[VApeople]

We are planning to move to The Villages next year.

I am 70 years old and play a lot of golf and I love to practice short shots (40 yards or less) pitch shots, sand shots, and putting. Is there a course that will let me do that with my own golf balls? If not, is there a course that will let me practice these shots for a reasonable cost?

[Edjkoz]

I used to go over to the practice greens on Palmeto by the second hole, there is a lt of room for just such practice. However, the Ambassador told me I had to stop as they didn't want divots in the grass. It's a golf course, right?

[tomwed]

First off-Good move
It's a golfer's paradise down here.
Sarasota facilities are very good, as is Palmetto. If time is no object there are many opportunities to hit balls at twilight on many exec courses.
And maybe the best part is that it doesn't matter to anyone but yourself how well you play.

[fred53]

One: the only place to practice forty yard pitch shots are at the driving range and the Bonifay club(chipping areas only allow the club to go to waist height.)

Two: no exec course allows practicing on the course. If you aren't holding anyone up you might be allowed to hit a ball or three, but remember to fix your pitch marks and fill your divots. Yes there are people who sneak out after the starter leaves...they're irresponsible and feel entitled. If you move here to be that kind of person you will be questioned about it at some point...politely.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

There's what appears to be a short game practice area at the far end of The Sarasota Driving Range. You can see it on the corner of Morse and 466A.

I have no idea if you can use your own balls or what the charges are.

[tedquick]

As Fred53 said, "Bonifay". It is the best overall facility that I've found to date for your short game. Well, that is except for sand shots: not sure about that.

And you'll love it down here.

[DonH57]

There is also a practice bunker adjacent to the multi modal path running behind Nancy Lopez driving range.

[jebartle]

Behind Custom Golf at Palmer there is an area for sand shots, no ideal, but it is what it is!

[VApeople]

Thanks for all of your comments. I looked at the Google maps showing Bonifay and the Sarasota facility and I could see the practice areas you guys mentioned. Now I feel better about moving to The Villages.

I see a lot of carts at Sarasota and the short game area looks pretty chewed up, so it appears that I am not the only one who likes to practice. Maybe the management will realize that a lot of golfers like to practice and expand these facilities.

[Bay Kid]

Palmer has very good practice. I also like to miss the greens when playing the executive courses, then clipping for birdy. Also take aim for sand traps and do the same.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by VApeople

Thanks for all of your comments. I looked at the Google maps showing Bonifay and the Sarasota facility and I could see the practice areas you guys mentioned. Now I feel better about moving to The Villages.

I see a lot of carts at Sarasota and the short game area looks pretty chewed up, so it appears that I am not the only one who likes to practice. Maybe the management will realize that a lot of golfers like to practice and expand these facilities.

and...........maybe not.


Please come down here and rent awhile and see if you like it well enough to live here. I want happy people, yes I do.

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by jebartle

Behind Custom Golf at Palmer there is an area for sand shots, no ideal, but it is what it is!

I looked at the map for the Palmer course and I see a practice bunker to the right of the driving range. Is this the one you are referring to? It looks like it is kind of hidden behind some trees, which is not a bad idea since people like me sometimes hit some very odd shots out of bunkers.

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Please come down here and rent awhile and see if you like it well enough to live here.

You are exactly right, Gracie. We could not agree more.

After we sell our house, we plan to come to The Villages and rent. In the meantime, we are using this forum to learn more. For example, the many comments in the thread about the recent golf cart accident along Morse road has convinced us to definitely not buy a house on any street that feeds into Morse road north of 466.

[RErmer]

Glenview has 2 practice putting greens and on sand/chip practice area (but not from 40 yards out). Lopez has a practice chipping area, not sure how far back you can go (think about 20 yards)

[billethkid]

play the executive courses and use the green tees or drop out in the fairway.

There is no rule that states you must procede from a t box.