Problem with golf today

[jnieman]

Had a 9:53 tee time today on Redfish Run. We waited until the people in front of us went to the next hole before teeing off. On hole four we were so backed up that there were 4 carts sitting at the tee box waiting to tee off on 4. The people in front of them were still on the green. The foursome behind us were fast approaching and then there would have been six carts at hole 4. It was the first time we have experienced anything like this. There was no ambassador that we saw. We gave up and left and went to lunch. One of the players with us reported it to the starter shack. Not sure what happened after that.

[graciegirl]

I hope the people will read this and see what "taking your time" and not playing to keep up with the group ahead of you can do.

[spk7951]

Fairly common problem on that exec course. I suspect because of the water on the 4th it becomes an issue and I have seen some people hit 2 or 3 tee shots. Rarely ever put that course in our requests.

[gomoho]

Thanks for the infor psk7951 - guess we need to stay away to avoid a backup. I was with the OP and it was quite frustrating.

[gemorc]

Probably the most annoying problem on the championship courses is the five hour or MORE round of golf. I noticed it occurs more during the afternoon wave than in the mourning. It should never take more than four and a half hours to play eighteen holes of golf.

[justjim]

I Believe hole #4 has a drop area so it shouldn't be a big problem. We played Yankee Clipper this morning with Tee time close to 11:00 and played in 1:50 minutes. We had a short wait the last two holes but overall not too bad. No doubt most times patience is a virtue when playing the executive courses and since no new executive courses have been built this year (and about 5,000 additional new residents) patience will certainly be required this winter!

[graciegirl]

I Believe hole #4 has a drop area so it shouldn't be a big problem. We played Yankee Clipper this morning with Tee time close to 11:00 and played in 1:50 minutes. We had a short wait the last two holes but overall not too bad. No doubt most times patience is a virtue when playing the executive courses and since no new executive courses have been built this year (and about 5,000 additional new residents) patience will certainly be required this winter!

You are right as usual. It is going to be a nightmare.

[NotGolfer]

Just wait until "high season"!!! Maybe it's begun because the hubs got clipped off from his request for tomorrow!

[graciegirl]

There are more people here for this time of year by far than the last four years we have been here.

I dread the traffic accidents in the waiting.

[pqrstar]

Had a 9:53 tee time today on Redfish Run. We waited until the people in front of us went to the next hole before teeing off. On hole four we were so backed up that there were 4 carts sitting at the tee box waiting to tee off on 4. The people in front of them were still on the green. The foursome behind us were fast approaching and then there would have been six carts at hole 4. It was the first time we have experienced anything like this. There was no ambassador that we saw. We gave up and left and went to lunch. One of the players with us reported it to the starter shack. Not sure what happened after that.

Never tried this, but the score cards have the phone number of the starter shack for that course. Could you have used your cell phone to call them to send an ambassador.

[asianthree]

ugh more than 4 hours on a champ course is not ready golf

[ugotme]

Fairly common problem on that exec course. I suspect because of the water on the 4th it becomes an issue and I have seen some people hit 2 or 3 tee shots. Rarely ever put that course in our requests.

That, of course, is one of the problems. shouldn't be hitting 2 or 3 tee shots.
go to the drop area and hit. If you still go in the water, pick up and GOOOOOOO.

[Happinow]

I'm not a golfer but a few days ago there was a six carts backed up on the 8th tee on this course. I wondered what could have backed them up so? I felt bad for those who had to wait so long. One cart just turned around and left.

[Posh 08]

Sooooo, the "free" golf is not working so good? :duck:

[graciegirl]

Sooooo, the "free" golf is not working so good? :duck:

Happinow lives on a championship course that isn't free.

It isn't a problem with free golf as much as supply and demand and people not used to playing golf in a timely manner.

[Posh 08]

Happinow lives on a championship course that isn't free.

It isn't a problem with free golf as much as supply and demand and people not used to playing golf in a timely manner.

The overcrowded/backed up course the OP posted about was "free". Right?

[graciegirl]

The overcrowded/backed up course the OP posted about was "free". Right?

Yes. But it is solved now Posh. Fig went over and cleared people out. ;)

[looneycat]

Sooooo, the "free" golf is not working so good? :duck:

it's actually working wonderfully. I've paid to play elsewhere and got backed up there as well...what's the difference? in the villages it is free, where else can you decide you don't want to wait and leave without financial penalty?? this is freeeeee, the golf is great, some of the golfers..not so much

:gc:

[2 Oldcrabs]

I like living in "The Bubble ", where waiting for golfers in front of you is a big probelm! Lets you forget the "Problems of the World":pepper2:

[JSR22]

ugh more than 4 hours on a champ course is not ready golf

My husband plays the championship courses 3 to 4 days per weeek, has no problem getting tee times before 9 and always plays within 4 hours. He is 100% satisfied withe golf in TV.
:pepper2:

[JoeC1947]

it's actually working wonderfully. I've paid to play elsewhere and got backed up there as well...what's the difference? in the villages it is free, where else can you decide you don't want to wait and leave without financial penalty?? this is freeeeee, the golf is great, some of the golfers..not so much

:gc:

For once I agree with you.

[looneycat]

For once I agree with you.

welcome to the dark side Joe....

[Golfer in Sanibel]

What s the difference? Are you afraid you'll be late for work? lol

It is too bad you allowed your impatience to get in the way of your having a good time. When I retired I promised myself I'd never add unnecessary stress to my life by being in a hurry, again. The execs are where the "new to golf" golfers go. Wouldn't you rather the newbees play the execs than the champ courses? You should expect to wait on an exec. I would rather wait on an exec than a champ course where I had paid to play. Just adding my 2 cents. Send your irate pms to Gracie. lol :beer3:

[graciegirl]

What s the difference? Are you afraid you'll be late for work? lol

It is too bad you allowed your impatience to get in the way of your having a good time. When I retired I promised myself I'd never add unnecessary stress to my life by being in a hurry, again. The execs are where the "new to golf" golfers go. Wouldn't you rather the newbees play the execs than the champ courses? You should expect to wait on an exec. I would rather wait on an exec than a champ course where I had paid to play. Just adding my 2 cents. Send your irate pms to Gracie. lol :beer3:

HEY NOW...

This could get ugly. I have a beast of a toothache...and the tooth has already been removed.

[spk7951]

That, of course, is one of the problems. shouldn't be hitting 2 or 3 tee shots.
go to the drop area and hit. If you still go in the water, pick up and GOOOOOOO.


Exactly but it happens. Couple of yrs ago my wife & I played an exec with a couple we did not know. On one hole this other lady hit into the water, teed up and again went into the water. She teed up for the 3rd time at which point I asked about going to the drop area. Her reply was that she was allowed 6 shots before picking up. I said that was true but each shot into the water you add a penalty stroke so she was now hitting 5. She did not believe me and asked her husband who meekly told her I was correct.

[jnieman]

What s the difference? Are you afraid you'll be late for work? lol

It is too bad you allowed your impatience to get in the way of your having a good time. When I retired I promised myself I'd never add unnecessary stress to my life by being in a hurry, again. The execs are where the "new to golf" golfers go. Wouldn't you rather the newbees play the execs than the champ courses? You should expect to wait on an exec. I would rather wait on an exec than a champ course where I had paid to play. Just adding my 2 cents. Send your irate pms to Gracie. lol :beer3:

I didn't let my impatience get in the way of my having a good time. Like I said, I left and went to lunch. I just didn't choose to stay and wait. My lunch was great and I enjoyed the rest of the day. I was just curious as to whether this was something that happens regularly. The kind posters on here have answered my question thank you.

[George Bieniaszek]

I don't understand why some people get all hot under the collar if they catch up to a group of golfers and "God Forbid" they have to wait a while before continuing with the game.

My wife and I are new to golf and during the summer months play as a couple so that we don't embarass ourselves more than we should and once in a while, we will catch up with a 4-some in front of us. At that point, we just reach back, grab a water from the cooler, relax, enjoy the peace, beauty, and serenity of the gold course and just enjoy.

When we play as a 4-some with friends and have to stop and wait, we get a chance to catch up on family news because if we are moving hole-to-hole during a game, there is little opportunity for chit-chat and you have to get down to the business at hand.

People have to relax, enjoy the beauty of The Villages, reduce the stress levels that they should have left behind when they retired from their jobs. That way, you will live longer and spend more of your children's inheritance :)

[graciegirl]

I don't understand why some people get all hot under the collar if they catch up to a group of golfers and "God Forbid" they have to wait a while before continuing with the game.

My wife and I are new to golf and during the summer months play as a couple so that we don't embarass ourselves more than we should and once in a while, we will catch up with a 4-some in front of us. At that point, we just reach back, grab a water from the cooler, relax, enjoy the peace, beauty, and serenity of the gold course and just enjoy.

When we play as a 4-some with friends and have to stop and wait, we get a chance to catch up on family news because if we are moving hole-to-hole during a game, there is little opportunity for chit-chat and you have to get down to the business at hand.

People have to relax, enjoy the beauty of The Villages, reduce the stress levels that they should have left behind when they retired from their jobs. That way, you will live longer and spend more of your children's inheritance :)

You are right of course, but what you are describing is just waiting for the group ahead of you to tee off, not having a backlog of the group behind you and the group behind them. That is a good indication that someone is holding up the whole course by taking mulligans and searching for lost balls and not picking up their ball after double par and just plain taking too much time. They aren't being nasty, just being completely unaware that there are expectations on the golf course.

No one is expecting anyone to rush, just to be considerate, and if people are new, they don't know what is expected. it is wise to take a course on golf if you are new and then you will know why people are smiling...or frowning.

It is just something that is expected in golf, to keep the pace of play.

[OCsun]

I don't understand why some people get all hot under the collar if they catch up to a group of golfers and "God Forbid" they have to wait a while before continuing with the game.

My wife and I are new to golf and during the summer months play as a couple so that we don't embarass ourselves more than we should and once in a while, we will catch up with a 4-some in front of us. At that point, we just reach back, grab a water from the cooler, relax, enjoy the peace, beauty, and serenity of the gold course and just enjoy.

When we play as a 4-some with friends and have to stop and wait, we get a chance to catch up on family news because if we are moving hole-to-hole during a game, there is little opportunity for chit-chat and you have to get down to the business at hand.

People have to relax, enjoy the beauty of The Villages, reduce the stress levels that they should have left behind when they retired from their jobs. That way, you will live longer and spend more of your children's inheritance :)


:agree:

[George Bieniaszek]

I totally agree with your comments Gracie. A little courtesy will go a long way and if your group feels that they are causing a bottleneck, then they should play best ball or just skip the hole if they can and move on. The ambassadors should intervine and decide what is the best remedy and not be worried that someone will complain about them.

I wonder if The Villages has any statistics on persistant backups on certian courses and maybe add a minute or two between tee times to help lessen the backups. Yes, you can potentially loose a couple of tee times per hour and maybe 20 tee times for the day. With the shorter days in the winter and less tee times available at a time when The Villages fills up with snowbirds,I understand that this may not be a good solution either.

I whole-heartedly agree that you have to be considerate, aware of your surroundings, and keep pace with the play.

[karostay]

Lets be real..Not every 18 hole round can be played in 4 hours or less
Would be nice but not realistic.When you head out you should have mind set of 4 to 5 hours if played in 4 Oh Great! if not Oh well that's the way the round went.If your going to be upset throw a fit then you shouldn't play.
More times than not you'll be disappointed.Why drag down the rest of the group just enjoy the round and your friends:gc:

[JoeC1947]

I like to have a good game as much as the next guy but I'm mostly out there for fun, relaxation, exercise (I walk), and to meet people. With the diverse group of golfers we have here there are bound to be delays from time to time. So what. Are you going to get upset and ruin your day and game, make your BP rise or are you going to enjoy the beautiful day and thank god that you can. Your choice. Since I moved to the villages my BP has dropped from 140/95 to a consistent 115/72, why? Because i don't give a dang about the things I cannot change.

[bluedog103]

I totally agree with your comments Gracie.

I wonder if The Villages has any statistics on persistant backups on certian courses and maybe add a minute or two between tee times to help lessen the backups. Yes, you can potentially loose a couple of tee times per hour and maybe 20 tee times for the day. With the shorter days in the winter and less tee times available at a time when The Villages fills up with snowbirds,I understand that this may not be a good solution either.

I whole-heartedly agree that you have to be considerate, aware of your surroundings, and keep pace with the play.
George, you say you are new to golf. I don't know if you've played in TV during the winter or not but eliminating any tee times is not a good idea. These courses are packed every day. If just one foursome farts around with mulligan after mulligan, wanders around looking for lost golf balls and isn't ready to hit when it's their turn they'll back up that course for the entire day.Tee times are issued at close intervals for a reason. Golfers are encouraged to play good golf for the same reason, to keep things moving. Taking longer than necessary doesn't just affect the group behind you, the one giving you the evil eye, it affects everyone for the rest of the day. You can literally have dozens of people standing around tapping their feet and chewing on their pencils waiting for you to shake a leg. These are your neighbors. Why not give them a break and move along instead of complaining that folks behind you are overly impatient.

[rubicon]

My husband plays the championship courses 3 to 4 days per weeek, has no problem getting tee times before 9 and always plays within 4 hours. He is 100% satisfied withe golf in TV.
:pepper2:

JSR22 give it a little more time and soon the satisfaction factor will drop to 80% then 60% and then your husband will be playing off campus more and more and more until summer rolls around.

The "free" golf on the Executive Courses which aren't so free are becoming a nightmare to play. Beside which many many more people will be bumped off this year than in previous years. Every course has water holes or other hazards that is not the problem. The problem for those playing on the executive courses is that some golfers do not follow the Callaway Rule. If your not playing well pick up when you recognize that you will never do better than double the par (6) on a par 3 (8) on a par 4. I played golf with a guy who was hitting his ninth shot from the greenside bunkeron a par 4 and badly backing up the course

Ready golf is important and essential

[karostay]

Have you ever driven on the LA freeway
There are lights reducing the flow of traffic entering the freeway.
Is it any less backed up.... NO
Think of a tee time as one of these lights
Just a tool to get your round started.Not meant to control pace of play

[gomoho]

And that is probably why people left LA - the backups - who wants to deal with that nonsense in retirement???

[bluedog103]

What s the difference? Are you afraid you'll be late for work? lol

It is too bad you allowed your impatience to get in the way of your having a good time. When I retired I promised myself I'd never add unnecessary stress to my life by being in a hurry, again. The execs are where the "new to golf" golfers go. Wouldn't you rather the newbees play the execs than the champ courses? You should expect to wait on an exec. I would rather wait on an exec than a champ course where I had paid to play. Just adding my 2 cents. Send your irate pms to Gracie. lol :beer3:

I should expect to wait on and executive course? Funny, I went to good golf school, read every bit of info I could find and haven't seen that rule anywhere. Just where can I go to verify your statement?
I have never seen anyone deliberately choose the longest line at a toll booth, retired or not. Same with the supermarket. I just can't recall the last time I saw anyone fight their way to the back of the line. We all like to move along and I don't think that's being impatient at all. Perhaps you disagree. If so I'll be happy to take your place in the express line at Publix. You won't mind will you?

[jimmemac]

I never knew there were so many perfect people in the villages-come on people; it is only a game learn to enjoy it each every day no matter what- life is too short. We live in a pretty nice place but no it is not perfect!

[ugotme]

Sorry !
Not saying people should "rush around the course" but there is a factor.
How long is long enough? If you had someone who played a nine hole exec course in 4 hours would you not be annoyed? WHY? Some of you said to relax, it's only a game, etc.

Every game has its courtesies. No, you shouldn't run around the course but sooner or later you have to be aware of other players.

Just saying.

[karostay]

No one ever said 4 hours on an executive course
read the whole thread before making a foolish statement
If you can't relax and enjoy the game don't pull down the rest of group who unfortunately got paired up with you

[ugotme]

No one ever said 4 hours on an executive course
read the whole thread before making a foolish statement
If you can't relax and enjoy the game don't pull down the rest of group who unfortunately got paired up with you

Didn't make a foolish statement!
Said it as an example.
Read again - don't be so quick to criticize!

[karostay]

Didn't make a foolish statement!
Said it as an example.
Read again - don't be so quick to criticize!


Wasn't quick at all
It was like my golf game slow and deliberate

[ugotme]

Wasn't quick at all
It was like my golf game slow and deliberate

That's fine as long as you keep going.
What I was getting at is supposed the golfers in front of you decided to hit 20-30 tee shots to "get it right!"
Would you just lay back and smell the roses for a half-hour on every hole (so to speak) or would you go around them or even nicely suggest that they pick up or whatever?

There has to be some etiquette!

[karostay]

That's fine as long as you keep going.
What I was getting at is supposed the golfers in front of you decided to hit 20-30 tee shots to "get it right!"
Would you just lay back and smell the roses for a half-hour on every hole (so to speak) or would you go around them or even nicely suggest that they pick up or whatever?

There has to be some etiquette!

No one mentioned 20 to 30 shots either where are you getting these number ?
Just mak:rant-rave:ing them up as you go along

[graciegirl]

I am so sorry to hurt your feelings, any of you, but only someone who has not played much golf would encourage you to not keep the pace. relax, enjoy, slow down. You don't have to be stressed or rushed but you can be ready. Park your cart beside the hole, Have your club ready so you don't walk back to the cart, Pick up and go on after double par which is six on most executive holes. If you don't, you are ruining golf for ALL of the people behind you on the course for the rest of that day.

Messing around and not keeping up on the golf course is like farting in church. Not everyone will tell you, but nobody likes it.

We play golf with a girl who will be 90 next year and she keeps the pace, has fun, and enjoys it as we enjoy her. She doesn't hit a mulligan doesn't hesitate over putts, doesn't look for balls lost in the water or the deep grass, AND she enjoys her round and relaxes and chats at lunch.

[ugotme]

No one mentioned 20 to 30 shots either where are you getting these number ?
Just mak:rant-rave:ing them up as you go along

Just making a point. Okay - no numbers. Your point is relax, take it easy. Basically I agree with you. HOWEVER, there comes a point where having some consideration for others MUST come into play.

See - no numbers !!!!

[JoeC1947]

I am so sorry to hurt your feelings, any of you, but only someone who has not played much golf would encourage you to not keep the pace. relax, enjoy, slow down. You don't have to be stressed or rushed but you can be ready. Park your cart beside the hole, Have your club ready so you don't walk back to the cart, Pick up and go on after double par which is six on most executive holes. If you don't, you are ruining golf for ALL of the people behind you on the course for the rest of that day.

Messing around and not keeping up on the golf course is like farting in church. Not everyone will tell you, but nobody likes it.

We play golf with a girl who will be 90 next year and she keeps the pace, has fun, and enjoys it as we enjoy her. She doesn't hit a mulligan doesn't hesitate over putts, doesn't look for balls lost in the water or the deep grass, AND she enjoys her round and relaxes and chats at lunch.

Confucius say "Man who fart in church sit in own pew."

[jnieman]

Confucius say "Man who fart in church sit in own pew."

:a20::a20:

[Cliff]

I've read this entire thread and not one person criticized him/her self because he/she was anxious to start playing on the first tee. Is anyone aware that there should be a seven minute interval between groups teeing off. How many times have you teed off on the first hole anywhere and looked back before you get to the green and found people standing on the tee behind you? This is partly the fault of the course. It does not enforce the 7 minute rule all the time. And, too many golfers are in too much of a hurry to abide by the rule themselves. Think about it. If you are practicing your swing on the tee box and the players in front of you are about to hit their second shot - you are going to have to wait all day long.

[karostay]

The point is..Ive been playing ready 40 plus years..To play a round of golf and have an expectation that every round will be played in a timely fashion is absurd.
Golfers are humans not robots. A round of golf is like a snowflake no 2 rounds are alike. Getting upset that someone takes an extra swing or takes time to replace a pivot Should be ashamed to call them self a golfer. Its busy out and during any given round there could be health issues and age differences of up to 30 years don't expect everyone to play the same.Why can't they enjoy their round ? In the weeks to come it's going to get busier. Take that into consideration be prepared for unpredictable golf. I'm sure no one does it deliberately . WHY GET UPSET

[2-crazy]

It has been my opinion that golf is for fun and socializing, I don’t think any of us at this age will be playing the tour so just enjoy and don’t worry about your score. If you hit in the water take your stroke and move on, don’t holdup play for who cares if you now have a score of 40 instead of 36!

[Wi11iam]

It has been my opinion that golf is for fun and socializing, I don’t think any of us at this age will be playing the tour so just enjoy and don’t worry about your score. If you hit in the water take your stroke and move on, don’t holdup play for who cares if you now have a score of 40 instead of 36!

Hi All,
After reading all the opinions I like the last.
Fortunately or unfortunately I have never played golf and will be doing our design meeting in November / close in February, I hope. and be down next year 4 or 5 times.
Am i going to be expected to do what other golfers who have experience do, or do I get cut some slack.
Seems like it could be pretty intense game. If so maybe I should stick to scuba diving with the aligators and retrieving balls. :a20:..
Really, don't know what to expect???

[gomoho]

Hi All,
After reading all the opinions I like the last.
Fortunately or unfortunately I have never played golf and will be doing our design meeting in November / close in February, I hope. and be down next year 4 or 5 times.
Am i going to be expected to do what other golfers who have experience do, or do I get cut some slack.
Seems like it could be pretty intense game. If so maybe I should stick to scuba diving with the aligators and retrieving balls. :a20:..
Really, don't know what to expect???

Not to worry - take up the game - it really is fun as I just learned. The key is to play with folks that know the game and understand how to keep things moving then no one cares how good or bad you do. I have only been playing for 3 months, took some lessons, and am still intimidated when I find out we are golfing with someone I don't know. Has never been a problem. Most people are friendly and understand you are new - they were as well at one point. Go for it.

[graciegirl]

Not to worry - take up the game - it really is fun as I just learned. The key is to play with folks that know the game and understand how to keep things moving then no one cares how good or bad you do. I have only been playing for 3 months, took some lessons, and am still intimidated when I find out we are golfing with someone I don't know. Has never been a problem. Most people are friendly and understand you are new - they were as well at one point. Go for it.

Exactly!!!!!:pepper2:

[Golfingnut]

I play several days a week and only one day on a steady foursome. I play with folks from 36 handicap down to 3 or less handicap. Very seldom see any problems on the course. You will find the occasional grouch that complains about everything, but I enjoy conversations with good and not so good golfers. Come on down, learn the game and enjoy. Even when I don't par the course, I still enjoy the game.

[Mikeod]

Not to worry - take up the game - it really is fun as I just learned. The key is to play with folks that know the game and understand how to keep things moving then no one cares how good or bad you do. I have only been playing for 3 months, took some lessons, and am still intimidated when I find out we are golfing with someone I don't know. Has never been a problem. Most people are friendly and understand you are new - they were as well at one point. Go for it.

So true. No one picked up a club and started to play at a high level. It takes time to learn to play well. It doesn't take a lot of time to understand the pace of play your group takes affects every group behind you, probably for the rest of the day.

As far as being nervous playing with someone you don't know who may be an accomplished golfer, I have two comments. One, the only one who can affect my golf game is me. Second, any really accomplished golfer will not mind someone who struggles as long as they maintain a reasonable pace of play. As stated above, don't be afraid to just pick up after double par and move on, take some lessons, and use the range, not the golf course when working on your swing .

[ugotme]

Am i going to be expected to do what other golfers who have experience do, or do I get cut some slack.
Seems like it could be pretty intense game. If so maybe I should stick to scuba diving with the aligators and retrieving balls. :a20:..
Really, don't know what to expect???

In spite of what you have read here - even by me - just take up the game and ENJOY!

You will find others you play with to be friendly and very helpful - just follow their lead. In fact, when I try to rush, even now, I end up hitting a bad shot which results in taking more time. I still have a very bad habit of not wanting to hold up the group in back of me even if it is not my foursomes fault. If I am having one of those "terrible holes" I will pick up, score double par and move on.

You will be welcomed to one of the greatest, albeit, most frustrating games in the world. :a20:

[gomoho]

And that, my friends, is what The Villages is all about. Welcome.

[mickey100]

Part of the problem is that beginning golfers are playing on courses that are rated 3 or 4 (i.e. more difficult courses) and/or playing the incorrect tees. We got behind a group the other day that were playing the middle tees on Roosevelt (the course is rated 4 - demanding). By observation, their ball striking skills should have had them playing the forward tees. They were holding up the whole golf course,and had a least one open hole in front of them. Of course, no ambassador to be seen. If you're a beginner, please make your tee times at the courses rated 1 or 2. Here is a link with course ratings: http://www.golfthevillages.com/images/executivecoursesratings.pdf

[paulandjean]

Part of the problem is that beginning golfers are playing on courses that are rated 3 or 4 (i.e. more difficult courses) and/or playing the incorrect tees. We got behind a group the other day that were playing the middle tees on Roosevelt (the course is rated 4 - demanding). By observation, their ball striking skills should have had them playing the forward tees. They were holding up the whole golf course,and had a least one open hole in front of them. Of course, no ambassador to be seen. If you're a beginner, please make your tee times at the courses rated 1 or 2. Here is a link with course ratings: http://www.golfthevillages.com/images/executivecoursesratings.pdf

Just relax when you play. Remember the group behind you could be saying the same thing about your ball striking skills.!

[karostay]

Hi All,
After reading all the opinions I like the last.
Fortunately or unfortunately I have never played golf and will be doing our design meeting in November / close in February, I hope. and be down next year 4 or 5 times.
Am i going to be expected to do what other golfers who have experience do, or do I get cut some slack.
Seems like it could be pretty intense game. If so maybe I should stick to scuba diving with the aligators and retrieving balls. :a20:..
Really, don't know what to expect???

Grab a club and play. If anyone says anything to you just say
You were me once..You'll be surprised how quiet they become

[jnieman]

Grab a club and play. If anyone says anything to you just say
You were me once..You'll be surprised how quiet they become

I am new to golf also. If you take a few lessons when you get here, take the good golf class, you'll be good to go. I felt intimidated at first with other players better than me but found that as long as I don't hold them up they are happy for me when I make a good shot and they make all kinds of nice comments. Of course I watch the other golfers and mimic what they do as far as not talking when they are hitting or walking in the path of the ball and moving along. If you get frustrated on a shot, just drop the ball in the ball drop area or pick it up and move on to the next hole. I really enjoy the game and the new friends I've made.

[mickey100]

Just relax when you play. Remember the group behind you could be saying the same thing about your ball striking skills.!

Actually, I shot 2 under. But no matter what someone's skills, they have to keep moving along and observe the recommended pace of play which is listed on the scorecard. Our group, and the groups behind us were fuming - the group in front of us played way over the allotted time, and they were holding up the whole course. Since they didn't have sense enough to play the forward tees, the ambassador should have moved them along. And what was really annoying, was that we'd finish up on a green, and go watch them tee off and one of the players was giving another one lessons on the tee. That is so wrong!

[karostay]

I shot 2 under. Our group, and the groups behind us were fuming - the group in front of us played way over the allotted time, and they were holding up the whole course. Since they didn't have sense enough to play the forward tees, the ambassador should have moved them along.

I've never seen an allotted time posted anywhere

[ugotme]

Just an FYI - we play every Tues. & Thurs. 8:08 tee time. We finish almost every round by 11:45. No rushing and we are NOT good. Three of us usually shoot low 90's and one around 100.

Today we had a foursome playing from the #2 tees (5 tees in all). Now, not a big deal but finished at 12:40 pm today. Not complaining mind you but we did have to wait for them on every shot. They really should have been playing the #4 tees - As the USGA and PGA is pushing - "Tee it forward." This makes the game more enjoyable and takes less time.

Did we say anything to them? No, just waited patiently. Personally I would have let the group behind us play through.

OH WELL !

[moongirl]

I've never seen an allotted time posted anywhere

The "allotted" cumulative time for each hole and a 9-hole round is shown on the scorecard just above where you write players names. It is shown as "TIME PAR."

[karostay]

and that is ???????

[mickey100]

Thanks Moongirl. For example, Karostay, if you look at a scorecard for Roosevelt, it says the pace of play for the 9 holes is 1 hour and 45 minutes. A championship course may say 2 hours, or 2 hours and 10 minutes, it varies by course and difficulty.

[ronat1]

I've read this entire thread and not one person criticized him/her self because he/she was anxious to start playing on the first tee. Is anyone aware that there should be a seven minute interval between groups teeing off. How many times have you teed off on the first hole anywhere and looked back before you get to the green and found people standing on the tee behind you? This is partly the fault of the course. It does not enforce the 7 minute rule all the time. And, too many golfers are in too much of a hurry to abide by the rule themselves. Think about it. If you are practicing your swing on the tee box and the players in front of you are about to hit their second shot - you are going to have to wait all day long.

First things first. TV executive courses tee times are usually staggered by 9 minutes and the championship course tee times are staggered by 8 minutes, except Palmer which is 9 minutes and I don't recall any 7 minutes tee times in TV. Being that the time par on the championship courses runs anywhere between 12 and 16 minutes per hole, you certainly should expect to see people on the tee box or in the fairway directly behind you when you are on the green. Look at the score card and it will let you know what the time par is for each hole. As far as the executive course, it tells you on the card the recommended pace of play for nine holes. (Example: Bonita Pass is 1 hr & 30 minutes which certainly sounds a lot like an average of 10 minutes a hole to me)

[joannej]

You are right of course, but what you are describing is just waiting for the group ahead of you to tee off, not having a backlog of the group behind you and the group behind them. That is a good indication that someone is holding up the whole course by taking mulligans and searching for lost balls and not picking up their ball after double par and just plain taking too much time. They aren't being nasty, just being completely unaware that there are expectations on the golf course.

No one is expecting anyone to rush, just to be considerate, and if people are new, they don't know what is expected. it is wise to take a course on golf if you are new and then you will know why people are smiling...or frowning.

It is just something that is expected in golf, to keep the pace of play.

:agree:

[villagerjack]

Gracie, lately your posts are not as upbeat as they used to be....in fact they sound downright negative. Hope nothing is wrong.

[zonerboy]

If a new group tees off every 9 minutes, then it should take 9 minutes to complete each hole and avoid backups. 9 minutes times nine holes is 81, so a round on an executive course should be completed in 1 hour and 21 minutes. In reality most times it seems that if you finish in 1 hour thirty minutes, you're doing well.

[ugotme]

If a new group tees off every 9 minutes, then it should take 9 minutes to complete each hole and avoid backups. 9 minutes times nine holes is 81, so a round on an executive course should be completed in 1 hour and 21 minutes. In reality most times it seems that if you finish in 1 hour thirty minutes, you're doing well.

While I agree with you in theory, it doesn't work that way. On most courses the tee times are staggered every 8 minutes (could be 9). what you are saying is that on a regular course it should be complete in 144 minutes which is 2 hours and 24 minutes.

Most times I have found the average time per hole is about 13 - 15 minutes. This relates to a round of approximately 4 - 4 1/2 hours.

The 8 minute interval is just to get you started, by that time the group in front of you should have hit their 2nd shot and be out of the way.

[graciegirl]

Gracie, lately your posts are not as upbeat as they used to be....in fact they sound downright negative. Hope nothing is wrong.

I am sorry villagerjack. I really am so happy that so many new folks are playing golf and many of the people I play golf with regularly are new. I am not ever a rule pusher or do I ever point out things like walking in a putting line or talking during set up, but I try as kindly as I can to keep my group moving to keep up with the group ahead. All of the other stuff will fall into place and I am pretty sure the girls like to play in my group. You don't have to be all rushed, but you do have to be aware of others and keep the pace.

I try to encourage new folks playing golf and I always enjoy playing golf with people far above my level and new beginners too.

And you are right. I am suffering from a dry socket from a tooth extracted.

Sorry to inflict my bad humor on my friends on TOTV. I am embarrassed and sorry.

[maryanna630]

Gracie, we have never even visited the villages but are renting for two weeks in November. We live in Mexico and are considering moving back to the states. I am so sorry you are having dental issues
. I very much like reading your posts and I very much hope you are well quickly. I would love to meet you for coffee some time from 11/1 through 11/14. Heal,quickly.
Maryanna

[SALYBOW]

We have had to wait more lately also, but IMHO the biggest problem with executive golf is that they built 4028 new houses last year and NO new executive golf courses. :cus:
We got closed out both times this week. I live in an area where the bond included three new golf courses and we can't even get in to play. South of 466A they have currently built or are building six new country club courses and no new exec courses. What's up with that? I wonder what the ratio between executive golfers vs Championship golfers is.
When we moved to the Villages I doubted I would ever golf a championshio course due to size and cost. Now I pay my amenity and trail fees and don't get a tee time:sad::mad:
I am really getting peeved about this. What do I get for my amenity fees?

[spk7951]

South of 466A they have currently built or are building six new country club courses and no new exec courses. What's up with that?


When the areas south of 466A are completed there will be three country clubs with 27 holes of championship golf and six executive courses. The 2nd country club is slated to open late in October and while I have not seen anything in print to confirm, I have heard that two of the executive courses will open later this year.

[Mikeod]

We have had to wait more lately also, but IMHO the biggest problem with executive golf is that they built 4028 new houses last year and NO new executive golf courses. :cus:
We got closed out both times this week. I live in an area where the bond included three new golf courses and we can't even get in to play. South of 466A they have currently built or are building six new country club courses and no new exec courses. What's up with that? I wonder what the ratio between executive golfers vs Championship golfers is.
When we moved to the Villages I doubted I would ever golf a championshio course due to size and cost. Now I pay my amenity and trail fees and don't get a tee time:sad::mad:
I am really getting peeved about this. What do I get for my amenity fees?
A new exec nine will open this fall near the county building. Evans Prairie will open 18 championship holes this fall also. There are five more exec nines remaining to be constructed. You should have better luck if your request has several courses and a wide time frame. I agree it will be more competitive for exec times this season, but at least the system does emphasize residents over guests.

I don't believe your bond pays for exec courses. It covers the infrastructure of the village in which you reside. That is electricity, water, sewer, irrigation, retention ponds, local rec centers(mail stations), streets and cart paths etc. The amenity fee covers all recreation activities, including pay for the staff, and the gate attendants, as well as the gate arms people like to knock off with their cars and carts.

[Mimivillager]

We also got kickd out executive this week. We put in only a 2 hr time frame on Thurs AM with 8 courses and selected for time preference.
We usually put in a 3 hr time frame and 13 courses and get our time. We each hve 2 or 3 pts. The system works if you work it.
I was able to select an afternoon time Thurs from a lot of choices at 9 AM on Mon morning after realizing we were kicked out of the system.
It was hot as blazes but we made it through.

[mulligan]

GOT IT !!!! New rule .. should ease congestion. You only get 1 ball. Cannot have any more in the bag. When you lose it, go home......Problem solved. Most of the people I know (including myself) will average 4 holes/round. (there's a reason for my screen name)

[jebartle]

I walk and carry my bag, and many years ago, I was told to KEEP UP THE PACE by my Dad, and to this day, seldom has anyone had to wait on my account, I feel my Dad's presence to this day!...I can certainly understand the frustration by slow play but also discovered to "cool my jets" because I'll play a lot better if I'm not stressed! I use the "Margarita and Hammock" method (Picture yourself on a tropical island)...It's amazing how this works!...giggle:a040::a040:or you could try the Billo method:popcorn::popcorn:

[Mikeod]

GOT IT !!!! New rule .. should ease congestion. You only get 1 ball. Cannot have any more in the bag. When you lose it, go home......Problem solved. Most of the people I know (including myself) will average 4 holes/round. (there's a reason for my screen name)

Some of the guys in my group on Friday wouldn't have finished the first hole!

[ugotme]

Of course the beauty of shooting a high score is that it costs less !!!!
Think of your fees on a per shot basis - the higher you shoot the lower the cost per stroke ! :laugh:

[JoeC1947]

I think that TV should make the holes bigger and put in pop-up bumpers on request (like the ones that block the gutters when bowling). This would speed things up.

[Mimivillager]

GOT IT !!!! New rule .. should ease congestion. You only get 1 ball. Cannot have any more in the bag. When you lose it, go home......Problem solved. Most of the people I know (including myself) will average 4 holes/round. (there's a reason for my screen name)

I would do OK! Don't hit far enough to lose it. LOL

[George Bieniaszek]

Of course the beauty of shooting a high score is that it costs less !!!!
Think of your fees on a per shot basis - the higher you shoot the lower the cost per stroke ! :laugh:

I Totally agree with your assessment!! My money goes twice as far than that of the golfers that par each hole. Just for clarification, I do par a hole on a rare occasion, but in general, it does take 5-6 strokes to get to the hole. We pick up after the 6th stroke so as to keep the game moving along, sometimes after the 5th stroke if the party behind us are catching up or waiting for us to clear the hole.

[jimmy D]

Well it would not be from anyone fixing divots. Even shots from 20 Yards will make a Divot. Only a few people fix them as all of the others do not care or dont know to fix them. Another reason the hubby (who can not play) wants to help the wife with their game. No lessons or etiquette

[ugotme]

Ditto with ball marks on the greens.

I usually end up fixing mine (IF I make one) and several others.

Some greens look like a war zone - FIX YOUR BALL MARKS !!!!

[TomW]

Play well. Play fair. Play fast.

[Golfingnut]

Ditto with ball marks on the greens.

I usually end up fixing mine (IF I make one) and several others.

Some greens look like a war zone - FIX YOUR BALL MARKS !!!!

Yesterday I played at Pelican and someone up ahead was messing up every green. It looked like someone must have been dragging a foot so bad it was chewing up green with every step. I must assume it was do to a handicap of some kind. I can understand that, but I would suggest using a smooth bottom pair of shoes to reduce the damage to the sod. No flames please, just a suggestion.