[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]

Originally Posted by 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'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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

There are golf rules???

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

I think you meant to post "WRECK"

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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. (I was afraid he would be taking divots on a putting course)

[DonH57]

Originally Posted by 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.

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!

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by 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!

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]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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]

Originally Posted by Hape2Bhr

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”!