Riding alone in cart on course

[The Villager II]

Yesterday at Belmont I listened as the Starter informed a man he could not drive his cart alone on the course and that he must either ride with the other single or have that person ride with him.

MY QUESTION: is that a hard and fast rule or did this starter take it upon himself to come up with this rule.

I have no problem riding or giving a ride to someone else, BUT:

some people smoke and some don't
some are talkers and some are not.
some carry extra stuff in their carts.

The par three courses only have one or two holes that you can leave the concrete path anyway. Maybe even there, say cart path only if you are riding alone, but don't force two folks that don't want to into the same cart.

What gives with this.

I don't have a dog in this race, but if someone wishes to ride alone for any personal reason, then they should be allowed to.

[English Ivy]

There was a notice in the paper about this I think yesterday or sometime earlier this week.

Because of the dry conditions and all the golf cart traffic on the courses at this time of year they're trying to be proactive before the courses get totally ruined.

I think the article did say that if you have a really good reason to want to ride alone they will let you but then you must stay on the cart path for all holes.

Please people, don't shoot the messenger (starter) for following the rules. Those guys get enough abuse as it is.

[The Villager II]

There was a notice in the paper about this I think yesterday or sometime earlier this week.

Because of the dry conditions and all the golf cart traffic on the courses at this time of year they're trying to be proactive before the courses get totally ruined.

I think the article did say that if you have a really good reason to want to ride alone they will let you but then you must stay on the cart path for all holes.

Please people, don't shoot the messenger (starter) for following the rules. Those guys get enough abuse as it is.

I sure missed that article. Anyone know how I can bring that up on line and read it.

[English Ivy]

I sure missed that article. Anyone know how I can bring that up on line and read it.

It was in the golf column that is on the second page of the sports section. Don't think that is online. I believe it was yesterday's paper if you still have it around. Ours is out at the end of the driveway for recycle day.

[graciegirl]

Also, an unrelated rule that new golfers may not know is that each golfer must have his own clubs and golf bag.

I don't know the reason for that, but it is an old, old rule everywhere I have golfed, just like wearing the collared shirt. And you can carry only two bags on a cart even if it is a four seater...I think........Anyone know for sure?

And English Ivy is right. Those ambassadors get a lot of grief that they don't deserve.

Thanks for the info in the paper English. This Forum rocks!

[The Villager II]

It was in the golf column that is on the second page of the sports section. Don't think that is online. I believe it was yesterday's paper if you still have it around. Ours is out at the end of the driveway for recycle day.

Thanks. Mine was at the curb also. Looks like that is temporary and if you still want to ride alone, they only ask that you stay on the cart path for the whole round to include the par 4 holes. Sounds very reasonable to me.

I hope now that any neighbor that saw me going through my trash don't start dropping off care packages at my door.

[VillagesFlorida]

Yesterday at Belmont I listened as the Starter informed a man he could not drive his cart alone on the course and that he must either ride with the other single or have that person ride with him.

MY QUESTION: is that a hard and fast rule or did this starter take it upon himself to come up with this rule.

I have no problem riding or giving a ride to someone else, BUT:

some people smoke and some don't
some are talkers and some are not.
some carry extra stuff in their carts.

The par three courses only have one or two holes that you can leave the concrete path anyway. Maybe even there, say cart path only if you are riding alone, but don't force two folks that don't want to into the same cart.

What gives with this.

I don't have a dog in this race, but if someone wishes to ride alone for any personal reason, then they should be allowed to.

I agree that it's best during this dry time of year to keep golf cart traffic to a minimum on the par 4 fairways. But, we pay a cart fee of $141.24 a year so that we can use our cart on the cart paths on all executive courses. For that reason I do not see how we can be prohibited from using our own cart if we want to.

[mulligan]

IMHO, any rule the admins want to make/change to preserve the little turf that's left are fine with me. If we are not careful, we'll soon be playing tee-dirt-green. Not much fun, and real dusty.

[Bogie Shooter]

I agree that it's best during this dry time of year to keep golf cart traffic to a minimum on the par 4 fairways. But, we pay a cart fee of $141.24 a year so that we can use our cart on the cart paths on all executive courses. For that reason I do not see how we can be prohibited from using our own cart if we want to.

Prohibited?? The rules can change anytime, anyway this is a way to save what little grass is growing. Entitlement can go only so far.

[The Villager II]

Prohibited?? The rules can change anytime, anyway this is a way to save what little grass is growing. Entitlement can go only so far.

I agree, but if in fact the rule is to save grass, then no one should be prohibited from using the concrete cart paths.

[YodaDad]

Not all of us read PRAVDA, excuse me The Daily Sun every day. If you want to change a rule or put somethong in place on a temporary basis just post notice at the starter shack. 99% of the starters, rovers etc. are just great they are the kind of people that want to help you out and I appreciate it.

[VillagesFlorida]

I agree, but if in fact the rule is to save grass, then no one should be prohibited from using the concrete cart paths.

That was MY point.

[chuckster]

Don't believe anyone is "prohibited from using cart paths". the foursome is requested to have 2 carts. If there are 3 carts for whatever reason, 1 of the 3 must be on the cart path at any time on all holes other than "par 3's"(always on paths) for executive or championship. Doesn't have to be the same cart each time on path. Only states 1 of the 3 on path. Article on page 2 of sports page thurs. daily sun.......:popcorn:

[The Villager II]

Don't believe anyone is "prohibited from using cart paths". the foursome is requested to have 2 carts. If there are 3 carts for whatever reason, 1 of the 3 must be on the cart path at any time on all holes other than "par 3's"(always on paths) for executive or championship. Doesn't have to be the same cart each time on path. Only states 1 of the 3 on path. Article on page 2 of sports page thurs. daily sun.......:popcorn:

This is 100% correct. You can ride alone if you want, but only 2 of the three carts can be on the grass at any given time. This ruling is being looked at to become perminant, but has not been decided yet.

[English Ivy]

Here's what was in yesterday's paper. It's now posted on Golf The Villages (http://www.golfthevillages.com)


Golf Car Traffic
Mother Nature has been very good to all of the golfers so far this
winter with warmer than normal temps in January and only 4
frosts! Unfortunately she hasn�t been as nice with the rainfall this
winter. Our area is behind normal rainfall 5 � inches in past two
months alone and the golf courses are starting to show the wear
and tear with all of the golf car and foot traffic and the drought
conditions. Consequently we all need to do our part and together
we can keep our course in the best possible shape given the
circumstances.
We are asking two things of our golfers to help our courses be the
best the can be:
 Please use the 90 degree rule when riding off the golf car
path onto the fairways. That is to say, please exit the golf car
path at 90 degrees to your ball, drive to your golf ball, then
you�re riding partner�s ball and return straight back to the
golf car path. Additionally, when possible, please drive your
golf car in the rough area�s and avoid worn areas as much as
possible.
 When checking in with the Starter you will be asked to pair
up so your four-some will be using only two golf cars. We
realize there are at times, personal reasons for wanting to ride
in your own golf car, but in order to provide the best possible
conditions; we need to minimize unnecessary golf car traffic.
If there remains a compelling or necessary reason for your
group to take three golf cars during your round, one of the
three golf cars with be required to remain on the golf car path
on each hole.

http://www.golfthevillages.com/turftalk/golf%20cart%20traffic.pdf

[The Villager II]

YOU GO ENGLISH IVY

I feel stupid for not thinking of posting the article myself. I have a scanner and read the article right beside it. LOL

[hedoman]

The rules make sense in controlling cart traffic but still I see 3 carts on Glenview at times. 3 carts ALL going straight down the fairway! That is absurd! Save the grsss, scatter etc. I will ride alone rather than go in a cart that is allowed around the greens as less weight does less damage around the collars.

One golf bag per player is better than having wo wait until someone has used the putter and then walk all the way over to get it.

Par 3's are mostly cart path only I can't see why more than 2 carts aren't allowed

FOLKS STAY IN THE ROUGH AND ONLY PROCEED ONTO THE FAIRWAY WHEN APPROACHING YOUR BALL

Yeah right and fix ball marks, rake traps fill in divots...Like anybody does that

[thistrucksforyou]

If they didn't do this your 135.00 fee could go to 150.00...Save the grass !

[Jim Straz]

I agree, but if in fact the rule is to save grass, then no one should be prohibited from using the concrete cart paths.
Some just don't take any kind of direction well. Others need to have their stick removed so they stop complaining about everything and begin living the TV good life.
I don't know how you could possibly word an article more sensibly than they did about the grass and still have your kind of remarks.

[The Villager II]

Some just don't take any kind of direction well. Others need to have their stick removed so they stop complaining about everything and begin living the TV good life.
I don't know how you could possibly word an article more sensibly than they did about the grass and still have your kind of remarks.

Don't bogart that joint my friend

[jebartle]

I agree, but if in fact the rule is to save grass, then no one should be prohibited from using the concrete cart paths.

I had to laugh when I read this post because I played Red Fish yesterday and the fairways were CONCRETE!....Ugh!

[The Villager II]

I had to laugh when I read this post because I played Red Fish yesterday and the fairways were CONCRETE!....Ugh!

Your right there, so what I do is go from tee box to green and avoid the fairway altogether.
LOL

[RichieLion]

I had to laugh when I read this post because I played Red Fish yesterday and the fairways were CONCRETE!....Ugh!

I played Redfish myself yesterday and I know what you mean. But, the good thing is that with that hard ground and a good straight drive on the lone par 4 hole you can achieve a distance to brag about. I love that "Villages roll".

[pooh]

We ladies played Bogart yesterday and needed 3 carts for one of our groups. The ambassador questioned three carts and I relayed to him that we were aware of the new plan to help keep what little grass there is, from more traffic...only two carts at a time on the course where it was allowed. He was pleased that we knew what was going on and told us all to have a good round and enjoy our afternoon. Since there are only two holes on the course that one can drive off the path, and the ladies in that particular group are long hitters, it wasn't a problem.
Hopefully, more rain is on the way....well, one can hope... ;)

[rubicon]

Original the executive courses were suppose to be for walkers only but as the villages developed the need to allow some residents to ride became apparent.

I have always complied with the 90 degree rule because to love golf is to be respectful to both golfers and the golf course.

I don't mind pairing up with another person. However I can see where someone might object for various reasons. Also there is the issue of liability. By taking on a passenger you also take on more responsibility

The Villages is noted for having residents sign hold harmless agreements. Perhaps there should be such documents at each starter shack?

I opine you decide

[rp001]

Since this issue has come up I've witnessed different ways this has been handled by sarters.The bottom line I've seen, is if the person questioning it raises enough cain, he gets his way. I even heard the starter at Hawkes Bay say, "Be that way", to a person who wanted to take his own cart on a cart path only, all par three course. Seems there is no room for common sense. Of course no one wants to see 4 carts charging down the middle of the fairways, but it seems that if understanding is demonstrated then accomadations should be happily allowed. I've been subjected to some wild rides when asked to ride with someone else, so now I arrive early, check in first, and insist the late arrival ride with me. Or he can fight with the starter.

[ducati1974]

Gracie, you are right about each golfer having their own clubs- they do enforce this as I found out. Apparently sharing clubs is not allowed as it slows play down.