golf rant

[another Linda]

Ok, middle of the night but I need to do a mini-rant if I hope to get any sleep. My sister and B-I-L, husband and I played golf late this afternoon. It was a special outing because BIL has been quite sick and will need to head home tomorrow (today!) for treatment. TV was great and issued him an accommodation even though he didn’t have the paperwork. We made a late afternoon tee time (more relaxed) so off we go, them riding and us walking, me and the 2 men hitting from the black tees, sister from gold. We were told when we checked in that things were really backed up, but that was alright with us. We were just glad to get out.

Let me say at the outset that we play ready golf and are pretty fast even though husband and I walk. Well, the complaints from the group behind us, delivered with a smile by the ambassador, started by the 3rd hole. Taking the cart off the path (that’s what the accommodation was all about), walkers not keeping up (couldn’t go any faster), hitting more than one ball (2 people hit balls into the water so hit 2nd off tee – we weren’t going anywhere anyway), hitting from black tees (I’m sure that was for my benefit and I’d already gotten 2 pars.) Every time we saw the ambassador approaching we cringed. To keep peace, I moved to gold (no more pars) and BIL quit after 4th hole because he didn’t need the aggravation. Our outing was totally ruined. And for what???? We still had to wait on every hole and so did the jerks behind us. I fault them and the smiling ambassador for delivering every complaint.

To top it all off, the lights on their cart when out on the ride home. We kept to the side streets when we could but needed to go a short distance on Morse. It was there that a delightful person slowed down and yelled, “Turn on your f***ing lights, a**h***!” I’d like to think none of these people were Villagers but ...

[mickey100]

There seem to be a higher number of jerks around lately. Don't let it bother you - you did everything right on the course. Sorry to hear your day didn't go well.

[graciegirl]

Ok, middle of the night but I need to do a mini-rant if I hope to get any sleep. My sister and B-I-L, husband and I played golf late this afternoon. It was a special outing because BIL has been quite sick and will need to head home tomorrow (today!) for treatment. TV was great and issued him an accommodation even though he didn’t have the paperwork. We made a late afternoon tee time (more relaxed) so off we go, them riding and us walking, me and the 2 men hitting from the black tees, sister from gold. We were told when we checked in that things were really backed up, but that was alright with us. We were just glad to get out.

Let me say at the outset that we play ready golf and are pretty fast even though husband and I walk. Well, the complaints from the group behind us, delivered with a smile by the ambassador, started by the 3rd hole. Taking the cart off the path (that’s what the accommodation was all about), walkers not keeping up (couldn’t go any faster), hitting more than one ball (2 people hit balls into the water so hit 2nd off tee – we weren’t going anywhere anyway), hitting from black tees (I’m sure that was for my benefit and I’d already gotten 2 pars.) Every time we saw the ambassador approaching we cringed. To keep peace, I moved to gold (no more pars) and BIL quit after 4th hole because he didn’t need the aggravation. Our outing was totally ruined. And for what???? We still had to wait on every hole and so did the jerks behind us. I fault them and the smiling ambassador for delivering every complaint.

To top it all off, the lights on their cart when out on the ride home. We kept to the side streets when we could but needed to go a short distance on Morse. It was there that a delightful person slowed down and yelled, “Turn on your f***ing lights, a**h***!” I’d like to think none of these people were Villagers but ...

Oh Linda. I am so sorry this happened to such a wonderful girl and her delightful family.

And here I was just saying that Ambassadors rarely get after people, now I hear this one was totally off base.

How danged sad too given all of the other circumstances.

[redwitch]

Shame you didn't complain to the Ambassador about their complaining. As you know, I don't golf, but I do know you and know that you would have done what was necessary to keep the speed up. What's really sad is that these boors basically won -- one of you quit playing, one used the shorter tee. And the Ambassador should have been ashamed of himself -- smiling or no -- he had to know that his constant coming up to you would make your group uncomfortable.

As to the jerk yelling at you, tis that time of year. Seems like even constructive criticism must be delivered by shouting and cursing.

So sorry this happened to you and yours.

[Happinow]

Its a shame that what should,have been a delightful outing turned out to be not so good. Some of the ambassadors can be quite sticky. Maybe if they return in the summer, you can go enjoy your golfing day.

On the other hand, we golfed yesterday and there were 4 walkers ahead of us. While I applaud them for getting some exercise, they really held up the pace of the game. Especially with four walkers, why wouldn't they use a cart and then take a walk afterward off the course for some exercise?? Then, on the 8th hole they got lost and ended up trying to tee off on the 3rd hole again because they had no idea where they were. They didn't follow the cart path so they were wondering all over the course. They told us they were lost. we pointed them to the path and said "follow the yellow brick road". So you can imagine how backed up things got after that.

[nitehawk]

if the ambassadors kept the pace moving and had the authority or tell a group to skip a hole when they are slow - not saying you were wrong - either keep up or take up your ball and move on for slow players ---- please do not tell me i am retired and what is my hurry ----- well i have a shelf live and a lot of thing to do yet on my bucket list

[ncr2482]

Its a shame that what should,have been a delightful outing turned out to be not so good. Some of the ambassadors can be quite sticky. Maybe if they return in the summer, you can go enjoy your golfing day.

On the other hand, we golfed yesterday and there were 4 walkers ahead of us. While I applaud them for getting some exercise, they really held up the pace of the game. Especially with four walkers, why wouldn't they use a cart and then take a walk afterward off the course for some exercise?? Then, on the 8th hole they got lost and ended up trying to tee off on the 3rd hole again because they had no idea where they were. They didn't follow the cart path so they were wondering all over the course. They told us they were lost. we pointed them to the path and said "follow the yellow brick road". So you can imagine how backed up things got after that.

Residents, snowbirds and renters walk executive courses because they do not have to pay a trail fee to play the course. The choices are: pay the annual or semi-annual trail fee, a daily fee to use your cart or walk for free. That is way you see so many walkers this time a year.

[gomoho]

It's a full moon folks!

[DaleMN]

Personally, I never walk when playing golf; executive or regulation course. However, part of golf is excercise and walking is excercise.
People just get too upset over inconsequential issues. Chill out, life is good. :kiss:

[villagerjack]

Personally, I never walk when playing golf; executive or regulation course. However, part of golf is excercise and walking is excercise.
People just get too upset over inconsequential issues. Chill out, life is good. :kiss:

I agree. Been here 5 years, 99% of the time We finish within allotted time on exec. courses. Please be patient. We live on a golf course and saw a man playing that had an obvious stroke. We thought. HOW GREAT! What a wonderful community we live in. I think about people who may be a little slow because of health or other reasons whenever it may be a little slow which is not very often. The other day an entire thread was spent attacking Ambassadors who say nothing and thus one was politely giving hints to move on and HE gets attacked.,How can you win?

[villagerjack]

Residents, snowbirds and renters walk executive courses because they do not have to pay a trail fee to play the course. The choices are: pay the annual or semi-annual trail fee, a daily fee to use your cart or walk for free. That is way you see so many walkers this time a year.

Did you take a survey or do all these golfers have signs on them that say "We are walking because we do not want to pay the fee"? Majority of walkers are cognizant of time.

[graciegirl]

Residents, snowbirds and renters walk executive courses because they do not have to pay a trail fee to play the course. The choices are: pay the annual or semi-annual trail fee, a daily fee to use your cart or walk for free. That is way you see so many walkers this time a year.



Many folks walk because it is exercise.


I know Linda and husband are fit for a bunch of reasons and respectable golfers too who know their way around and the rules and etiquette and they keep the pace of play.

[villagerjack]

Many folks walk because it is exercise.


I know Linda and husband are fit for a bunch of reasons and respectable golfers too who know their way around and the rules and etiquette and they keep the pace of play.

I agree. I believe most walk to get exercise because most walkers appear physically fit...more so than me, a rider. Respect should be given, and usually is to all golfers and keeping the pace of pay is important, I agree but frankly it just does not bother me if it is a little slow. Taking in the beautiful surroundings on a nice day is just as enjoyable. We are all very fortunate to live or even visit The Villages.,

[billethkid]

Residents, snowbirds and renters walk executive courses because they do not have to pay a trail fee to play the course. The choices are: pay the annual or semi-annual trail fee, a daily fee to use your cart or walk for free. That is way you see so many walkers this time a year.

I know and play with a LOT of golfers for over 9 years here with folks who walk and not a single one of them do so to avoid the fees.

While we all are entitled to an opinion on the matter, but I fear you are in the minority who either belive the post or know.....my opinion.
btk

[ajbrown]

<stuff snipped by Alan from OP>

Our outing was totally ruined. And for what???? We still had to wait on every hole and so did the jerks behind us. I fault them and the smiling ambassador for delivering every complaint.

<stuff snipped by Alan from OP> ...

This is the part of the story that does not make sense to me. If I am waiting on every tee, I cannot imagine an ambassador asking me to pick up my pace.

I would have to ask him/her for an explanation, what am I supposed to do? :shrug:.

In addition, I likely would have a few messages of my own that he/she could deliver with a smile to the group behind me :D

[jebartle]

I'm a walker and usually waiting on cart riders....So surprised by ambassador's message, I'm very fortunate this has not happened to me....So sorry this happened to you Linda.




This is the part of the story that does not make sense to me. If I am waiting on every tee, I cannot imagine an ambassador asking me to pick up my pace.

I would have to ask him/her for an explanation, what am I supposed to do? :shrug:.

In addition, I likely would have a few messages of my own that he/she could deliver with a smile to the group behind me :D

[memason]

On the other side....

We've been playing and had the Ambassador stop by our group, while on the tee box and offer sand and water, as well as a friendly greeting. Then, he tells us we are 5 minutes behind the pace. In every case, we have been standing on the tee box of a par 3, with a group on the green...always on championship courses. We never say anything, since the statement is so absurd, we just have to laugh. They DO have a tough job, so we're always nice to them.

I actually like to have someone is front of me that causes me to wait a couple minutes [not 5 minutes, but a couple] between shots. It gives me time to collect my thoughts and plan my shot, without being rushed.

I know....It's just me and I'm probably in the minority on this one.

[justjim]

Did you take a survey or do all these golfers have signs on them that say "We are walking because we do not want to pay the fee"? Majority of walkers are cognizant of time.

Just a thought: I would like to see TV "experiment " with a couple of "walkers only" executive courses. Linda, sorry you and your group had such a bad experience. I'm sure you must be an excellent golfer who can hit from the black tees. Unfortunately, we see golfers everyday hitting from the wrong tees Because of ego instead of skill level. This slows up the entire course and as darkness falls over the golf course many golfers begin to lose their patience. No reason to use "foul language" for any reason----such a jerk! :(

[karostay]

People in a hurry shouldn't play golf...
Rounds of golf are like snow flakes no two alike

[George Bieniaszek]

I always thought that walkers play a round as fast or faster than those driving the golf carts. Reason being that they have all their clubs right there next to where the ball lands. Cart people on the paths have to make the added trip to and from their carts to the ball with their clubs. Probably walk almost as many steps. Played golf with my in-laws during the summer months here and they walked and we drove out cart and it seemed that they were waiting for us to shoot most of the time. We also finished at or before the regulation time for the round.

[Parker]

You would think that cussing and flipping people off would be a teenage problem. I see more and more 'Adults' with temper issues resorting to this type of behavior when aggravated. Sad.

[graciegirl]

This thread was about a reasonable person and her legitimate complaint.

We have side tracked the thread.

[wendyquat]

I've said it one and ill say it again: WHAT'S YOUR HURRY?

[shcisamax]

It must be the time of year when everyone is beginning to get annoyed. Yesterday, for the first time, I was annoyed on the course. We were watching a foursome tee off. They were on the black tee and I thought, "Oh boy, I am going to see some really good golf". Nope. Some had the distance but none ever got anywhere near the green. They never even got near the fairway. I watched balls flying completely onto other holes...After the 4th hole, we picked up and left. You really can't play golf when you want to scream. :)

[graciegirl]

...

[villagerjack]

It must be the time of year when everyone is beginning to get annoyed. Yesterday, for the first time, I was annoyed on the course. We were watching a foursome tee off. They were on the black tee and I thought, "Oh boy, I am going to see some really good golf". Nope. Some had the distance but none ever got anywhere near the green. They never even got near the fairway. I watched balls flying completely onto other holes...After the 4th hole, we picked up and left. You really can't play golf when you want to scream. :)

And where did you go?

[another Linda]

Oh, my. Such a lot to respond to! I don't really have time now, but a little clarification seems in order. First, the ambassador was not asking us to pick up the pace. There was nothing we could do to move things along as we waited on every hole. Regardless, the people behind did not want my BIL hitting any mulligans. Granted he was not his usual golfer self, but HE wasn't the one slowing things down. Given that, I say no one should care if he hits a 2nd ball or 50 if he doesn't slow things down. And I believe I should be the one to decide whether or not to hit from the blacks. Am I a great golfer? No. The art of chipping continues to elude me, and I can't putt my way out of a paper bag. But I can hit them long and straight (unless the ambassador is watching; then I blow it, hang my head, and move to gold.)

Sigh. It is a beautiful day, sun is out, temperature couldn't be better. I need to let it go. I just wish my BIL had had a better afternoon. It looks like his bucket list will have to be much shorter than any of us expected. None of us know what life holds for us or the 4-some on the next tee box.

[another Linda]

And if I want to walk, can keep up, whose business is it if I am doing it to save a few bucks!

(Oops. Sorry. That is the last of it.)

[er9027]

Every course including TV courses should have a reasonable pace of play time. If that time frame is being followed you should be ok. I would think that if the course is busy there shouldn't be a complete hole open ahead of you. Definitely not TWO. If so, pick up your ball or your pace of play. There are always exceptions if you have a lost ball. USGA rule --5 min limit. If your losing a ball on every hole you might want to play OLD balls and just drop one out. Have Fun and enjoy the game of golf !! My wife and I will be there in 4 days to check it out. Whoopee, I'm tired of winter up here. Keep the sun out please.

[shcisamax]

As a relatively new person to golf, I have been trying to be cognizant of the etiquette of golf which gets discussed frequently on this site and from which I have learned A LOT. I know now to pick up my ball when it refuses to go in the hole. :) I also learned, and correct me if I am wrong, to play from the correct tee. Never in a million years would I play the black even though on the executive courses, I can probably get the distance. I think my earlier comment was really about how cranky we are all getting...that for the first time, I got bent out of shape...it really isn't that big a deal...just noting that we all seem to be more ornery and less patient than usual.

[ajbrown]

Oh, my. Such a lot to respond to! I don't really have time now, but a little clarification seems in order. First, the ambassador was not asking us to pick up the pace. There was nothing we could do to move things along as we waited on every hole. Regardless, the people behind did not want my BIL hitting any mulligans. Granted he was not his usual golfer self, but HE wasn't the one slowing things down. Given that, I say no one should care if he hits a 2nd ball or 50 if he doesn't slow things down. And I believe I should be the one to decide whether or not to hit from the blacks. Am I a great golfer? No. The art of chipping continues to elude me, and I can't putt my way out of a paper bag. But I can hit them long and straight (unless the ambassador is watching; then I blow it, hang my head, and move to gold.)

Sigh. It is a beautiful day, sun is out, temperature couldn't be better. I need to let it go. I just wish my BIL had had a better afternoon. It looks like his bucket list will have to be much shorter than any of us expected. None of us know what life holds for us or the 4-some on the next tee box.


50 mulligans might be a wee bit excessive :1rotfl:, but I know what you are saying and I agree with you :thumbup:

[hoseman]

When my regular group wants to play fast, we use range balls. No hunting for balls, no going into back yards, etc.... Works great.

Or if a group behind is pressing, let them through. While they are taking their shots, borrow a couple of their clubs out of their bags. That will keep them busy for at least 20 mintues. Then you pass them as they are slowing up play

Or try stepping on their balls in the fairway as they pass through (golf balls that is).
Kidding above...not below:

I have also played 50 years, used to be very good, then I realized having fun and not keeping score is much more enjoyable. Oh yea, wear crummy clothes just to aggravate the self imaged so called professional hackers.

[graciegirl]

As a relatively new person to golf, I have been trying to be cognizant of the etiquette of golf which gets discussed frequently on this site and from which I have learned A LOT. I know now to pick up my ball when it refuses to go in the hole. :) I also learned, and correct me if I am wrong, to play from the correct tee. Never in a million years would I play the black even though on the executive courses, I can probably get the distance. I think my earlier comment was really about how cranky we are all getting...that for the first time, I got bent out of shape...it really isn't that big a deal...just noting that we all seem to be more ornery and less patient than usual.

I admit I am.

[nitehawk]

When my regular group wants to play fast, we use range balls. No hunting for balls, no going into back yards, etc.... Works great.

Or if a group behind is pressing, let them through. While they are taking their shots, borrow a couple of their clubs out of their bags. That will keep them busy for at least 20 mintues. Then you pass them as they are slowing up play

Or try stepping on their balls in the fairway as they pass through (golf balls that is).
Kidding above...not below:

I have also played 50 years, used to be very good, then I realized having fun and not keeping score is much more enjoyable. Oh yea, wear crummy clothes just to aggravate the self imaged so called professional hackers.

so you steal range ball --- then take someones club from there bag - I would wrap a club around you head --- just kidding :) do you wish you were a so called professional hacker

[PennBF]

We use to tell the players on our very high end golf course that the policy is to keep up with the person(s) ahead of you and not try to stay ahead of the person(s) behind you. The problem I see with TV golf course Embassador's or as we would say [Rangers] is that they are allegedly not trained properly. I can recall a round we just played and the Ambassador told us to move faster as the "2 some" behind us had caught up. Of course we had maintained our position by keeping up with the group ahead of us and because the schedule(s) allow for singles and 2 somes you can pretty much plan on being challenged. (It is interesting that a single actually does not have a position on the course.) The proper way to manage the course is to first note if there are open holes by the first group in the very front then to ask them to close the opening. And as they hopefully pick up speed to make sure the groups behind keep up with the groups ahead as the close up the holes.. Instead the typical Ambassador will note that a particular group is waiting and immediatley assume the group ahead must pick up their speed. That is NOT the solution if that group has stayed up with the ones ahead of them. The proper answer is to tell the Ambassador you are playing "right behind"
the group in front of you and that he/she should see what is holding up the total course..Unfortunately they will not understand this and continue to attack the wrong problem. That is the fault of the Golf Management for not providing the proper training of the Rangers. :ho:

[Challenger]

We use to tell the players on our very high end golf course that the policy is to keep up with the person(s) ahead of you and not try to stay ahead of the person(s) behind you. The problem I see with TV golf course Embassador's or as we would say [Rangers] is that they are allegedly not trained properly. I can recall a round we just played and the Ambassador told us to move faster as the "2 some" behind us had caught up. Of course we had maintained our position by keeping up with the group ahead of us and because the schedule(s) allow for singles and 2 somes you can pretty much plan on being challenged. (It is interesting that a single actually does not have a position on the course.) The proper way to manage the course is to first note if there are open holes by the first group in the very front then to ask them to close the opening. And as they hopefully pick up speed to make sure the groups behind keep up with the groups ahead as the close up the holes.. Instead the typical Ambassador will note that a particular group is waiting and immediatley assume the group ahead must pick up their speed. That is NOT the solution if that group has stayed up with the ones ahead of them. The proper answer is to tell the Ambassador you are playing "right behind"
the group in front of you and that he/she should see what is holding up the total course..Unfortunately they will not understand this and continue to attack the wrong problem. That is the fault of the Golf Management for not providing the proper training of the Rangers. :ho:

I agree with this post, however we keep talking but nothing changes. We need to engage with golf management ( or higher). Anyone have suggestions for action--not just endless ventind?:blahblahblah:

[Boudicca]

Last week we were playing Bonita Pass. We were all backed up and literally had no-where to go while waiting for the "train" to move along. We pulled away from the green, but there were carts parked waiting ahead of us also The folks behind US began hitting balls toward us in an attempt to make us "move along" With no Ambassadors in sight, I walked back to the impatient bunch, and politely explained that "No-one could go anywhere as we were all literally parked behind each other in a train" That seemed to defuse the situation, and I believe they were shocked that someone (me) had the nerve to walk back and "explain". All done with a smile and pleasant attitude, and no further balls came our way. Remember, in only a few more weeks, the crowds will thin. Think positively :)

[another Linda]

And we too were in a "train" situation. I believe everyone knew that. My question is, given that we could not move ahead, is it okay to hit mulligans and from whatever tee? I say why not but obviously the group behind us thought it was not okay.

[Mikeod]

And we too were in a "train" situation. I believe everyone knew that. My question is, given that we could not move ahead, is it okay to hit mulligans and from whatever tee? I say why not but obviously the group behind us thought it was not okay.

I don't think it is appropriate to hit mulligans even if the course is playing slow. Once a group starts a hole, I think they need to play the hole without delay. Yes, this means you will probably get to the next tee before or just after the group in front tees off. But that, to me, is where you can stop, chat, take a few practice swings, etc., while still allowing the group behind to start play on the hole. Remember that, to the group behind you, you are the group that is preventing them from starting play. They have little idea what is going on in front of you. All they know is that play is slow and someone in front is playing multiple shots from the same spot.

Having said that, I hope the ambassador made it clear he/she understood you did not have any room to play faster. I'm not sure why they made multiple visits to your group except that the group behind was commenting on the mulligans taken.

As far as the tees used, if you can hit the ball far enough to reach the green, or appropriate landing area on a par 4, use the tees you want. Unfortunately, there are too many here that insist on playing tees that are not realistic on both executive and championship courses.

[D&Lsunfun]

smoking and cell phones should be outlawed on the courses.
yesterday the ambassador informed us, that a group of men where complaining 3 groups behind us and he was telling all the groups including 2 in front of us to pick the game. look at the mess the smokers leave on the courses and tee boxes.

[spk7951]

And we too were in a "train" situation. I believe everyone knew that. My question is, given that we could not move ahead, is it okay to hit mulligans and from whatever tee? I say why not but obviously the group behind us thought it was not okay.


My two cents is no. Reason being is that when it does get backed up for the most part the group behind you is focused on what you in the group in front of them may be doing. This time of year I believe it is best to just move up and hit from the drop zone if you have an errant tee shot.

[NJblue]

I don't agree that walkers always slow the game down on executive courses. I have been paired with walkers many times and I can't think of a single time that those of us driving had to wait for the walker. More often than not, it was we in the carts who slowed things down because we had to walk a long way from the cart path to hit our ball - darn slices.

The only time I can see this being a problem are the few courses that are laid out such that the green of one hole and the succeeding tee box are far apart (Silver Lake comes to mind as well as the long walk to the second par 4 on Churchill Downs).

[PennBF]

It would be absolutely inappropriate to hit mulligans when waiting. It would be appropriate if there was a question if the first ball was lost. Regarding using "range balls" on most courses if a player is seen hitting a range ball on the course it is grounds to request the player to leave the course. :ho:

[Mikeod]

It would be absolutely inappropriate to hit mulligans when waiting. It would be appropriate if there was a question if the first ball was lost. Regarding using "range balls" on most courses if a player is seen hitting a range ball on the course it is grounds to request the player to leave the course. :ho:

I agree that range balls shouldn't be removed from the range and used on the course. Perhaps the poster was referring to shag balls/old, scarred balls that weren't worth retrieving.

[Nancydrew10]

I'm so glad I don't play golf!

[nitehawk]

I'm so glad I don't play golf!

Me-too

[dsned]

I would have asked the ambassador just where you were suppose to be?? You can not go faster then the people in front of you even if you have a race car!