]

Please explain how these people play for less than you. If you choose to play at 4PM for the PM rate, that's your choice (as is the one to become a priority member) and it's not available to those who wish to pay $6. But, you can also play any other time of the day for less than a non-priority member, so these people are not paying less than you. If you're including the cost of a priority membership, remember, it was your choice to do that. A priority membership only provides better access to the courses/tee times, club tournaments, and access to the pools. Others have done the math and figured it wasn't worth it for a single golfer.

As both a championship and "executive course player", I take offense at your characterization of the "executive course players" as less worthy to be on "your" course. Remember that owning a home in TV makes everyone a "member" at all the championship courses.

As for conditions, remember that some players on executive courses are new to the game and don't yet understand all the facets of course maintenance, so the conditions there may be worse than on the championship courses. However, I encounter the same problems on the championship courses. Divots and ball marks unrepaired. Sand traps that show little attempt to smooth either divot or footprints. Perhaps not as frequent, but still there. And this is before those $6 "executive players" have a chance to play.

I believe I did explain how their price is cheaper if you consider the 1 hour time difference. If residents want to play cheap golf, they can play nine in the summer at a very reasonable rate, and that would include AM or PM times.
And I too am a both courses player and there is NO comparison to the number of problems in care on the courses. Being a new player is no excuse for not knowing how to treat a course. TV offers good golf school to help these folks learn about it. I did not infer that they are, in your words, less worthy to play on "my" course.
And I have done the Math and find the priority membership well worth it because I play 3 times a week on champ courses. Remember, the priority mem also includes my trail fee for exec courses and a pool mem for country club pools which we use all the time. So if you subtract those fees from Priority, you can see it is a good deal....if you play more than once a week. And by the way, I have a single mem because my wife does not play golf.

[schotzyb]

What would help the conditions of the fairways all year long would be if all golfers would use the 90 degree rule all the time, not just when instructed to. Use the cart path up to a spot around where your or your partners ball lies and then exit the path and return to the path after hitting. This helps the fairways and the rough both have less traffic. Many times you will see golfers leave the T box and drive right down the middle of the fairway to where their ball is positioned. Heavy golf cart traffic is a killer to the fairway and rough grass regardless of how much rain we receive

[schotzyb]

Played Glenview today; Strrup Cup to Tally Ho. Much improvement since we last played it about 4 weeks ago. Greens are healing nicely from the aeration and the " patchwork". Fairways are also getting better. One hole on each nine was cart path only to allow some bad spots to heal. Several other were cart path only up to the 150 yard marker. Good to see the conditions improving at Glenview since it is one of my favorite courses.

[ajbrown]

Played Havana this AM, Kil to Ken. Very playable. Off to Lopez on Sunday hoping for the same.

Question?? Does anyone know if Palmers greens have healed since the aeration? They seemd to be struggling to come back and I was curious. Looking to play there next Friday

[schotzyb]

Played Havana this AM, Kil to Ken. Very playable. Off to Lopez on Sunday hoping for the same.

Question?? Does anyone know if Palmers greens have healed since the aeration? They seemd to be struggling to come back and I was curious. Looking to play there next Friday


Cherry Hill greens were good lat Friday but Riley Groves were really bumpy.

[rubicon]

Maintenance guys over fertilized number 7 on cherry Hill burned a portion of the fairway

[bmar723]

Played Glenview today and it was 100% improvement from a few weeks ago. It was actually enjoyable. A few nights of rain works wonder. Now we can use some more.

[schotzyb]

Our Friday group played Havana today and everyone was very pleased with the condition of the course including T boxes , fairways and greens, Greens a tad slow but very playable.

[Taj44]

I played Tierra a couple of days ago, and have to say the greens are nothing special - quite bumpy. The fairways were decent though.

[hedoman]

Looks like TV is getting some rain on a regular basis. Has it helped course conditions? We'll be back "home " in 3 weeks!

chilout

[ajbrown]

Looks like TV is getting some rain on a regular basis. Has it helped course conditions? We'll be back "home " in 3 weeks!

chilout

We have been getting some rain finally, but most of the rain seems to avoid TV. It is amazing to watch tha radar and see giant blobs of green and orange dissapate, split or just slide north or south seemingly to avoid TV. With that said we are getting some rain and IMO the courses are becoming better.

PS. My lawn looks much better also.

[spk7951]

We have been getting some rain finally, but most of the rain seems to avoid TV. It is amazing to watch tha radar and see giant blobs of green and orange dissapate, split or just slide north or south seemingly to avoid TV. With that said we are getting some rain and IMO the courses are becoming better.

PS. My lawn looks much better also.


It has been interesting watching the radar the last few days and getting hardly any rain at our house. My Tuesday group tried to play nine on Virginia this past Tuesday but on the 4th hole it started to rain and we could see heavier rain coming in from the west. We decided to wait it out but a couple of claps of thunder quickly changed our minds, so we headed to the Mallory clubhouse for rain checks. Over at Mallory no rain but it did start as we were leaving there. Back home in Hadley, nothing. Never got any rain at our house on Tuesday.

PS: The four holes I did get to play on Virginia were in very good condition.

[Golf-Tinker]

Most storms split before they reach Hadley and then pass North and South of us. Must be because Gracie left us. Or perhaps it's the dog doo DNA thing that der Shadow posted.

[rubicon]

Played Glenview Stirrup cup to Tally Ho. Course looking good.

[hedoman]

OK nice rains this week (so says the computer)so how are the courses. We are returning home July 18 and need my "fix" of Glenview, Lopez and Palmer......

:D

[schotzyb]

We played Tierra Del Sol yesterday. Back nine was cart path only which was a little excessive we thought. Only saw standing water on one hole . Could understand rough only but saw no reason for cart path only. Fairways and T boxes were nice and plush. Greens were really "bumpy" and slow. Also lots of medium size holes that were on some but not all greens. Ambassador informed us they were thought to be made by the Sand Cranes.

[spk7951]

Played Palmer Laurel to Riley on Wednesday and thought it was in pretty good shape. (And since then we have had over 4" of rain at my house in Hadley). Fairways were good and most of the greens also, but we did find a couple of greens had some small bad areas that needed attention.

Tuesday we played nine on Amelia and it too is in very good shape following the extended closing. Only issue was cart path only on #2 up to the 1st bunker and on #9 to the 150 markers.

[ajbrown]

Played Caroline to Amelia this AM before the storms. :thumbup::thumbup:

[schotzyb]

Played Havana (Kenya to Hemingway) Monday and found the course to be in really good shape. The greens were a tad slow; appeared they had not been cut maybe due to the heavy rain. Only #2 on Kenya was cart path only. No restrictions on any of the other 17 holes.

[schotzyb]

Played Cane Garden today (Hibiscus to Jacaranda) and was really disappointed in the lack of improvement in the conditions of the course over the past 3 months or so. All the other courses we have played lately have really improved with the rain we have getting but not Cane Garden. Fairways are patchy at best and greens (all) have diseased spots spread out on them. It will be another 3 months before I try it again.

[robertj1954]

I try to play every day and always keeping an eye on the weather. Friday afternoon, I was at Hill Top and the clouds were ominous and you could hear the thunder. I got in all 9 holes but, suffered a wasp sting after a wasp got under my shorts on the 7th hole! :22yikes: I still managed to Birdie the 9th hole and did not get wet.. The wasp lived to sting another day. :smiley:

[chuckster]

played jacaranda to allamanda (cane) yesterday and found fairways and greens in good shape. Did not find diseased spots on the 2 nines we played. Guess it's in the eye of the beholder.........

Also played Glenview 2 days ago (fox to stirrup) and also found course in good shape.

[Bogie Shooter]

played jacaranda to allamanda (cane) yesterday and found fairways and greens in good shape. Did not find diseased spots on the 2 nines we played. Guess it's in the eye of the beholder.........

Also played Glenview 2 days ago (fox to stirrup) and also found course in good shape.

Reading the previous 330 posts........you are right, it is in the eye of the beholder. The posts also relate to the time of the year. When it is dry the courses are poorly managed, when it is wet the courses are in beautiful shape and well managed. Go figure.

[spk7951]

played jacaranda to allamanda (cane) yesterday and found fairways and greens in good shape. Did not find diseased spots on the 2 nines we played. Guess it's in the eye of the beholder.........

Also played Glenview 2 days ago (fox to stirrup) and also found course in good shape.


Played Allamanda/Hibiscus on Tuesday and Hibiscus is still not in good shape. Holes 2, 4, 6 & 9 are still cart path only and according to the pro shop they will be for quite some time yet. We were told those 4 holes have suffered the most and that aeration will be done again soon to try to recover the fairways on Hibiscus.

[schotzyb]

Played Allamanda/Hibiscus on Tuesday and Hibiscus is still not in good shape. Holes 2, 4, 6 & 9 are still cart path only and according to the pro shop they will be for quite some time yet. We were told those 4 holes have suffered the most and that aeration will be done again soon to try to recover the fairways on Hibiscus.

We were told the same about holes2,4,6,9 and 9. I stand by my original post on the poor conditions. Sure , the condition is in the eye of the beholder and to me after playing Havana twice this past week Cane Garden is no where near in the great shape that it is. I would think Cane got about the same amount of rain as Havana did during this period

[chuckster]

Was aware of the conditions (not good) on Hibiscus and chose to play Jacaranda and Allamanda where the greens and fairways were in good condition. Have also played Havana all 3 nines in the last week and agree with you having found them in good condition.

[spk7951]

Hoping someone can add some more info here but I read on the RadioReference web site that a 45' wide sink hole opened up on the Hibiscus course last night.

[skip0358]

Reports of a large sink hole by TV Fire Dept last nighton Hibiscus about 45 feet in diameter.

[Taj44]

We played Cane a week ago - Hibiscus to Jacaranda. I agree that Hibiscus fairways are not in great shape. They are a lot better than they were a couple of months ago, but still not in as good shape as many of the other courses in The Villages.

We played Glenview a couple of times this week and its in nice shape. I was disappointed in some of the sand traps though - small stones throughout. I've noticed the same problem with some of the traps at lopez. This is generally due to buying poor quality i.e. cheaper grade sand. I hope this does not become the norm for our golf courses.

[Taj44]

Played Palmer today - Riley to Cherry. I wouldn't recommend Cherry - apparently the fairways had been aerated some time ago, and they haven't healed yet. Many holes that catch your ball. I would avoid the course for while until things have healed.

[Russ_Boston]

Played Palmer today - Riley to Cherry. I wouldn't recommend Cherry - apparently the fairways had been aerated some time ago, and they haven't healed yet. Many holes that catch your ball. I would avoid the course for while until things have healed.

Was like that in early June too - thanks for the heads up, I'll be down in a few weeks.

[schotzyb]

Played Palmer today - Riley to Cherry. I wouldn't recommend Cherry - apparently the fairways had been aerated some time ago, and they haven't healed yet. Many holes that catch your ball. I would avoid the course for while until things have healed.

Hate to hear that. Have noon T time for there tomorrow.

[chuckster]

Cherry Hill fairways aerated this past mon/tues.

[Russ_Boston]

My bad, I thought we were talking about greens.

I don't really care when fairways are done. I don't think that affects the game that much. I would think your foursome would let you roll them in the fairway if they were rough (unless it's a tournament of course).

In any event, here is the greens aeration schedule for those that care:

http://golfthevillages.com/turftalk/2011%20Championship%20Greens%20Aerification%20Sche dule.pdf

[nitehawk]

Really don effect me - as i am not usually in the fairway

[Taj44]

Really don effect me - as i am not usually in the fairway

Lol!...it only affected me a couple of times when my ball got caught into one of the holes. One time I wanted to hit 3 wood but wasn't sure I could get enough of the ball. I believe the rules of golf allow a club to implement a local rule that the ball may be moved in the fairway when fairways are aerated. Don't know if The Villages goes by that local rule.

[chuckster]

Whether the villages does or not, my group does, kinda like unmarked ground under repair. :thumbup:

[Russ_Boston]

Whether the villages does or not, my group does, kinda like unmarked ground under repair. :thumbup:

Ditto!

[Bogie Shooter]

That makes sense, play to enjoy the game.

[jebartle]

Erin Glen and Ashley Meadows and they were excellent condition! Easy to see that Nancy Lopez has been given the best of care!:BigApplause:

[schotzyb]

We got in 9 holes at Palmer(Riley Grove) before the lightning came. Course in excellent condition. Greens nice and fast.

[BigEast]

I'm excited about my first trip to TV. I'll be arriving on 8/8 and will be down until 8/30. My goal is to play golf 10 times during my stay and meet as many people as possible. I'm trying out a set of left handed Adams A7os hybrids from the golf pro shop which I hope to purchase if all works out.
Being I'm alone any particular courses I should gravitate toward playing given conditions and my desire to meet people. How much in advance do I need to sign up to paired with others. I won't have my pass until I arrive so I don't think I can go into the system to get a Tee time. Also not being used to the summer Florida heat what is best time to play, early morning or late afternoon. What time do tine courses open and close?
I'm used to CT not Florida although last week it was 102 degrees in Hartford and 93 in TV. I was telling everyone that I was going to TV to cool down. Looking forward to meeting some of you.
Larry

[schotzyb]

I'm excited about my first trip to TV. I'll be arriving on 8/8 and will be down until 8/30. My goal is to play golf 10 times during my stay and meet as many people as possible. I'm trying out a set of left handed Adams A7os hybrids from the golf pro shop which I hope to purchase if all works out.
Being I'm alone any particular courses I should gravitate toward playing given conditions and my desire to meet people. How much in advance do I need to sign up to paired with others. I won't have my pass until I arrive so I don't think I can go into the system to get a Tee time. Also not being used to the summer Florida heat what is best time to play, early morning or late afternoon. What time do tine courses open and close?
I'm used to CT not Florida although last week it was 102 degrees in Hartford and 93 in TV. I was telling everyone that I was going to TV to cool down. Looking forward to meeting some of you.
Larry

Best courses to play as of now are Palmer, Nancy Lopez, Glenview and Havana in my opinion. I would stay away from Cane Garden Hibiscus course and Hacienda Hills.Haven't played Orange Blossom or Tierra Del Sol in a few weeks so I can't comment on them. As far as playing time, most like the early morning T times but I prefer the sfternoons . It may just be me but the early morning hours seem more humid than the afternoon hours.
Hope this helps and enjoy yourself.

[ljones190]

I'm excited about my first trip to TV. I'll be arriving on 8/8 and will be down until 8/30. My goal is to play golf 10 times during my stay and meet as many people as possible. I'm trying out a set of left handed Adams A7os hybrids from the golf pro shop which I hope to purchase if all works out.
Being I'm alone any particular courses I should gravitate toward playing given conditions and my desire to meet people. How much in advance do I need to sign up to paired with others. I won't have my pass until I arrive so I don't think I can go into the system to get a Tee time. Also not being used to the summer Florida heat what is best time to play, early morning or late afternoon. What time do tine courses open and close?
I'm used to CT not Florida although last week it was 102 degrees in Hartford and 93 in TV. I was telling everyone that I was going to TV to cool down. Looking forward to meeting some of you.
Larry

Larry,
I have found it easy to find time slots as a single golfer, the day before or two days before. I am also left handed and plan to try out the A7os hybrids, let me know how you like them, I will be down in September for 4 days, may try them out.

[BigEast]

ljones190,

I let you know my experience with the Adams hybrids.

Larry

[schotzyb]

Played Havana this afternoon. Course is in very good condition from T boxes to the greens

[nitehawk]

I'm excited about my first trip to TV. I'll be arriving on 8/8 and will be down until 8/30. My goal is to play golf 10 times during my stay and meet as many people as possible. I'm trying out a set of left handed Adams A7os hybrids from the golf pro shop which I hope to purchase if all works out.
Being I'm alone any particular courses I should gravitate toward playing given conditions and my desire to meet people. How much in advance do I need to sign up to paired with others. I won't have my pass until I arrive so I don't think I can go into the system to get a Tee time. Also not being used to the summer Florida heat what is best time to play, early morning or late afternoon. What time do tine courses open and close?
I'm used to CT not Florida although last week it was 102 degrees in Hartford and 93 in TV. I was telling everyone that I was going to TV to cool down. Looking forward to meeting some of you.
Larry

If you played the days it was 100+ you will love florida - play any course and meet many people that you will have something in common with

[spk7951]

Played Havana this afternoon. Course is in very good condition from T boxes to the greens

Fairways are being aerated today on Hemingway so that will need some time to recover. Too bad it was not scheduled for yesterday then it could have benefited from the 2" of rain last night.

[schotzyb]

Is there a schedule posted somewhere for the fairways to be aerated?. I found the one for the greens on golfthevillages.com but cannot find one for the fairways on different courses.

[hedoman]

Just got back from 10 days in paradise to do some things around the homestead. Played Glenview (Tally/Fox), Palmer Cherry/Riley?& Lopez (can't remember names). Called in the morning and got tee times early. Met some great guys and the courses were fabulous. The rains have really helped. We live on Glenview Stirrup and can tell you it is in fine shape. Played Men's day at Saddlebrook exec and it was fine too. All had pretty fast greens

I play Adam's A7's not OS but great clubs IF you have the right shaft

[spk7951]

Is there a schedule posted somewhere for the fairways to be aerated?. I found the one for the greens on golfthevillages.com but cannot find one for the fairways on different courses.

I have not found one. Paper today simply said that Hemingway was closed all day today and tomorrow Kilimanjaro will be closed all day. It does not say why but if it were for aeration then I really would like to know that.

[schotzyb]

I have not found one. Paper today simply said that Hemingway was closed all day today and tomorrow Kilimanjaro will be closed all day. It does not say why but if it were for aeration then I really would like to know that.


Thanks for the reply and I agree that it would be nice to know in advance when the fairways are gonna be aerated... Would not stop me from playing that course but something I would like to know .

[chuckster]

Try calling the course you want to schedule and ask about fairway aeration. Worked for me. :thumbup:

[schotzyb]

Played Hacienda Hills (Palms to Lake) today . Course conditions are improving but still not up to the conditions of Palmer, Lopez or Havana but very playable. Some really wet spots; not sure if from rain or a sprinkler malfunction.

[robertj1954]

I'm excited about my first trip to TV. I'll be arriving on 8/8 and will be down until 8/30. My goal is to play golf 10 times during my stay and meet as many people as possible. I'm trying out a set of left handed Adams A7os hybrids from the golf pro shop which I hope to purchase if all works out.
Being I'm alone any particular courses I should gravitate toward playing given conditions and my desire to meet people. How much in advance do I need to sign up to paired with others. I won't have my pass until I arrive so I don't think I can go into the system to get a Tee time. Also not being used to the summer Florida heat what is best time to play, early morning or late afternoon. What time do tine courses open and close?
I'm used to CT not Florida although last week it was 102 degrees in Hartford and 93 in TV. I was telling everyone that I was going to TV to cool down. Looking forward to meeting some of you.
Larry

Hi Larry,

I am always willing to play a game of golf. I would be happy to meet up with you for a game and you answer any questions you might have about TV. I am a new resident but we are learning quick and are very happy with our retirement choice. Send me a private message and we can schedule a day.

[schotzyb]

Played Lopez(Torri to Erin ) today. Fairways on both nines have recently been aerated but was not a big deal. The greens were in fantastic conditions and nice and fast. Very enjoyable round and course was almost deserted.

[Taj44]

Thanks Schotzyb, we're playing there Tuesday - I'll be looking forward to it! Also glad to hear Hacienda is improving. I've always liked the layout there, but the conditions had gotten so bad, I refused to play it for awhile. Hopefully they can get it back up to snuff.

[schotzyb]

Played Orange Blossom today and barely finished before the rain came. Greens are in very good condition. Fairways are just ok with lots of bare spots in the rough alongside the fairways. Really like that they are letting the rough ground around the greens. No putting if you are of to one side or the other of the green but you can if directly in front of the green.

[schotzyb]

Played Havana (Hemingway to Kenya) today. Course in absolutely perfect shape. Greens were extremely fast and true. Very enjoyable round.. Glenview up next(Monday)

[golf2140]

Played Havana (Hemingway to Kenya) today. Course in absolutely perfect shape. Greens were extremely fast and true. Very enjoyable round.. Glenview up next(Monday)

Just a question. Do you play golf every day? You must have a great wife who works to pay your green fees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :BigApplause:

[schotzyb]

Some of us are just lucky I guess. By the way, how was your round? LOL

[Taj44]

Played Havana yesterday and the course was in very nice shape. I think it was Kilimanjaro that had some remnants of fairway aerification, but no big deal. Greens were sweet, although my putting was not too great. My other comment about pretty much all the courses now, is that the rough has grown in, and is much more of a consideration than it is in the winter. Played Palmer the other day, and the rough really cost me a few shots. Keep it in the short grass!

[spk7951]

Played Palmer Thursday, Cherry Hill to Laurel Valley, and it is in great shape. Some minor remnants of fairway aeration left on Cherry Hill but nothing of an issue. Greens were fast and in great condition.

Mallory and Cane scheduled for this week, so we shall see how they are.

[schotzyb]

Played Glenview yesterday and found course to be in very good condition from T boxes to the greens. Greens were very smooth and fast.Enjoyable round.

[Taj44]

I played there a couple of weeks ago and it was very nice. I wonder if all the rain we've had in the last day or so, has made the course very wet. Seems like the drainage at Glenview can be problematic at times.

[spk7951]

With the rain the last couple of days the only play I could get in, so far this week, was nine on Caroline Monday. Fairways and greens are in great condition. Aeration and rain is helping in a big way.

[schotzyb]

We got 15 holes in at Mallory before the skies opened up and the downpour came. Coures in good shape from T boxes to greens but did think the greens were a little slow for my liking but very playable.

[schotzyb]

Played Palmer (Laurel to Cherry) today and the course is in absolute fabulous condition at least till tomorrow when they aerate the greens. Really though, the greens were smooth and fast and ball rolled true. The rough is growing and the ball will sink almost out of sight in it. Tough to get it out of the high stuff . Interupted a few minutes by rain but then great afterwards

[schotzyb]

Played Lopez Friday and was really disappointed in the condition of the greens . They were aerated back on 8/5/11 and have not healed completely yet. Very bumpy and impossible to keep a putt on line. Just thought 14 days would be ample time for the greens to heal from being aerated.
Played Mallory today and these greens were in excellent condition. Very fast and true. Only downside to todays round was that it was cart path only for the majority of our round. They did lift that restriction on our last 4 holes.

[Larry Wilson]

Read in the paper that Bogart, Bacall, and Havana have been closed until Tuesday due to the heavy rains last Friday night.

[villages07]

I heard that too and was surprised that Bacall was closed. I played it yesterday about 11 and it wasn't in bad shape for having absorbed 5 inches of rain. One new water hazard in the 9th fairway.

Bogart I could understand...the bridge on the #8 hole can go underwater on a heavy rain.

All of the bunkers took a nasty hit and will need to be re-groomed.

But, all in all, the courses drain pretty well. Let's hope Irene doesn't test us too much at the end of the week.

[memason]

Played Southern Star yesterday afternoon... #1 was closed, due to the water. Same for Yankee Clipper #1... the pond between the holes is way out over its banks, over the cart path and into the adjacent fairways...

Couple other holes on Southern had new water features...

[spk7951]

Havana has been getting a heavy dose of water yesterday and today as they are working to lower the pond levels. Friday night the bridge on hole #1 of Killimanjaro was under water. It has now subsided to about 2' below the bridge. With the course closed until Tuesday I am curious as to what I will find when I play Killimanjaro on Tuesday.

Picture below was taken this am and is the #4 tee box on Turtle Mound.
http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/spk7951/DSC01244.jpg

[ajbrown]

Thanks for sharing that! Makes me wonder if I should have gone for a 6 inch lift kit for my cart instead of 3 inch :D

[schotzyb]

Played Glenview yesterday afternoon. Course in very good condition even with the heavy rain we recently had. There were still some wet areas you needed to avoid.Lately have noticed more gravel in the sand traps than before and this was especially true at Glenview.

[RichieLion]

Played Truman today and the bunkers are all washed out. We were told not to play them, just to lift our ball out without penalty. The course's bunkers are going to need a lot of labor and money, I imagine, to get back in shape. One of the larger bunkers in partially under water because of the flooded pond. Still had fun, though.

[Taj44]

Played Glenview yesterday afternoon. Course in very good condition even with the heavy rain we recently had. There were still some wet areas you needed to avoid.Lately have noticed more gravel in the sand traps than before and this was especially true at Glenview.

I've noticed the gravel in the traps as well, mostly at Lopez, but I do remember a couple of holes at Glenview. Either they got some bad loads of sand, or they are going the cheap route and ordering cheaper types of sand.

[Taj44]

spk7951 - cool picture - thanks for sharing!

[schotzyb]

Played Cane Garden today for the first time in a long while. Word of mouth is that Habiscus was still not up to par, we avoided it and played Jacaranda to Alamanda. Both of these nines were in good shape, maybe not up to Palmer's conditions but very playable. Greens were at a good speed and very few bad spots and most of these were on the edges of the green. It's good to have Cane back in playable shape because I always liked it.

[LittleDog]

Played Cane Garden today for the first time in a long while. Word of mouth is that Habiscus was still not up to par, we avoided it and played Jacaranda to Alamanda. Both of these nines were in good shape, maybe not up to Palmer's conditions but very playable. Greens were at a good speed and very few bad spots and most of these were on the edges of the green. It's good to have Cane back in playable shape because I always liked it.
Played Hibiscus on Friday and conditions were excellent and no restrictions. It was better than Jacaranda.

John

[Russ_Boston]

Played Hibiscus on Friday and conditions were excellent and no restrictions. It was better than Jacaranda.

John

That's good to hear. I'd like to play Cane a couple of times while I'm here this week.

[Midge538]

Unlike this past winter & spring Miona Lake G Chas been excellent for the past month. The fairways and greens (they hold) are very good. It is tree lined and so the shade helps on hot days. It has also been 'very' quiet there ... we play in three hours. The price is $15.00 and it is ten minutes from my home in The Villages (Belvedere). It is worth a visit if you would enjoy a change. (Nine holes = $9.00)

[schotzyb]

Played Hibiscus on Friday and conditions were excellent and no restrictions. It was better than Jacaranda.

John


That is good to hear. I will put it back on my list. That 9 is really tough starting with #2

[rubicon]

Played Palmers this AM fom laurel Valley to Riley Grove. course in good shape, greens really nice...managed to finish the 18th and get my partner back to his cart at the club house when the sky opened up. Playing Havana on Thursday

[golf2140]

Played Cane yesterday. I would rate Cane as the number 9 course of The Villages. Not sure why they can't get the grass to fill in like the other eight courses. :spoken:

[schotzyb]

Played Orange Blossom today and I hate to say that it has deterioated some since we last played it. Certain greens had diseased spots on them and they were quiet bumpy. Hard to get a true roll. Still playable but not in as good of condition it was a month or so ago.

[Taj44]

Oh shoot, we're playing there today. We're running out of decent courses to play now, with the aeration going on.

[spk7951]

Not what I wanted to hear about OBH either since I will be playing there Friday, but thanks for the heads up.

Did play all three at Cane last week and for the most part I thought the course was in good condition with one exception. Progress is being made with the repair to the fairways on Hibiscus but there is still some more growing in to return them to where they were. They are much better than earlier this summer.


As a point of interest for those that may not have seen it yet the Fall/Winter 2011/2012 rates have been published. Best I can tell there are a couple of $1 increases and the winter rate for Bonifay starts at $49.
http://golfthevillages.com/images/winterRates2011.pdf

[schotzyb]

Played Palmer(Laurel Valley to Riley Grove) today and as usual, the course was in great shape. The greens were extremely fast but the pin setter must have had a really bad night Friday night because he was very sadistic with his pin placements today. Some were to the point of being unfair. Many 3 putts .

[Taj44]

schotzyb, sorry to hear about your 3 putting! I'm just coming out of a putting slump -- really drags the score down. We played OB yesterday, and although the greens are not perfect, I found them quite acceptable. The fairways are nice and lush, but watch out for the rough - very thick in places, and you can lose your ball easily.

[schotzyb]

Well, we got in 9 holes at Lopez before the lightning ran us off. Course in great shape. No 3 puts on the nine holes we squeezed in . Greens really smooth and pretty fast.

[waynet]

Are all the fairways and greens done with the airations on all the courses ?.Coming Oct. 4th and hope the courses are ready.

[chuckster]

If it helps, check www.golfthevillages.com where a schedule of maintenance is listed for championship and executive courses. You will have to cut and paste as totv doesn't allow access.

[schotzyb]

Played Havana this afternoon. Course in great shape from T boxes to greens. Greens slick and true. Very enjoyable.

[schotzyb]

Played Hacienda Hills (Oaks to Palms) today and it is really a shame the condition this course is in. On the Oaks just about all the greens have diseased spots and large areas that have been cut out and patched . The Palms greens are somewhat better but not near the quality of most of the other courses. This course never improved from earlier when it was not overseeded. It will not be on my list as playable until I hear that drastic improvements have been made in the conditions

[golf2140]

Played Hacienda Hills (Oaks to Palms) today and it is really a shame the condition this course is in. On the Oaks just about all the greens have diseased spots and large areas that have been cut out and patched . The Palms greens are somewhat better but not near the quality of most of the other courses. This course never improved from earlier when it was not overseeded. It will not be on my list as playable until I hear that drastic improvements have been made in the conditions

I totally agree

[spk7951]

Played Hacienda Hills (Oaks to Palms) today and it is really a shame the condition this course is in. On the Oaks just about all the greens have diseased spots and large areas that have been cut out and patched . The Palms greens are somewhat better but not near the quality of most of the other courses. This course never improved from earlier when it was not overseeded. It will not be on my list as playable until I hear that drastic improvements have been made in the conditions


My Friday group also played HH yesterday (Palms to Lakes) and I have to agree with what you have said. The number of diseased spots on the greens and the size of some of them really was a surprise to the four of us. #1 green on Lakes must have had 30 or so sod patches that made any serious attempt at putts out of the question. Has to be the worst shape I have ever seen any greens. Fairways I thought were in decent shape but those three courses will not be on our list for some time.

[schotzyb]

Played Glenview(Fox Run to Stirup Cup) this afternoon and found these two nines in good payable conditions. There were some greens that were not great such as #3 on Fox Run. This entire green has ben replaced at least once but it continues to be worse than the others. Several diseased spots on it that had been "sanded". Also the stones are getting bigger in the sand traps. Good way to damage a club.

[schotzyb]

Played Palmer today and as usual, it was in great shape trom T boxes to the greens. Greens were extremely fast again and I struggled to find the correct speed. Love fast greens but that doesn't mean I put well on them. Fun day!!

[schotzyb]

Played Mallory Hill theis afternoon and found course in very good condition although greens were very dry and fast. Fairways were also dry.Need a good rain which started while on my way home. Not sure how much there was at Mallory though.

[Indy-Guy]

Fist of all it is raining as I type and we need a good rain.

I just looked at the 2011 Overseed Schedule on golfthevillages.com and see that they will start on the Championship Courses on October 3rd and be done by November 5th on the Championship courses. Executive Courses will start overseeding on October 3rd and finish on November 11th. This if I remember correctly is much earlier than last year. Last year they were late waiting on some rain as it was a very dry Fall and as soon as they overseeded then the frost hit early and we were in trouble for months to follow.

Does anyone remember when they overseeded last year?

I hope that their early overseed makes a large difference in what we had last year.

[spk7951]

Fist of all it is raining as I type and we need a good rain.

I just looked at the 2011 Overseed Schedule on golfthevillages.com and see that they will start on the Championship Courses on October 3rd and be done by November 5th on the Championship courses. Executive Courses will start overseeding on October 3rd and finish on November 11th. This if I remember correctly is much earlier than last year. Last year they were late waiting on some rain as it was a very dry Fall and as soon as they overseeded then the frost hit early and we were in trouble for months to follow.

Does anyone remember when they overseeded last year?

I hope that their early overseed makes a large difference in what we had last year.


I believe the overseed in 2010 was done October thru early November also.

[schotzyb]

Played Glenview yesterday and found course to be in very good condition with the exception of #3 green on the Fox Run nine. Entire center of the green is nothing but sand, no grass. This has been a troublesome green for Glenview as long as I can remember. Entire green was replaced about a year ago. Other than that and a few wet spots it was great.

[schotzyb]

Played Orange Blossom yesterday. Course is still in very good condition but was pretty dry. Sprinklers were running to help . Greens were kinda slow to be so dry but in good condition

[Taj44]

Thanks for the update schotzyb. We played Cane yesterday, Allamanda to Hibiscus. Course was in pretty good shape, both greens and fairways, although the fairways seem to be drying out a little. Downhill putts were pretty fast. A few areas off the fairways where there isn't grass, but overall pretty decent shape.

[schotzyb]

Thanks for the update schotzyb. We played Cane yesterday, Allamanda to Hibiscus. Course was in pretty good shape, both greens and fairways, although the fairways seem to be drying out a little. Downhill putts were pretty fast. A few areas off the fairways where there isn't grass, but overall pretty decent shape.



That's good news about Cane Garden . Really like that course but the conditions have been so bad for the past year that we refused to play it. Time to give it another try.

[LittleDog]

Played Hacienda yesterday, Palms to Lakes, and I had heard here that the conditions were not very good but I found for the most part that the conditions were fine. A few of the greens had spots where they planted grass but for the most part they were OK. The rough needed some cutting as the balls would tend to sink in the grass. We were playing a scramble and when you tried to place your ball in the rough it would settle down. I guess the answer to that is keep it in the short grass :)

John

[Taj44]

Played Hacienda yesterday, Palms to Lakes, and I had heard here that the conditions were not very good but I found for the most part that the conditions were fine. A few of the greens had spots where they planted grass but for the most part they were OK. The rough needed some cutting as the balls would tend to sink in the grass. We were playing a scramble and when you tried to place your ball in the rough it would settle down. I guess the answer to that is keep it in the short grass :)

John

Thanks jrheydt - My spouse played that rotation a week or so ago, and had the same comments. I've been avoiding the course like the plague, based on previous play there this summer. Maybe its time to give it a try. It looks like they will be overseeding the course this year which is nice. On another note, I truly hope Lopez gets enough water for overseeding.

[cabo35]

We've been away since July. Been trying to keep up with the course conditions on TOTV. Thanks for the input. We will be coming home next week. Anyone who can add to the overview of the courses would be appreciated. We play mostly championship courses but are interested in some of the executives as well. Heard Bonifay is almost ready. Any sneak previews?

[schotzyb]

We've been away since July. Been trying to keep up with the course conditions on TOTV. Thanks for the input. We will be coming home next week. Anyone who can add to the overview of the courses would be appreciated. We play mostly championship courses but are interested in some of the executives as well. Heard Bonifay is almost ready. Any sneak previews?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabo,
It is that time of year again. Overseeding time.Most all the courses have been in excellent condition the past few months. Hacienda Hills and Cane Garden are not quiet as good as some but they also are showing signs of improvement. Mallory and Havana both were excellent the last time I played them but that was before the overseeding started. Just check www.golfthevillages.com for the overseeding schedule and avoid those and you should be fine
__________________

[Taj44]

I played Cane earlier this week, and Hibibscus fairways have gone downhill - they seemed kind of patchy from lack of rain I supposed. Greens were okay though. One of the sand traps I got into was full of stones. First Lopez, then Glenview, now Cane. Where are they getting this awful sand?

[cabo35]

Thanks for the updates. Looking forward to getting back. How's Palmer?

[schotzyb]

I played Cane earlier this week, and Hibibscus fairways have gone downhill - they seemed kind of patchy from lack of rain I supposed. Greens were okay though. One of the sand traps I got into was full of stones. First Lopez, then Glenview, now Cane. Where are they getting this awful sand?

I wouldn't go as far as to classify it as "sand" on some of these courses. It has more the appearance and feel of dirt rather than sand. You are correct in the courses you mentioned about the stones. These traps need completely overhauled with new sand. Never happen due to the expense but it doesn't hurt to wish.

[schotzyb]

Played Glenview yesterday and was pleasantly surprised how well the fairways have taken the overseed process. They were not mowed and quiet"hairy" but really soft and green. The greens are another story. As expected they were extremely"bumpy" and slow due to the overseed.. Should be in great shape in another week or so.

[waynet]

plated Mallory tuesday,greens are really slow. Glenview today and again greens hairy and slow. I just do not understand why the greens cannot carry more speed.

[schotzyb]

I may be wrong but I think it due to the overseeding . They let them grow a little long initially after overseeding to insure it "takes" Once the new grass has taken over they will be cut shorter and should be faster.

[aljetmet]

What kind of grass are the greens in TV?

In Memphis the good courses use Chmapionship Bermuda.
Just played a course that changed to them this year and they were very smooth and very fast.

Do they put down any sand when overseeding? I wonder how you can play on greens that are over seeded? Won't the golfers stomp those poor baby seedlings?

[schotzyb]

What kind of grass are the greens in TV?

In Memphis the good courses use Chmapionship Bermuda.
Just played a course that changed to them this year and they were very smooth and very fast.

Do they put down any sand when overseeding? I wonder how you can play on greens that are over seeded? Won't the golfers stomp those poor baby seedlings?

During the initial period of overseeding the course is shut down for several days and then for several more days you are restricted to the cart paths and the rough in your cart. Watering is heavy during this process which als slows the course down.

[Mikeod]

plated Mallory tuesday,greens are really slow. Glenview today and again greens hairy and slow. I just do not understand why the greens cannot carry more speed.
Initially, they have to mow the greens higher until the overseed has really taken hold. Remember they mow the greens in the morning when they are still damp with dew. If they tried to mow at the normal height, they would pull the overseed out. Wait a week or two and they will be better.

Played Hemingway and Kilimanjaro today. Greens at normal speed. Kilimanjaro was rough only.

[spk7951]

Played Hacienda Wednesday, Lakes to Oaks, and it is in better shape than I found it during the summer. Lakes fairways were still restricted but the over seed seemed to be working well. Oaks had no restrictions and fairways were recently cut after the over seed. Greens were so, so. Some of the Lakes greens had been watered and possibly too much. On hole #4 I thought I had an eagle when we noticed the ball disappear but soon found that almost all of the ball was plugged on the green.

[Taj44]

I played Lopez today - nice shape. I heard that they requested an addition to their water allocation from the Water District, which was approved, so they will be going ahead with fairway overseeding. Good news!

[hedoman]

Played Glenview yesterday and was pleasantly surprised how well the fairways have taken the overseed process. They were not mowed and quiet"hairy" but really soft and green. The greens are another story. As expected they were extremely"bumpy" and slow due to the overseed.. Should be in great shape in another week or so.

Living on Glenview I have seen them mow twice this week since the overseed took. GV is in great shape. Tierra Del Sol yesterday not as good but playable. Don't think the county gives the older courses allowance for enough water. With the rainy months past most courses are in fair shape. Lopez and Palmer are always in tip top shape.

[schotzyb]

Played Tierra Del Sol this morning. Rough only for all 18 holes. Overseed seems to be taking well. Greens were quiet slow but not real bumpy. Tough windy day.

[gemorc]

Don't you think that after 10 months and 44 pages, this thread could be closed. I would be very happy to start a new one.

[zcaveman]

I agree. It is pretty long.

[schotzyb]

Played Mallory Hill yesterday and found the course in very good condition. Greens were fast but not overly so. If you plan on playing 18 holes you need to start no later than 1PM or it is likely that you will not finish. Course was packed and extremely slow. Time for the Ambassadors to step up and start moving the slow groups along.

[Taj44]

Played Mallory Hill yesterday and found the course in very good condition. Greens were fast but not overly so. If you plan on playing 18 holes you need to start no later than 1PM or it is likely that you will not finish. Course was packed and extremely slow. Time for the Ambassadors to step up and start moving the slow groups along.

Good point schotzyb. Is it me, or does anyone else notice that some courses seem to do a better job of speeding up play? Generally I've found Lopez does a really good job, as well as OB and Tierra. I've noticed that Mallory and Cane tend to really be slow at certain times of the year.

[cabo35]

Played Palmer Riley Grove to Cherry Hill yesterday. Course was in excellant condition.

[hedoman]

Hacienda Hills Palms to Lakes Pretty good conditions except for a few spots on some greens. Lot's of unrepaired ball marks on the greens EVERYWHERE ON EVERY COURSE

COME ON TV GOLFERS STEP UP AND REPAIR BALL MARKS, YOURS AND 2 OTHERS YOU FIND

[cabo35]

I agree with hedoman about Hacienda. Played Lakes/Oaks today. Best I've seen the course in a couple of years. Some greens spotty. Going to try Havana tomorrow.

[schotzyb]

Played Cane Garden yesterday for the first time in several months. Had avoided it due to the poor condition it was in. Conditions have drastically improved since my last time there. Hibiscus was rough only but all in all both nines were in as good of condition as any of the other Villages courses. Greens were extremely fast , at least they were for me and very smooth. Thanks to all involved for the great improvements in the conditions on this beautiful course.

[Taj44]

Played Cane Garden yesterday for the first time in several months. Had avoided it due to the poor condition it was in. Conditions have drastically improved since my last time there. Hibiscus was rough only but all in all both nines were in as good of condition as any of the other Villages courses. Greens were extremely fast , at least they were for me and very smooth. Thanks to all involved for the great improvements in the conditions on this beautiful course.

Good to hear - we're playing there Sunday.

[ajbrown]

Played Havana - Hemingway to Kilimanjaro this AM and was very happy with the conditions. Greens running true and a decent speed.

[waynet]

played Cane yesterday and today...course the best I've seen it. Greens fast and true. New greenskeeper is a keeper,hope he can continue the good work.

[schotzyb]

played Cane yesterday and today...course the best I've seen it. Greens fast and true. New greenskeeper is a keeper,hope he can continue the good work.

Agree 100%. As I posted earlier, we also played there yesterday. Great shape

[ukgolfer]

Hi , can anybody update me on course conditions at Mallory, Cane and Havana....I am over next week (for a week) and am looking to play everyday, 6 rounds......Palmer, Lopez and Mission Inn are on the list.....its just the other 3 , I believe that Tierra has greatly improved since I was over at easter so that could be a choice....

Thanks :gc:

[ajbrown]

Hi , can anybody update me on course conditions at Mallory, Cane and Havana....I am over next week (for a week) and am looking to play everyday, 6 rounds......Palmer, Lopez and Mission Inn are on the list.....its just the other 3 , I believe that Tierra has greatly improved since I was over at easter so that could be a choice....

Thanks :gc:

played Cane yesterday and today...course the best I've seen it. Greens fast and true. New greenskeeper is a keeper,hope he can continue the good work.

Played Havana- Hemingway to Kilimanjaro this AM and was very happy with the conditions. Greens running true and a decent speed.

<smart*ss comment>
The above posts are not current enough? :a20:</smart*ss comment>

Please do not take offense, I mean no harm. In addition to my smart alecky remark, I played Tierra yesterday. IMO, still one of the toughest layouts in TV. The conditions are good, the greens not quite as good as Havana was on Saturday, but still very good.
Also, check on Lopez. I know they were going to over seed late, but I forget the dates. It may be next week...

Enjoy all the choices. IMO most courses are in pretty good shape right now.

[spk7951]

Hi , can anybody update me on course conditions at Mallory, Cane and Havana....I am over next week (for a week) and am looking to play everyday, 6 rounds......Palmer, Lopez and Mission Inn are on the list.....its just the other 3 , I believe that Tierra has greatly improved since I was over at easter so that could be a choice....

Thanks :gc:


Lopez is closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday for over seed (18th, 19th & 20th) and will probably have cart restrictions for at least seven days after they re-open on the 21st.

[schotzyb]

Played Orange Blossom today and have to say that The Villages oldest course is in great shape. Today was the first day golf carts were allowed back on the fairways and they were still a little spotty but coming along fine. Greens were in fantastic shape, maybe a tad slow but not bad. Really nice!

[Taj44]

I played OB today. The fairways were beautiful, but I have to say the greens were horrible. They obviously hadn't been mowed, and were a cross between fur and shag carpet. I imagine they are keeping them long until the overseed takes hold, but in any event, I wouldn't recommend playing this course until they start cutting the greens.

[schotzyb]

Played Mallory Hill today and found course in absolute terrific condition. Early in the morning greens were a tad slow but as the wind picked up and they dried out, they became a real challenge as the speed picked up. Everything from T boxes to greens in great shape.

[hedoman]

Played Mallory Hill today and found course in absolute terrific condition. Early in the morning greens were a tad slow but as the wind picked up and they dried out, they became a real challenge as the speed picked up. Everything from T boxes to greens in great shape.

What he said........ditto

[schotzyb]

Played Orange Blossom today. Fairways in great shape. Greens are very nice; a tad slow but eat up with ball marks left unrepaired. I fixed as many as 6 on some greens. It only takes a few seconds to fix one and if we are to continue to enjoy the great conditions on these courses, then everyone needs to do their part and fix their ball marks.

[Mikeod]

Played Orange Blossom today. Fairways in great shape. Greens are very nice; a tad slow but eat up with ball marks left unrepaired. I fixed as many as 6 on some greens. It only takes a few seconds to fix one and if we are to continue to enjoy the great conditions on these courses, then everyone needs to do their part and fix their ball marks.

Amen. (Rant on) And why do you suppose they have rakes in the sand traps? Please use them to SMOOTH the sand (including the hole you just dug to hopefully extricate your golf ball), not just drag the rake across it as you walk out!!! (Rant off)

[golf2140]

Played Orange Blossom today. Fairways in great shape. Greens are very nice; a tad slow but eat up with ball marks left unrepaired. I fixed as many as 6 on some greens. It only takes a few seconds to fix one and if we are to continue to enjoy the great conditions on these courses, then everyone needs to do their part and fix their ball marks.

Can anyone tell me why these ball marks start this time of year??????? :crap2:

[schotzyb]

Can anyone tell me why these ball marks start this time of year??????? :crap2:


I'll give you two guesses and the first one doesn't count.

[Mallory]

Played Hacienda yesterday (11/21/11). I don't think the fairways have ever been better. Greens were in fine shape also.

[Taj44]

Thanks Mallory - good to hear. Hacienda has always been one of my favorites.

[hedoman]

I'll give you two guesses and the first one doesn't count.

Didn't think "those folks" could hit a green and make a mark. :a20:

[Taj44]

I played an executive course yesterday (Belmont - good shape). I think I must have repaired on average 3-4 ball marks per green, for 9 holes. I'd like it if the ambassadors really emphasized the need to repair ball marks to each group before they tee off. Maybe that would help.

[Mikeod]

I played an executive course yesterday (Belmont - good shape). I think I must have repaired on average 3-4 ball marks per green, for 9 holes. I'd like it if the ambassadors really emphasized the need to repair ball marks to each group before they tee off. Maybe that would help.

Taj - One of the problems I have noticed is that some people actually repair their ball mark, but do it by lifting up the damaged turf like they do "up north". But that will result in a dead spot on the greens since the grass lifted in that manner will die. I have mentioned this to several players and almost always get the response that they "know" how to repair a ball mark and don't need to be told how by me. And then there are the ones that think slamming a putter on the depression somehow repairs the dent. :rant-rave:

[Taj44]

How true, unfortunately. Lifting the grass up doesn't do anything, you need to kind of push it in towards the center of the ball mark, then tamp it down. It just takes a couple of seconds.

[graciegirl]

My ability to bend over without groaning disappeared about the time I lost the abilty to hit a really decent lofted short iron in order to make a good ball mark. :)

But I am a responsible golfer and an ex girl scout. I repair my damage.

[hedoman]

Glenview Tally to Stirrup Yesterday

BEST conditions I have seen in any course far and wide north or south. Fairways like carpets! Greens hardly had a mark on them and the speed was good

[schotzyb]

Glenview Tally to Stirrup Yesterday

BEST conditions I have seen in any course far and wide north or south. Fairways like carpets! Greens hardly had a mark on them and the speed was good


Thanks for the report. Playing there Friday morning.

[waynet]

Lopez yesterday....wet and slow...give it a week

[ajbrown]

Glenview Tally to Stirrup Yesterday

BEST conditions I have seen in any course far and wide north or south. Fairways like carpets! Greens hardly had a mark on them and the speed was good

Nice..... we are at GV on Sunday AM.

When you say north or south, you mean inside The Villages, right <just kidding>? I ask because that is quite a statement :beer3:

[schotzyb]

Glenview Tally to Stirrup Yesterday

BEST conditions I have seen in any course far and wide north or south. Fairways like carpets! Greens hardly had a mark on them and the speed was good


I concur! Course in terrific shape. From T's , fairways and greens, all very ,very nice. Nice speed on the greens.

[spk7951]

Played Mallory yesterday, Virginia to Amelia, and the course is in great shape. I was especially pleased with the fairways as the over seed has produced nice thick fairways. While there seemed to be quite a few folks playing yesterday our time was 4hrs 15min. Certainly hope they are able to maintain these conditions throughout winter.

[hedoman]

Lopez yesterday was in great shape

[Mikeod]

Played Bonifay yesterday. Really like the course. Elevation changes reminded us of Amelia. It was unusual for Villages courses in that the two nines are not separated so there were parallel holes with one from one nine parallel to one from the other nine. Fairways in nice shape. Greens were inconsistent, though. Some had an obvious sandy base, while others did not. Some were pretty fast while others were really slow. Some were receptive to shots and some had shots bouncing off them (usually the sandy ones). Not unusual for a new course, though.

The disappointing thing was the amount of un-repaired ball marks on the greens. The course has been opened to residents only a couple of days and there were ball marks all over the place. We were the second group off, so we were not looking at recent ball marks, but those of Monday and Tuesday. I estimate I repaired 5-6 marks besides my own on almost every green on our first nine. Yikes, folks, take care of your courses!

[Taj44]

Thanks for the update on Bonifay. sorry to hear about the ball marks though.

We played Mallory this morning (brrrr!). Caroline to Virginia - the course was in very nice shape. Greens were a decent speed and quite consistent. I too found some un-repaired ball marks on the greens, and some traps that hadn't been raked properly. I think some people are just lazy or clueless when it comes to their responsibilities on a golf course.

[ajbrown]

Played Hacienda Palms to Lakes today. What a transformation from last winter where it was never on my request list. Was it perfect? No, but it was very playable, greens had a nice pace and I look forward to playing it again.

[schotzyb]

Our group got to play Bonifay today. What a treat! Very nice layout and very unusual to still see the rough as green as the fairways and greens this time of year. These are some big greens with lots of undulations but very smooth and good speed. Really liked the setup on Destin with the 3 pars of each category. Nice twist. Also found the food to be very good at lunch with ample help. Served fast and and very friendly.

[waynet]

played Hacienda today....really good with nice fast greens. I reccommend it highly. As for Bonifay I played it Tuesday and wasn't overly impressed with the layout. It just seems big and spread out all over the place. A 747 could land on most fairways and there seems to be no framing on the holes. To me it's just a so-so golf course with big greens.

[LittleDog]

Played Bonifay today and don't think the course was very hard. For a new course the conditions were acceptable. The most notable thing about the course is the size of the greens and the undulations. Depending on the pin placement putting could be very difficult. Also they have only the 3 tier green in the villages as far as I know.

The greens I thought were the most interesting thing about the course.

John

[cabo35]

Played Tierra del sol. Most of the course was in good condition. It would have been better if I spent more time on the fairways instead of the rough. Looking forward to Bonifay tomorrow. Thanks for the previews.

[waynet]

played Bonifay today.....pins were ridiculus..even had to move one..wind was a big factor.

[Russ_Boston]

played Bonifay today.....pins were ridiculus..even had to move one..wind was a big factor.

How, might I ask, did you make a new hole?? Never heard of anyone doing that.

[cabo35]

My wife and I played Bonifay and found it to be interesting and very playable. Some of the greens were not yet fully matured. The fairways were very good and forgiving for a high handicapper. Aesthetically pleasing vistas provided a pleasant backdrop for the round. Big greens abound as previously stated. Three puts very possible. Destin had 3 par 3's, 3 par 5's and 3 par 4's. Interesting concept. Play was a little slow. I guess a purist and single digit handicapper can find fault but as average senior golfers we thought the course was excellent and plan to play it a lot.

[schotzyb]

Played Tierra Del Sol yesterday. Greens were in great shape and very good speed on them. Fairways were ok but not up to the condition of some of the others but very playable.

[waynet]

Russ,the hole on the third green was on a severe upslope so when you putted up to the hole the ball came back to you over and over again so 3,4,5,putting was easy. An embassador came by and wanted to know why play was slower than usual and we all pointed to the pin on the 3rd hole. A few holes later we saw the greenskeeper go out and make a new hole. There were others out there that were plain stupid also.

[schotzyb]

Played Hacienda Hills (Lakes to Oaks) today and yes there has been a great improvement in the course's conditions fro the way it was last winter and a few months later. I still do not think it is up to the standards of some of the other courses like Mallory, Glenview , Palmer,Havana and Lopez but as others have noted it is very playable.

[ajbrown]

Friday 12/9 we played Cane Garden (Hib to Jac). It was ....OK. I do not want this to come across as too negative, but my feeling was the overseed did not quite take as well as some of the others, especially on Hibiscus. It is on my rotation for sure, but would not be at the top if I was having company and we could only play a couple of times.

Sunday 12/11 we played Glenview (Fox to Stir). overseed on fairways and tees still great. They are stuggling with some of the greens at the moment, but proactively working on it. Yesterday some had been slit and sanded. I forget which as we enjoyed the 19th hole as much as any that day :laugh:. Still a good take and worth playing for sure.

[ajbrown]

Played the 18 Mr. Palmer designed yesterday 12/17 (Cherry to Laurel). The course is in great shape again this year. Is it worth the extra $8 - $10 as compared to its peers? Up to you but IMO the answer is yes.

We had a special treat. I got there early to hit balls and who was on the range? Nancy Lopez… she was just watching her friend hit, but made me feel like I was somewhere even more special having her there. I did not bother her, but did hear from the pro shop she was just there playing golf like the rest of us.

Well... I suspect "not like the rest of us", but I knew what she meant.

[schotzyb]

Our group of 16 golfers played Havana Friday. Course is in absolute perfect condition from T boxes to greens. Green speed was nice and fast and very smooth.

[ajbrown]

Our group of 16 golfers played Havana Friday. Course is in absolute perfect condition from T boxes to greens. Green speed was nice and fast and very smooth.

:agree:

Played Hemingway to Kilimanjaro yesterday (12/18) and it was in great shape.

[cabo35]

Heading back to The Villages from the Northeast. Been gone for over two weeks. Hope to be back in action on Monday. Any suggestions on the best course conditions now that winter is setting in?

[schotzyb]

Cabo,
We played Havana and Nancy Lopez last week and both were excellent. Played Mallory Monday and it was also in great condition but the greens were very slow. Playing Glenview tomorrow.

[hedoman]

Heading back to The Villages from the Northeast. Been gone for over two weeks. Hope to be back in action on Monday. Any suggestions on the best course conditions now that winter is setting in?

We have had wonderfull weather for grass. Glenview, Lopez, Caine and Bonifay were all tip top shape over the past week.....We have not had a frost YET but getting close

[ajbrown]

Played Orange Blossum (ole girl) this AM.Really in great shape. The greens really had a nice look to them; smooth and decent speed. It was a bit wet; I understand they had some heavy rain this AM.

[gongoozler]

Played Lopez twice this weekend and the Canada Goose "poop" was unreal . . . it tooks an hour after playing to wash down the shoes, clubs and golf cart . . . time to get a few Shetland Sheepdogs out there on Ashley Meadows (1,2,3 holes were beyond bad) but this is an unacceptable condition and if these geese are allowed to stay out there then things will only get worse . . . plus what are they doing to our holding ponds!

[waynet]

kill them all. They are not endangered and multiply at a quick rate.

[spk7951]

Played Bonifay Monday for the first time and really do like the layout of the courses there. Greens are especially challenging and the courses are in good shape.
But having said all that I do not expect to play there again until summer. Play time was too long. Five hours for 18 and barely finished before sunset. I suspect a couple of the groups behind us did not finish. Two and sometimes three groups per hole waiting to tee off on the back nine.

[schotzyb]

Our Friday group played Cane Garden this past friday and all were pleasantly surprised at the very good condition the course was in. Even the Hibiscus 9 that was so bad for so long was very playable. Glad to see this course in good shape. One of the toughest for me but also a favorite of mine.

[schotzyb]

Played Havana today and was a very enjoyable round with very little wait between shots. The foursome in front of us was four ladies and they really stayed on the tails of a group of four men in front of them. Course in very good shape. Greens nice and fast but some pin placements were redicolous.

[schotzyb]

Our group of 16 played Mallory Hill this past Friday Morning. Course in absolute pristine condition; too bad the weather wasn't. Nothing to do with the condition of the course but the hostess refused to seat us until all 16 were standing there. Never had that problem in the summer. No big deal, we went to Sonny's and and had a very good meal.

[nitehawk]

love that rule :spoken:

[waynet]

played Mallory today......tremendous

[schotzyb]

Played Cane Garden today. Jacaranda to Alamanda. Good shape but not as good as Mallory or Havana. Fairways spotty . Greens were nice and fast but tons of unattended ball marks.

[Challenger]

Played Cane Garden today. Jacaranda to Alamanda. Good shape but not as good as Mallory or Havana. Fairways spotty . Greens were nice and fast but tons of unattended ball marks.

Is there a blanket exemption in TV from fixing ball marks and raking traps ? :cus: