[tomwed]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I think it "against the rules" to play after the starter shack closes, but it certainly is done. It's quite possibly a liability issue.
Perhaps The Villages doesn't want golfers on the course unless they know they are golfing and the course is being regularly patrolled.
I think The Villages knows it's being done, especially by people who live on a golf course and just play a few holes.
By making it "against the rules", perhaps that negates The Villages liability.

Here's my theory. And correct me if I'm wrong. I don't feel like looking into it.
The champs are owned by the corp. Don't play those after hours or there will be consequences.
We own the execs. You are not supposed to play them but because we own them everyone will turn a blind eye.

I'm sorry Barefoot. It took a little time but that's what you said.

[fred53]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Gross overstatement imho.

Whether or not it might be technically against some rule or another, play is allowed. It's done so commonly in the summer that there is no doubt the powers-that-be know it happens. It's simply a no-harm-no-foul situation.

And I'm not really convinced it's against the rules. It's legal to play the champs after the shack closes in the summer. The Ambassador gives you a "receipt" when he crosses your path, and you go to the clubhouse to pay your green fees the next day...perfectly legal and sanctioned. And for residents who have paid their annual trail fees, I fail to see any difference for the Executives. You simply don't have to go pay your fees...they're already paid.

the problem all courses have is people trying to avoid paying to play. On the championship you aren't supposed to go on the course after the starter has left the shack...period. Yes if the ambassador sees you he/she may come up and give you something as a reminder to pay the next day...on the exec. courses you can go out after hours, but there are quite a few of them that haven't paid a trail fee and they too will be given something to remind them to pay it the next day. There are also people who go out to play after hours that are not Villagers, wearing inappropriate clothing(yeah I know some think it's not a big deal, but it's a rule and easy to abide by), with kids running all over the place, dog walkers(other than legit service dogs-and they are supposed to stay in the cart),& bicyclists to name a few.

Many of the after hours crowd really tear up a course and then the next day legit golfers pay the price. It's not right, so don't do it!

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by fred53

...Many of the after hours crowd really tear up a course and then the next day legit golfers pay the price. It's not right, so don't do it!

From my experience, no more so than golfers at any hour. But we agree totally...don't tear up the course...no matter where or when you play.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by tomwed

Call Tee Time office at 750-4558 like I did and ask them the rules.

As a matter of fact I did. And I called the pro shop of the course I wanted to play. And I called the golf administration office in MVP. All of them described to me the system I described earlier for playing after hours. So please stop trying to convince readers that these late-hour players are trespassers, et. Al. with less than your standard for moral character.



Not only have I called, but I've had discussions with folks at these offices, complimenting them on a system which generates revenue for the developer and allows legitimate, responsible players the opportunity to use the courses at times they would otherwise sit unused and empty...at a time of day considered by many, including me, to be the most beautiful time of day to play. These folks have fully agreed that it is a system valued by those who use it and does nothing but good...except for those who choose to see it otherwise.



I'm out. Have your last word.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

But, wait...........................only 80 posts!

See what I mean?
There sure many different ways to say the same thing!

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by tomwed

Here's my theory. And correct me if I'm wrong. I don't feel like looking into it.
The champs are owned by the corp. Don't play those after hours or there will be consequences.
We own the execs. You are not supposed to play them but because we own them everyone will turn a blind eye.

I'm sorry Barefoot. It took a little time but that's what you said.

Ill put up post #81. "WE" do NOT own the exec courses. They are owned by the district, the district makes the rules, and they are considered to be private property. The various country clubs simply supply warm bodies to collect fees, direct traffic, and attempt to maintain some semblance of order.

[tomwed]

Originally Posted by VApeople;1168***

Your answers have been very clear. Every player must check with the starter before teeing off. If there is no starter, it seems that play is still allowed, but the player must observe standard golf etiquette. No holding up other golfers, and no hitting an excessive number of practice shots.

Personally, I am glad The Villages takes their rules very seriously. Thanks for all of your responses.

60 plus responses from the usual Village's experts - still clear as mud. How about this idea - pick up the phone, dial 750 4558 = Tee Time office and ask the question.

I called the office, Jody answered and you are not allowed to play the execs after hours.

Here's the new problem. When PolarBear called they said you are allowed to play the execs after hours.

Wait a second. Give me a chance to get on my high horse. It was easier for me when I was younger. OK--I'm ready.


How much are you spending on this house? It seems to me you should be making all the phone calls since you are the one that has the most to gain or loose. Why don't you let us know what the operator tells you. I predict, you won't. That takes effort.

OK- i'm done. I'll get down now.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by tomwed

60 plus responses from the usual Village's experts - still clear as mud. How about this idea - pick up the phone, dial 750 4558 = Tee Time office and ask the question.

I called the office, Jody answered and you are not allowed to play the execs after hours.

Here's the new problem. When PolarBear called they said you are allowed to play the execs after hours.

Wait a second. Give me a chance to get on my high horse. It was easier for me when I was younger. OK--I'm ready.


How much are you spending on this house? It seems to me you should be making all the phone calls since you are the one that has the most to gain or loose. Why don't you let us know what the operator tells you.

OK- i'm done. I'll get down now.

I don't think it would matter if OP called them himself. Either a) the answer will be No, or 2) the answer will be Yes. Nobody at TV knows the real answer either! And TV frequently doesn't enforce its own rules. So just try it. It's easier to beg forgiveness than seek permission. I saw a "house for sale" sign along El Santiago last week. That has big holes, though, so you might not like it.

if you buy a golf course house, you might get to play after hours, and you might not. But you'll still have a lovely view.

[tomwed]

Originally Posted by CFrance

I don't think it would matter if OP called them himself. Either a) the answer will be No, or 2) the answer will be Yes. Nobody at TV knows the real answer either! And TV frequently doesn't enforce its own rules. So just try it. It's easier to beg forgiveness than seek permission. I saw a "house for sale" sign along El Santiago last week. That has big holes, though, so you might not like it.

if you buy a golf course house, you might get to play after hours, and you might not. But you'll still have a lovely view.

I read every pdf I could find on golfing in the villages. I would think it would be in writing someplace, but it's not or I couldn't find it.

[rustyp]

I am finding this thread fascinating. I can't figure out if these posts are for real or are you all just tweaking each other ? At the end of the day a reasonable adult would come to the conclusion for executive golf 1. if the starter is there - check in. 2. If the starter is not there (pretty rare at this time of year) go play. Make sure you have you Villages ID and if on a golf cart your trail fee is up to date. Don't cut in front of anyone and respect the course as you normally would. I doubt if anyone is going to Villages Jail for acting in this manner. FYI - the starter times were lengthened several years ago due to this very subject except what was happening was non resident people were coming in after hours and jumping onto the courses. Although I have not gone out after hours in the past several years I used to before the starter time was lengthened. Often an ambassador would show up out of nowhere and ask to see your ID. Also ask if your trail fee was paid. If yes to A and B the usual have a nice day was the response.

Now if we are going to tweak - can you deduct the bond off your taxes ?

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by rustyp

I am finding this thread fascinating. I can't figure out if these posts are for real or are you all just tweaking each other ? At the end of the day a reasonable adult would come to the conclusion for executive golf 1. if the starter is there - check in. 2. If the starter is not there (pretty rare at this time of year) go play. Make sure you have you Villages ID and if on a golf cart your trail fee is up to date. Don't cut in front of anyone and respect the course as you normally would. I doubt if anyone is going to Villages Jail for acting in this manner. FYI - the starter times were lengthened several years ago due to this very subject except what was happening was non resident people were coming in after hours and jumping onto the courses. Although I have not gone out after hours in the past several years I used to before the starter time was lengthened. Often an ambassador would show up out of nowhere and ask to see your ID. Also ask if your trail fee was paid. If yes to A and B the usual have a nice day was the response.

Now if we are going to tweak - can you deduct the bond off your taxes ?

If the tax man is watching, no.....................if he is not, yes......................

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by rustyp

I am finding this thread fascinating. I can't figure out if these posts are for real or are you all just tweaking each other ? At the end of the day a reasonable adult would come to the conclusion for executive golf 1. if the starter is there - check in. 2. If the starter is not there (pretty rare at this time of year) go play. Make sure you have you Villages ID and if on a golf cart your trail fee is up to date. Don't cut in front of anyone and respect the course as you normally would. I doubt if anyone is going to Villages Jail for acting in this manner. FYI - the starter times were lengthened several years ago due to this very subject except what was happening was non resident people were coming in after hours and jumping onto the courses. Although I have not gone out after hours in the past several years I used to before the starter time was lengthened. Often an ambassador would show up out of nowhere and ask to see your ID. Also ask if your trail fee was paid. If yes to A and B the usual have a nice day was the response.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Now if we are going to tweak - can you deduct the bond off your taxes ?

Aw, rustyp, you sound like you know stuff. You know the answer to that question in your last sentence...........

NO. (sigh) And if it is not NO, we need to know. But I know it is NO. Seems like it should not be NO. I do not know why it is NO. Maybe somebody will explain why. All I know is we operate under the tax advice of NO.

So what do I win for knowing the answer is NO.

Boomer

[tomwed]

Originally Posted by Boomer

So what do I win for knowing the answer is NO.

Boomer

No thing.

[Freddy Bear]

Contrary to many Villagers beliefs, "walking on" to an Executive or Championship golf course is trespassing! The courses are privately owned and you could be arrested. However, by getting a tee time (which only Village residents and their guests can do on Executive courses) allows you play a round of golf on the selected course under the guidance of the course Starter and the course Ambassador. Playing on any golf course in The Villages is very closely monitored by the Starters and Ambassadors and if you are caught walking on you will be asked for your Village ID (and for guest passes) by the Ambassador, and Ambassadors usually work later than Starters. Your ID number will be checked by the next morning and any trail or guest fees due must be paid or you could lose your golfing privileges for a period of time (yes this actually happens). If you refuse to leave the golf course, the Ambassador could call the police and have you arrested for trespassing. The bottom line is: Nobody is allowed on a Villages golf course unless they have a registered starting time, and a resident ID or guest or spectator pass on Executive courses.

[Mikeod]

With all the varied and contradictory posts about playing on the execs after the starter leaves, I decided to contact GMS to find out the actual policy. Here's a quote from their reply that sums it up. It refers to the fact that at this time of year, there is little light after the starter leaves to play, so it is mostly a summer thing, but the answer still applies now.

"All residents are welcome to start on the 1st tee after 7:00, we do have roaming Ambassadors that check ID's for those that start after 7:00. We do not encourage or want folks to start in the middle of the course."