Looking for Golf Groups That Play Strictly by USGA Rules

[SPT32507]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!

[Whatnext]

You may find a foursome on the Championship courses.
Definitely none on the Executive courses.
The main obsession with Village golfers is speed. You must play as fast as you can, harass slower pairings in front of you, and if you have sufficient breath left, smoke very large cigars.
Raking traps, and divot repairing seems to be optional.

[BrianL99]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.



I've been playing golf for 40+ years and have belonged to at least 10 different Private Clubs. I've yet to see a group like that, unless you're playing with a small group of low single-digit players, playing for significant money.

The Villages isn't a hotbed of competitive golf.

[Papa_lecki]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!

Good first post.
What makes you think those groups don’t exist? It’s the largest golf community in the world, there are golf groups that run the gamut.
If you are a high handicap, and your playing script rules, your round of golf is too long, you won’t find any golf group.

[golfing eagles]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!

Every Tuesday is men's day on the championship courses (one group rotates among the 6 courses south of Lake Sumter Landing and north of 44, another between Glenview and Lopez). The format varies but is always according to USGA rules. I suspect within a year or two they will start another men's day south of 44/the turnpike. There is a gold tee group/club that follows the rules, but if you are a high handicapper, that group is not for you. Outside the bubble, you can join the US AM tour (formerly Golf Channel AM Tour) or the FSGA tournaments, but both may require 1+ hours of driving. While I don't agree with everything in post #2 above, you probably won't find many groups that strictly adhere to the rules among neighborhood groups (unless they play for $$$) and certainly not on exec courses, which is understandable since most of those players (not golfers) don't know the rules. Of course, regardless of what other players are doing, you should follow the rules yourself. It matters little, unless they are running a competition.

[dewilson58]

There are golf rules???

Next you're going to say, rake the sandtraps.

:mornincoffee:

[golfing eagles]

There are golf rules???

Next you're going to say, rack the sandtraps.

:mornincoffee:

I think you meant to post "WRECK" :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[thelegges]

For 10 plus years, I play championship in and out of TV. Usually 2 foursomes twice a month. Out of eight players 3 are local teaching pros in their 40s, 2 are parents of golf pros currently on tour, all male. Two females both played college and women’s pro tour, as they say many years ago. I knew 3 of the players who invited me when I was a snowbird, eventually moved to a full time spot.

All play USGA rules, except for the the sand trap with 40 footprints.

Last week two of us hit into the sand and instead of human prints, a large panther or two decided to use the facility. We decided to play as is because nature caused the chaos not human.

So yes there are some who play on property that will give you the high you are looking for. But fair warning, you may or may not be invited to join their established groups.

Once you are here full time, you can start a golf group, requiring any and all rules you choose. Then you could have competition play to see who fits your comfort level to play with.

[golfing eagles]

For 10 plus years, I play championship in and out of TV. Usually 2 foursomes twice a month. Out of eight players 3 are local teaching pros in their 40s, 2 are parents of golf pros currently on tour, all male. Two females both played college and women’s pro tour, as they say many years ago.

All play USGA rules, except for the the sand trap with 40 footprints.


ONLY 40 footprints???? Where????? I want to know

Usually there are hundreds, and 20% of them are right under a rake, some traps have a 30-yard trail of footprints from front to back with a "scoop" of sand out every 5 yards or so. I once watched this show from my lanai with some bozo taking 6 shots to get out of the fairway bunker (championship course) and just walked away. I ran out and raked the trap, and since the "golfer" STILL wasn't more than 20 yards away, said "you're welcome", which drew a one-fingered salute. I did suggest he go play a pitch and putt but then recanted since even those people deserve better. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: (I was afraid he would be taking divots on a putting course)

[DonH57]

You may find a foursome on the Championship courses.
Definitely none on the Executive courses.
The main obsession with Village golfers is speed. You must play as fast as you can, harass slower pairings in front of you, and if you have sufficient breath left, smoke very large cigars.
Raking traps, and divot repairing seems to be optional.

So very true and don't forget to be prepared to get run over by the ones arriving to their course just in time to pull up to the first tee box!:shocked:

[Rainger99]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!

Do you have a group like that where you live now?

In my experience, the vast majority of golfers play for fun and are not that concerned with the rules.

And 99% of golfers don’t know all of the USGA rules. When you watch golf on television, many PGA players do not seem to know the rules. If you follow all of the rules, it will definitely slow down the pace of play.

[Hape2Bhr]

Do you have a group like that where you live now?

In my experience, the vast majority of golfers play for fun and are not that concerned with the rules.

And 99% of golfers don’t know all of the USGA rules. When you watch golf on television, many PGA players do not seem to know the rules. If you follow all of the rules, it will definitely slow down the pace of play.

How does playing by all the rules slow down pace of play?

[Aces4]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!

What??? You get tired of pretending not to see other players "fluff" the ball for a better hit also picking up and moving their ball for a better position or 5' gimmes on the green?

I hear you. I'm also a higher handicapper but enjoy the game as the rules lay it out. I really don't care how others manifest their scores but dislike the amount of time it takes for all the adjustments vs walking up and hitting the ball.

Good luck in your search, I don't know if much is available in The Villagers at that caliber.

[BrianL99]

How does playing by all the rules slow down pace of play?


Let's see:

How about walking back to the Tee Box, because you didn't hit a Provisional, because you thought your Drive would be findable?

Or when you have to walk back to the Tee Box, because you didn't get "over the water you always blast it over"?

How about taking your Driver out, to measure your "Drop Area", instead of just kicking the ball off the cart path.

How about 4 guys, lining up at least 4 Putts, from inside 3'?

[tophcfa]

My group plays by the USGA rule that if after your putt, if you’re still away, you have to putt again. USGA = “U suck, go again”!

[Maker]

How does playing by all the rules slow down pace of play?

The PGA rules have extreme restrictions against using a golf cart. Everyone walks the entire course. Getting an exception is very difficult.
Walking will slow down things quite a bit. But you can have a caddy walk with your clubs.

[BrianL99]

The PGA rules have extreme restrictions against using a golf cart. Everyone walks the entire course. Getting an exception is very difficult.
Walking will slow down things quite a bit. But you can have a caddy walk with your clubs.

The PGA does not have any rule against "using a golf cart".

The PGATour typically doesn't allow carts, except under unusual conditions.

The above are not "rules", they are "conditions of play".

The USGA & R&A make up the rules.

[shut the front door]

Good first post.
What makes you think those groups don’t exist? It’s the largest golf community in the world, there are golf groups that run the gamut.
If you are a high handicap, and your playing script rules, your round of golf is too long, you won’t find any golf group.

Right? I played behind a group that didn't allow gimmes. I'll never forget that 6 hour round of golf. Even the ambassadors couldn't get them to speed it up.

[DonH57]

How far out should a gimme be? One foot, two foot, three, 4 ?

[Rainger99]

How far out should a gimme be? One foot, two foot, three, 4 ?

My rule of thumb is that if I have made it in the past, it is a gimme. And it helps lower the score!

[Aces4]

Let's see:

How about walking back to the Tee Box, because you didn't hit a Provisional, because you thought your Drive would be findable?

Or when you have to walk back to the Tee Box, because you didn't get "over the water you always blast it over"?

How about taking your Driver out, to measure your "Drop Area", instead of just kicking the ball off the cart path.

How about 4 guys, lining up at least 4 Putts, from inside 3'?

If you play the rules regularly, you are going to hit a provisional to start with.

You don't have to go back to the tee box if you didn't hit the ball over the water.

Kick away, no one wants to change the way you bat a ball around the course. He's looking for someone who plays golf the way the game is laid out by the rules.

You can take all the 3 foot gimmes you want, he wants someone who plays at a different level.

He hasn't asked anyone to change the way they have developed their own golf rules or lack there of. Play away, he doesn't care.

[Aces4]

Right? I played behind a group that didn't allow gimmes. I'll never forget that 6 hour round of golf. Even the ambassadors couldn't get them to speed it up.

You have to remember the age of the crowd and the fact that this area attracts lots of newbees. I played in a league for years where the rules were followed and I never saw even a four hour round of golf including tournaments.

[Aces4]

How does playing by all the rules slow down pace of play?

They don't, most rules are basic knowledge if one is a golfer. If one's group hits a quandary, there a pocket sized booklet for one's bag that can be researched for a very freakish situation, although, we never came across that situation.

Ready golf is what speeds up play. It amuses me when the hole ahead is open, the players have played the same course many times but they have to walk on to the tee box, stare at the green and then go back and grab a club. They make about 5 practice swings on every green and then take a mulligan after hitting the ball about 10 yards on their tee shot. Talk about what really slows down the game..

[Papa_lecki]

How far out should a gimme be? One foot, two foot, three, 4 ?

You’re playing a $5 Nassau with a group of buddies - it doesn’t matter.
Enjoy the round.

[Old Traveller]

Our Tuesday, Saturday Afternoon golf group plays by USGA rules. The only game we do not play is quota points. We roll them in the fairway (I didn't make that rule), play the ball down in the rough and if the putt counts it must be holed. As a rule everyone putts all of them out for accurate USGA handicaps. Our foursome played Evans Prairie today in 3 hours and forty five minutes. Years ago all the guys played the blue tees, then the white tees. Now they can play any tee they want and we adjust their USGA handicap to match. All members have to have an Enhanced membership so we have priority for tee times, it pays for itself if you play twice a week from January to June. Players handicaps range from 0 to about 22. We have lost a lot of snowbirds at the moment, and they start coming back about September or October. We try to mix the foursomes up as best we can. We do not play Sawgrass or Shallow Creek because we have so many golfers who live north of 466. We try to mix up the courses as best we can, and keep a close eye on aeration schedules.

[BrianL99]

If you play the rules regularly, you are going to hit a provisional to start with.

You don't have to go back to the tee box if you didn't hit the ball over the water.




You are not entitled to hit a provisional, if your ball may be lost in a Hazard.

& you are not allowed to "take a drop" under 26-1, without knowing to a virtual certainty, your ball is in the hazard. You are required to play a questionable shot as a "lost ball" and return to the Tee.

[Teed_Off]

I’m a 13 handicap index player who is one of two players in a group of 30+ who played by the rules of golf while all others took liberties (rolling in the fairway, gimmees, etc.). We would play 2-, 3- and 4-man games, along with low gross and low net prizes. Pace of play was never the issue because everyone played ready golf.
However this got to be painful for me to play with the guys whose vanity handicap indexes skewed the payouts. So I now play with a group who do not bet and also take liberties along the way. We don’t compare scores over lunch and I find this much more enjoyable than trading dollars.

[kkingston57]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!

Good luck. Wait till you play in the summer and know you hit a ball into the rough, other players watch it go into the rough and you can not find it. Stroke and distance penalty and go back to former hitting spot. In summer months can happen a lot, We do not have hundreds if not thousands of fore caddies. We agree that in this situation drop a ball and take a penalty stroke. If you want you can change your score to reflect the true stroke and distance penalty for handicap purposes. If all players played by the strict rules, rounds in TV will be up to 5 hours

[kkingston57]

How does playing by all the rules slow down pace of play?

1 example lost ball in heavy rough. Happens a lot in the summer. Player has to go back to the area where the last ball was hit. The out of bounds/lost ball rule allowing a player to hit from the advanced spot and take a 2 shot penalty is a local rule, 2nd example is gimme puts. Seen players plump bob 1 footers

[BrianL99]

Good luck. Wait till you play in the summer and know you hit a ball into the rough, other players watch it go into the rough and you can not find it. Stroke and distance penalty and go back to former hitting spot. In summer months can happen a lot, We do not have hundreds if not thousands of fore caddies. We agree that in this situation drop a ball and take a penalty stroke. If you want you can change your score to reflect the true stroke and distance penalty for handicap purposes. If all players played by the strict rules, rounds in TV will be up to 5 hours

Probably even longer.

99% of the time, the players (particularly higher handicap players) who insist they "play by all the rules", are the ones you don't want to play with, for a multitude of reasons. Typically, they really don't know "all the rules", they take forever to implement them and spend more time arguing about them, than adhering to them.

I play 150-200 rounds/year and I'm a 5 Index. Unless it's a specific situation/match or a competitive round, nearly every single person I've ever played with, adheres to the usual "casual round rules". Good inside the leather, if you lose one drop it where you think it went and take a stroke (as in a hazard) and finish the round in less than 4 hours.

You can always tell the DB's on the first green. If the guy brings a towel with him when he walks to the Green ... disassociate yourself immediately from the group.

If someone has a "long putter" ... same deal.

Collection of USGA Tags on his bag? Probably bad news.

Carries a 2nd "little carry bag" with wedges around the Green ... trouble. (I hadn't seen one of these in 40 years, until I got to TV.)

Golf is supposed to be about having fun. If you're in it for the competition, you shouldn't be carrying a double-digit handicap.

[jimhoward]

The PGA rules have extreme restrictions against using a golf cart. Everyone walks the entire course. Getting an exception is very difficult.
Walking will slow down things quite a bit. But you can have a caddy walk with your clubs.


The PGA and the USGA are not the same. The OP is talking about USGA rules.

The USGA allows carts, and shorts. It also allows you to change golf ball brands/models within a round (except in tournaments) so you can use any ball in your bag. It also allows for a local rule to be adopted where lost balls may be dropped in the fairway under penalty of 2 strokes (I don't know if the Villages has adopted that or not...or even if there is a committee). There are alot of differences, I don't know them all.

[Aces4]

Good luck. Wait till you play in the summer and know you hit a ball into the rough, other players watch it go into the rough and you can not find it. Stroke and distance penalty and go back to former hitting spot. In summer months can happen a lot, We do not have hundreds if not thousands of fore caddies. We agree that in this situation drop a ball and take a penalty stroke. If you want you can change your score to reflect the true stroke and distance penalty for handicap purposes. If all players played by the strict rules, rounds in TV will be up to 5 hours

Probably even longer.

99% of the time, the players (particularly higher handicap players) who insist they "play by all the rules", are the ones you don't want to play with, for a multitude of reasons. Typically, they really don't know "all the rules", they take forever to implement them and spend more time arguing about them, than adhering to them.

I play 150-200 rounds/year and I'm a 5 Index. Unless it's a specific situation/match or a competitive round, nearly every single person I've ever played with, adheres to the usual "casual round rules". Good inside the leather, if you lose one drop it where you think it went and take a stroke (as in a hazard) and finish the round in less than 4 hours.

You can always tell the DB's on the first green. If the guy brings a towel with him when he walks to the Green ... disassociate yourself immediately from the group.

If someone has a "long putter" ... same deal.

Collection of USGA Tags on his bag? Probably bad news.

Carries a 2nd "little carry bag" with wedges around the Green ... trouble. (I hadn't seen one of these in 40 years, until I got to TV.)

Golf is supposed to be about having fun. If you're in it for the competition, you shouldn't be carrying a double-digit handicap.

Take a breath, the OP doesn't insist everyone play golf. You can continue to play at golf and have a good ole time. All he is looking for is some who play by their golf according to the rules.

He's not looking for people who all of a sudden must start figuring out how to do that and those that play at that level of golf, move a heck of a lot faster than the old duffers having fun slapping at the ball. No one wants your game to change.

I said it earlier, the slow play is caused by not being golf ready and not by people who know how to play the game. The Villages accommodates the duffers very nicely and no one will have any problem with golfers who know what they are doing. All this panic is a nothing burger.

[Aces4]

1 example lost ball in heavy rough. Happens a lot in the summer. Player has to go back to the area where the last ball was hit. The out of bounds/lost ball rule allowing a player to hit from the advanced spot and take a 2 shot penalty is a local rule, 2nd example is gimme puts. Seen players plump bob 1 footers

Yep, there definitely are duffers out there.

[Aces4]

You are not entitled to hit a provisional, if your ball may be lost in a Hazard.

& you are not allowed to "take a drop" under 26-1, without knowing to a virtual certainty, your ball is in the hazard. You are required to play a questionable shot as a "lost ball" and return to the Tee.

You can't see if your ball went in the water on your drive on a Village's course? :icon_bored:

[Aces4]

Our Tuesday, Saturday Afternoon golf group plays by USGA rules. The only game we do not play is quota points. We roll them in the fairway (I didn't make that rule), play the ball down in the rough and if the putt counts it must be holed. As a rule everyone putts all of them out for accurate USGA handicaps. Our foursome played Evans Prairie today in 3 hours and forty five minutes. Years ago all the guys played the blue tees, then the white tees. Now they can play any tee they want and we adjust their USGA handicap to match. All members have to have an Enhanced membership so we have priority for tee times, it pays for itself if you play twice a week from January to June. Players handicaps range from 0 to about 22. We have lost a lot of snowbirds at the moment, and they start coming back about September or October. We try to mix the foursomes up as best we can. We do not play Sawgrass or Shallow Creek because we have so many golfers who live north of 466. We try to mix up the courses as best we can, and keep a close eye on aeration schedules.

Nice going considering it's being said it can't be done..;)

[jimhoward]

You can't see if your ball went in the water on your drive on a Village's course? :icon_bored:

By USGA rules you cannot. It is one of the more annoying and often ignored USGA rules. You can't hit a provisional if your ball may or may not be in the water (or other penalty area). If you do, that second ball is in play with a one stroke penalty regardless of whether the first ball is up or not. Its no big deal if its red stakes because you can walk up and then drop by the water if you are in, but if its yellow stakes its a problem.

[BrianL99]

You can't see if your ball went in the water on your drive on a Village's course? :icon_bored:

The below all have Tee Shots into a blind or partially blind area, with a water hazard.

1st Hole, Ponce De Leon
2nd Hole, Ponce De Leon
3rd Hole, Ponce De Leon
5th Hole, Ponce De Leon

1st Hole, Riley Grove (water behind the fairway bunker on the right).
2nd Hole, Riley Grove (water behind & left of the green)
4th Hole, Riley Grove (water on the right, over the hill)
5th Hole Riley Grove
7th Hole Riley Grove
9th Hole Riley Grove

3rd Hole Laurel Valley
8th Hole Laurel Valley
9th Hole Laurel Valley.

[Rainger99]

Playing by USGA golf rules is generally slower than casual golf. Here's why:

1. Strict Rule Adherence:
USGA rules require precise procedures, such as taking proper drops (e.g., measuring two club lengths, dropping from knee height), assessing penalties correctly, and resolving rules disputes with officials or playing partners. These steps add time, especially in situations like lost balls, out-of-bounds shots, or hazards, where players must follow formal processes.

2. Etiquette and Order of Play:
USGA rules enforce strict etiquette, such as playing in the correct order (farthest from the hole plays first), waiting for the green to clear before hitting, and maintaining pace-of-play guidelines. This can slow down play compared to casual rounds where players might skip formalities (e.g., "ready golf" where players hit when ready).

In contrast, casual golf is typically faster because:
- Players often forgo strict rules (e.g., taking "gimme" putts, ignoring minor penalties).
- They may play "ready golf" instead of waiting for the correct order.
- There's less emphasis on formal procedures, like dropping precisely or consulting rules officials.
- Groups may skip formalities like marking scores after every hole.

For example, Jordan Spieth's 20-minute delay on the 13th hole at the 2017 British Open (due to a complex drop procedure under USGA rules) would likely have been resolved much faster in casual play, where players might just drop near the original spot and continue.

Data from the USGA indicates that an average 18-hole round in a USGA-sanctioned amateur event takes about 4.5–5 hours for a foursome, while casual rounds often take 3.5–4 hours on similar courses, assuming no major delays. The difference arises from the cumulative effect of rule adherence and stricter etiquette.

[Kingsport]

Find a group you enjoy. That is the important thing.

[Topgun 1776]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!

I will bet you won't find one. Maybe one person...but not 4. Not in TV. If you do, I would also bet, some, if not all, will say they will...but, they really won't.

[Accidental1]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!

Buy an enhanced membership and sign up for Tuesday Men's day tournaments. You will get paired with guys in your handicap range and based on my limited experience (a couple of tournaments) I believe they tend to play by the rules. You may meet a group of guys there that are more likely to play by the rules.

[Accidental1]

Good luck. Wait till you play in the summer and know you hit a ball into the rough, other players watch it go into the rough and you can not find it. Stroke and distance penalty and go back to former hitting spot. In summer months can happen a lot, We do not have hundreds if not thousands of fore caddies. We agree that in this situation drop a ball and take a penalty stroke. If you want you can change your score to reflect the true stroke and distance penalty for handicap purposes. If all players played by the strict rules, rounds in TV will be up to 5 hours

Probably even longer.

99% of the time, the players (particularly higher handicap players) who insist they "play by all the rules", are the ones you don't want to play with, for a multitude of reasons. Typically, they really don't know "all the rules", they take forever to implement them and spend more time arguing about them, than adhering to them.

I play 150-200 rounds/year and I'm a 5 Index. Unless it's a specific situation/match or a competitive round, nearly every single person I've ever played with, adheres to the usual "casual round rules". Good inside the leather, if you lose one drop it where you think it went and take a stroke (as in a hazard) and finish the round in less than 4 hours.

You can always tell the DB's on the first green. If the guy brings a towel with him when he walks to the Green ... disassociate yourself immediately from the group.

If someone has a "long putter" ... same deal.

Collection of USGA Tags on his bag? Probably bad news.

Carries a 2nd "little carry bag" with wedges around the Green ... trouble. (I hadn't seen one of these in 40 years, until I got to TV.)

Golf is supposed to be about having fun. If you're in it for the competition, you shouldn't be carrying a double-digit handicap.

I'm not familiar with the "bring a towel to the green issue"...what's that?

[Rocksnap]

Only thing I use a score card for, is to write the names of those I’m now paired up with.

[rjrobart]

First things first.... People come to The Villages to relax, and live out their golden years. So rules are not part of their go forward plan. That said I appreciate what you're trying to accomplish. After all it is a gentlemen's sport. What you may want to be more concerned about is how many balls people hit off tees. Something that you can obviously see. I see no problem with hitting a breakfast ball on a first t-box , but that's it . The rest that goes on out in the Fairway is something you won't have control over . And quite frankly you should forget about . What others do does not affect your playing . Unless of course you're playing for money . But as a high handicapper as I am you may want to just consider relaxing enjoying the camaraderie love your fellow golfers , and enjoy . You cannot control others . I guarantee you you will not find a group that would adhere to USGA rules in their totalitary . That's just that way it is . Relax , enjoy , and look for nice fellas to play the game with . Bob w =SPT32507;2435309]I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance![/QUOTE]

[sowilts]

How does playing by all the rules slow down pace of play?
Would seem to slow down play by playing all the rules depending on how high Handicaps, or skill levels. Play 90 percent Championship Courses and have nothing but praise for the Ambassadors. Very difficult task to keep the rounds moving.

[MarkD1981]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!
You can typically play by the USGA rules yourself even in a group that does not. As long as you play fast and take advantage of provisional balls and not going back to the tee because of a lost tee shot. Drop in the fairway and take your two stoke penalty.

[SHIBUMI]

most of the answers given further prove the case for not many people knowing the rules of golf. Its not a sand trap its a bunker, its not a water hazard its a penalty area. Sorry to say, a golfer learns a rule once they break it and are called out. Read a good book on amazon called, Golf Murder Mysteries Breaking the Rules, golfers murdered for breaking a rule of golf. Even has 2 chapters on the Villages. I digress.

Higher handicap golfers should be more concerned with improving their golf swing than knowing the rules of golf back and forth.

Judging by the comments on moving the ball and picking up putts I would say most handicaps here are about 3-5 shots too low and won't travel well.

People here are friendly, they don't want someone spouting rules of golf they just want to play. If you are spouting you will find yourself playing alone.

The groups here play by the rules if they are playing for money. And yes they invoke local rules, i.e. preferred lies etc. which is legal.

Just chill out a little bit and you will be fine. A group is the tournament committee for its golf, they determine local rules and those rules should not break a rule of golf.

Bottom line is, play 18 holes in under 4 hours and people will love you and want to play with you. If money is involved, the rules will be invoked even for a quarter. It's just the way it works. :wave:




I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!

[gighilton]

If you are looking for strict USGA rules groups. To be playing strict USGA rules, you need courses properly marked with proper hazard markings, fairway cuts, GUR Markings posted local rules exceptions, etc. Ain't going to find that here! You must be an accountant or engineer?

[thelegges]

People here are friendly, they don't want someone spouting rules of golf they just want to play. If you are spouting you will find yourself playing alone.

Bottom line is, play 18 holes in under 4 hours and people will love you and want to play with you. If money is involved, the rules will be invoked even for a quarter. It's just the way it works. :wave:

2010, The first time I played with a group of 8 that informed me it was a money game, I was excited. Had a bunch of $5, 10, 20s in my pocket that was the norm bet back home. Did want to be rude and ask bet amount

I won by 15 strokes, then proceeded to collect 6 quarters, 3 dimes, 3 nickels and 4 pennies. Good thing I won, because nobody had change for a $5.

[jimhoward]

Some rules exceptions save time but most are simply protecting the "casual player" score.

If you hit the ball OB and drop in the fairway near where it went in, it doesn't add any more time to the round to add two penalty strokes to your score than one.

If you lose your ball in the fairway, it doesn't add time to the round to add two strokes to your score as compared with declaring "leaf rule"

Putting out 18" putts should not take any time. People who dwell over them, particularly high handicappers, do so because they are missing a lot of them.

Continuation putting is allowed in stroke play. You don't have to rigidly go in turn.

People kick or throw a ball a couple of feet off the cart path. That is no big deal. No real advantage gained there. But the "casual player" also often takes relief on the fairway side of the path even when nearest point of relief is clearly in a worse condition than the path over in a bush somewhere. That shaves most of a stroke off their score right there.

When a ball rolls up to a root similar, people take free relief sometimes claiming abnormal course conditions or unmarked GUR. You shouldn't hit a ball lodged against a root or a rock, but doesn't add any time to the round add a stroke for unplayable

Pick up after net double. That actually saves time. But if its a stroke hole, that means its a triple or a quad (depending on how many strokes you are getting).

I am sure there are many more examples.

But have said all that, there are no golf police. The villages is very casual and people can do whatever they want.

[Aces4]

If you are looking for strict USGA rules groups. To be playing strict USGA rules, you need courses properly marked with proper hazard markings, fairway cuts, GUR Markings posted local rules exceptions, etc. Ain't going to find that here! You must be an accountant or engineer?

Or maybe someone who loves the game and doesn't golf to get away from his wife. chilout

I love playing in The Villages and having someone in the group standing on the green when I'm hitting my approach shot onto the green or they are busy picking up the pin and rattling it around when other's are putting. I'm used to all types on the courses but there are days when it would be fun to golf with someone who hasn't started golfing 10 minutes ago and knows the rules. It is pleasant though, to meet people and enjoy the day for what it is too.

Why so many are having fits over this request is bizarre.

[Cheapbas]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!

There’s a group called the bandits, you can try looking them up.

[SaucyJim]

My rule of thumb is that if I have made it in the past, it is a gimme. And it helps lower the score!

I made a pretty stellar putt yesterday. So anywhere on the green is a gimme? LOL!!

[Shadowrider]

My rule of thumb is that if I have made it in the past, it is a gimme. And it helps lower the score!
I've made putts from the edge of the green before but that does not make it a gimmie. Putt until your within 2 club lengths then one more putt. But, you always pickup after double par.

[retiredguy123]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!
Play by the rules. What a concept.

[BrianL99]

Putt until your within 2 club lengths then one more putt. .

A PGA Tour Pro makes 50% of his putts from about 8'.

In The Villages, you get to make all your putts, from 7' ?

Great deal. The Villages Extra Friendly Golf Rules.

[jimmy o]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!
We have a Thursday group of higher handicappers that play by the rules, but with a few exceptions because we play Stableford scoring. Stableford allows for faster play to get us to happy hour. If you’re interested, PM me.

[Snakster66]

For the vast majority, The Villages Friendly golf suggestions are pretty solid in order to maintain a reasonable pace of play. Your foursome wants to play strict USGA rules? More power to you...as long as it doesn't bog down the pace for everyone behind you. Most folks are out there to have fun, not pretend they are playing in an Open qualifier.

Golf The Villages (https://www.golfthevillages.com/friendlygolf/)

[SPT32507]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate the input.

[Aces4]

For the vast majority, The Villages Friendly golf suggestions are pretty solid in order to maintain a reasonable pace of play. Your foursome wants to play strict USGA rules? More power to you...as long as it doesn't bog down the pace for everyone behind you. Most folks are out there to have fun, not pretend they are playing in an Open qualifier.

Golf The Villages (https://www.golfthevillages.com/friendlygolf/)

"Most folks are out there to have fun, not pretend they are playing in an Open qualifier"...

Seriously? I think a lot of egos are involved in this discussion. If the guy wants to play by the rules in which golf was established, it shouldn't be any hair off anyone's neck. He is simply asking for golfers who play by the rules for his game.

He probably learned a lot more about people who live in TV's than his original question.

[Whatnext]

"""As you can tell
most of the answers given further prove the case for not many people knowing the rules of golf. Its not a sand trap its a bunker, its not a water hazard its a penalty area."""

When were term and description made rules?
What is the penalty for not describing a sand trap as a bunker, or water hazard in stead of penalty area?
I would like to know, as I think I have been cheating all these years.

[Snakster66]

"Most folks are out there to have fun, not pretend they are playing in an Open qualifier"...

Seriously? I think a lot of egos are involved in this discussion. If the guy wants to play by the rules in which golf was established, it shouldn't be any hair off anyone's neck. He is simply asking for golfers who play by the rules for his game.

He probably learned a lot more about people who live in TV's than his original question.
I guess you missed the part where I wrote, "if you want to play by strict rules, more power to you". I couldn't care less what other people do (and I do my best to play by the rules as well). I am also cognizant of pace of play, which led to my other point. But I suppose it's fun to take one sentence out of context (a true statement btw) and get indignant over it.

I'm not exactly sure what ego has to do with it. Nobody cares if a group is playing strict USGA rules golf (or if they're not for that matter). They do care if they have to play a 5 hour round. If OP can find a group of guys to do that with, then it's a happy ending; so long as they maintain pace of play. I think that's all people are really saying here.

[dewilson58]

For the vast majority, The Villages Friendly golf suggestions are pretty solid in order to maintain a reasonable pace of play. Your foursome wants to play strict USGA rules? More power to you...as long as it doesn't bog down the pace for everyone behind you. Most folks are out there to have fun, not pretend they are playing in an Open qualifier.

Golf The Villages (https://www.golfthevillages.com/friendlygolf/)

Agree.............most slow is NOT because of the lack of skill. Slow players watch too much Golf Channel or they are sweating over a $0.25 putt.

[Rainger99]

I’m considering moving to The Villages and, as an avid golfer (albeit a higher-handicap one), one of my top priorities is finding a group that plays by official USGA rules—no gimmies, proper lies, penalties assessed, and honest scoring.

I completely respect that many groups are more relaxed, but I’m simply looking for like-minded players who enjoy the game as it's written. If such a group exists, I’d really appreciate any pointers or contacts.

Thanks in advance!

If you want to play by the rules, I don't think anyone is going to complain about it. But is it a top priority to play in a group that plays by the official rules? Can't you do that yourself?

I follow most of the rules. But I have played with people who are very strict about following all of the rules. I didn't object to them and they didn't object to me. Please note that we were not playing for money.

[Aces4]

I guess you missed the part where I wrote, "if you want to play by strict rules, more power to you". I couldn't care less what other people do (and I do my best to play by the rules as well). I am also cognizant of pace of play, which led to my other point. But I suppose it's fun to take one sentence out of context (a true statement btw) and get indignant over it.

I'm not exactly sure what ego has to do with it. Nobody cares if a group is playing strict USGA rules golf (or if they're not for that matter). They do care if they have to play a 5 hour round. If OP can find a group of guys to do that with, then it's a happy ending; so long as they maintain pace of play. I think that's all people are really saying here.

Yeah, I read the whole comment and the nice little slight you slid in at the end. Wouldn't, "I hope you find the group you're looking for and you enjoy The Villages" have been a friendly response to a newbe than:

"Most folks are out there to have fun, not pretend they are playing in an Open qualifier. :shrug:

[jbartle1]

ONLY 40 footprints???? Where????? I want to know

Usually there are hundreds, and 20% of them are right under a rake, some traps have a 30-yard trail of footprints from front to back with a "scoop" of sand out every 5 yards or so. I once watched this show from my lanai with some bozo taking 6 shots to get out of the fairway bunker (championship course) and just walked away. I ran out and raked the trap, and since the "golfer" STILL wasn't more than 20 yards away, said "you're welcome", which drew a one-fingered salute. I did suggest he go play a pitch and putt but then recanted since even those people deserve better. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: (I was afraid he would be taking divots on a putting course)

Probably a priority member as I was informed one time, giggle

[dewilson58]

I’m considering moving to The Villages ......................

Welcome to ToTV. :faint:

[jimhoward]

The one USGA rule that I wish everyone would follow is maximum time permitted looking for your ball….3 minutes maximum. Which goes by very very quickly.

If that one rule were followed strictly, everyone’s day would be improved.