[OnTrack]

Originally Posted by BarryRX

I have always wondered why golf courses (not just in TV) don't give a discount when conditions are poor due to necessary maintenance.

I agree.

I have played courses where they do that, with no appreciable loss in revenue...but a big boost in loyalty.

It could be that our courses just figure they have a captive audience, thereby fostering the arrogant attitude of..."If you don't like it, go somewhere else."


.

[nitehawk]

The golf courses in upstate ny are the best i have ever seen-them lush green fairways, and the greens weathered the winter in great condition - paid no more then $30 for the top courses - weather has been great cool nights and in 70s and sunny in the day. Trees have their spring green leaves and the air is fresh and clean - no humidity

[glencus]

Originally Posted by OnTrack

I agree.

I have played courses where they do that, with no appreciable loss in revenue...but a big boost in loyalty.

It could be that our courses just figure they have a captive audience, thereby fostering the arrogant attitude of..."If you don't like it, go somewhere else."


.

I'll add a little fuel to the fire. Played Lopez today, just 3 weeks after the course was managed to be in pristine conditions for the LPGA Legends tournament. In a short three weeks, they have turned an LPGA tournament venue into a pasture for the residents to play. The greens, a couple weeks after aeration are bare and awful.. Looks like they haven't been watered since the old ladies left. Ditto the fairways. Why is it that conditions can be so exceptional for the LPGA ladies and so ****ty for us residents who pay the damn bills. Talk to the powers that be and all you will get is BS excuses that far to many residents, in their lack of wisdom, readily accept.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by jrheydt

Played Mallory on Friday- Virginia to Amelia. Fairways were very good. Greens were still recovering from aeration. A little bit bumpy.

John

John - Not scheduled for aeration until 5/31.

Those conditions are caused by their attempt to kill weeds etc. There was a link to an explanation in an earlier post. Looks to me like it also has to do with the tire tracks of the vehicle used to put down the weed killer. All the really bumpy parts were in absolutely straight lines across the greens. Awful (at least last Wednesday on Caroline)

http://www.golfthevillages.com/championship-golf/maintenance.asp?course=MALLORY HILL

[nitehawk]

Originally Posted by glencus

I'll add a little fuel to the fire. Played Lopez today, just 3 weeks after the course was managed to be in pristine conditions for the LPGA Legends tournament. In a short three weeks, they have turned an LPGA tournament venue into a pasture for the residents to play. The greens, a couple weeks after aeration are bare and awful.. Looks like they haven't been watered since the old ladies left. Ditto the fairways. Why is it that conditions can be so exceptional for the LPGA ladies and so ****ty for us residents who pay the damn bills. Talk to the powers that be and all you will get is BS excuses that far to many residents, in their lack of wisdom, readily accept.

i mentioned he word "pasture" and got jumped all over by the kool-aiders -- I should not call one of our wonderful courses a cow pasture with sand traps -i was complaining about the new courses with no design and cheaply made club houses that look like key west

[mickey100]

I wasn't too impressed with the newer courses. If I never place Evans Prairie again it will be too soon. We have been in a drought, and there are water restrictions, so I give the powers that be a little understanding. But, we all know that drought or not, Palmer will be pristine once it recovers from aerification. And coincidentally it will be the most expensive. All in all, we haven't found the courses here to be any great shakes. I guess it depends what you're used to playing on and paying for. I agree that the courses in northern NY are much, much better for cheaper prices. But they are only good for about 4 months/year. Its got to be hard to maintain courses here that get such high play in Jan - april, then the scorching heat of the summer. We are a captive audience, though, and they certainly take advantage of it. There are some much nicer courses outside The villages if you feel like driving.

[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by mickey100

I wasn't too impressed with the newer courses. If I never place Evans Prairie again it will be too soon. We have been in a drought, and there are water restrictions, so I give the powers that be a little understanding. But, we all know that drought or not, Palmer will be pristine once it recovers from aerification. And coincidentally it will be the most expensive. All in all, we haven't found the courses here to be any great shakes. I guess it depends what you're used to playing on and paying for. I agree that the courses in northern NY are much, much better for cheaper prices. But they are only good for about 4 months/year. Its got to be hard to maintain courses here that get such high play in Jan - april, then the scorching heat of the summer. We are a captive audience, though, and they certainly take advantage of it. There are some much nicer courses outside The villages if you feel like driving.

One thing I understand, but don't understand, is the summer after hours play. With all the play the courses get, and during the hottest time of the year, wouldn't it be better to let the courses rest those hours in the late afternoon and evening? I know it gives some residents an opportunity to play the "big" courses at a reduced rate, but at what cost to conditions.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by mikeod

One thing I understand, but don't understand, is the summer after hours play. With all the play the courses get, and during the hottest time of the year, wouldn't it be better to let the courses rest those hours in the late afternoon and evening? I know it gives some residents an opportunity to play the "big" courses at a reduced rate, but at what cost to conditions.

Ouch!! You've hit a sensitive spot.

Late afternoon and evening during the summer is my absolute #1 preferred time to play. Fewer crowds, beautiful late-day sunshine/sunsets. And from my experience, I don't think the amount of play during that season/time-of-day has any adverse impacts on the courses.

[glencus]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Ouch!! You've hit a sensitive spot.

Late afternoon and evening during the summer is my absolute #1 preferred time to play. Fewer crowds, beautiful late-day sunshine/sunsets. And from my experience, I don't think the amount of play during that season/time-of-day has any adverse impacts on the courses.

The pocketbook is king!

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by mikeod

One thing I understand, but don't understand, is the summer after hours play. With all the play the courses get, and during the hottest time of the year, wouldn't it be better to let the courses rest those hours in the late afternoon and evening? I know it gives some residents an opportunity to play the "big" courses at a reduced rate, but at what cost to conditions.

I totally agree. I remember times when it is so hot and we haven't had rain, where you see where the golf cart tire tracks on the fairways has burned and scorched the grass. Sure seems like they'd be trying to limit play, instead of encouraging it. And to be honest, it bothers me that I pay the big $$ for a priority membership, and people who don't pay the priority membership fees, and many times are beginner type golfers who have no clue about filling divots, repairing ball marks etc, are allowed to play for reduced rates.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by mickey100

And to be honest, it bothers me that I pay the big $$ for a priority membership, and people who don't pay the priority membership fees, and many times are beginner type golfers who have no clue about filling divots, repairing ball marks etc, are allowed to play for reduced rates.

Huh? I know lot's of snowbirds who are single digit players who do pay priority since they don't get enough play in to make it break-even. I don't play much during the winter and actually prefer the spring/summer/fall golf due to lower rates and much lower crowds. Winter time I prefer off-campus. I'm not a beginner or have no clue about divots etc. (I hover around a 10 handicap). Not sure what your beef is. Priority is to get a better chance at tee times and it gives you a break on the green fees (more in winter, less in summer) - PERIOD. This is not class warfare.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by mickey100

...I totally agree. I remember times when it is so hot and we haven't had rain, where you see where the golf cart tire tracks on the fairways has burned and scorched the grass. Sure seems like they'd be trying to limit play, instead of encouraging it...

Whoa...I am NOT talking about riding. Walking summer evenings is the best. No reason to limit that IMHO. I don't want tire tracks on the course any more than you do. :^)

[Mikeod]

Whoa! I didn't intend to take the conversation off topic. We are talking about course conditions and my point was, as Mickey pointed out, that when the course is stressed due to heat, drought, or whatever, that adding more players per day cannot help improve the conditions. Given enough rain with reduced play in the summer, after hours play is a great opportunity for residents to enjoy the courses.

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by chuckster

IMHO....Disagree with Glenview greens as stated....played Stirrup to Talley today and greens in good shape.

If I had not read this post, I would have not played Glenview. I played the same two nines this morning and thought the greens were very playable. Much better than what I was told.

Thanks you Chuckster.

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by mikeod

Whoa! I didn't intend to take the conversation off topic. We are talking about course conditions and my point was, as Mickey pointed out, that when the course is stressed due to heat, drought, or whatever, that adding more players per day cannot help improve the conditions. .

Exactly. Thank you for stating it better than I seemed to.