Executive Golf - What if?
 

Years ago, one of The Villages' advertising pitches was "Free Golf For Life". I'm sure that may have convinced many of you to buy into the community. But perhaps that could be the reason for lack of tee times during the high season, and poor executive golf course conditions. So, let's take a look at this alternative idea - open for discussion:

Executive golf costs (let's say) $10 per round. This would likely reduce the amount of marginal and casual social golfers who only play because it is "free". This would make more tee times available during the high season. And if you book your tee time and don't show up, it still costs you $10. No refunds unless you show up for a credit.

To compensate for the above, the amenity fee gets reduced for all. How much? Maybe $30- $40 per month? Don't know. But it would certainly appreciated by golfers and non-golfers alike.

In addition, the $10 per round fee covers the so-called "trail fee". You can walk the course or drive your cart on the paths at no extra charge.

Perhaps the fees collected could provide superior course conditions. Plenty of room for improvement.

A good booking website is all you need to manage the payment system. GolfNow has been doing it for years.

The $10 fee and amenity fee reduction above are just guesses on my part. Someone would need to balance the figures. But perhaps this would provide a better experience for Executive Golf, for golfers and non-golfers alike.

"Free Golf For Life"? Or better Executive Golf? Open for discussion:

Absolute non-starter.
No way will the majority of people pay for Executive golf.
Non, Niet, Nein, Nada, Ugui..........!

Nope

Wouldn't work. Current residents would have to be grandfathered in.

Lots of grandfathers in TV.

Bad course conditions in season are due to incompetent maintenance

Never happen. I don't know the true cost of an exec round, but last year one of our county commissioners posted the breakdown of monthly amenity fees. If I remember, exec golf received $5.90/ month. It might have been $7.90, but it was single digits and nowhere near $30-40. Now, how many people do you think would be happy to pay $10/ round for something they are getting for $5.90/month????? And if implemented, reneging on "free golf for life", and enough people were put off that tee times significantly opened up, what do you think will happen to your property value???

I doubt it would/could ever happen, but I’m not entirely against the concept. Ten dollars per round would be well worth it if it actually resulted in better/more consistent conditions, easier to get midday t times during busy season, and faster play.

Even at $1 per round it would chase some marginal players away. Right now it is "Freeloader Golf".

True, but how many people picked up the game after moving here, and enjoy it?

It’s hardly freeloader golf if they are paying the amenity fee.

Interesting concept. It could be the start of a broader pay to play. Pickle ball at $5/hr (and pay for your own pickle balls), rec center meeting rooms at $25/night, pools at $10/visit, billiards at $5 per session and other outdoor activities at $5/hr. It would reduce our amenity fees and seriously free up recreation facilities. (I'm pulling your leg actually).

Sorry terrible idea

I didn't realize the goal of exec golf was to "chase marginal players away". It seems that the suggestion appears to be that "better" exec players should more of a right to getting the tee time they want over "lesser" players or beginners

That is NOT the spirit of this great game.

I don't play exec courses but from my point of view I can only laugh at those who think because they are better than others on exec courses that somehow they are Jack Nicklaus.

Let's engage in some reductio ad absurdum: Let's create a hierarchy of handicaps for full size courses. 0-5 get the best tee times, then 6-10, 11-15 and 16-20. Over 20 can only play on rainy days or get kicked over to an exec course. Shoot over 100 and you have to go to remedial golf school. Break a rule and you're banned for 2 weeks.

You see, there is only one best amateur golfer in The Villages so he should always play when he wants and have the right to kick anyone else off their tee time.

It's pretty clear where I was going with this, but there are doubts I'll be happy to play you from the black tees at Glenview or Tierra for say $1,000 per hole

$10 per round for a reduction of $40 in amenity fees? I play approximately 15 rounds per month. I'd end up paying more.


Sounds like a government plan.

and it's nowhere near $40/month

What is your handicap? If I break 100 on a championship course I am elated. And if I play an 18 holes of executive golf, I am excited if I shoot my age!