[Suzi]

Originally Posted by russtcc

Seems like a few are cranky about this. I've played for golf for 48 years down to a 4 handicap in the past. I play the ball down and follow all the rules. I will play the regulation hole. But my wife who let me play all those years is a novice. I'm sure she will enjoy playing with the larger hole. I appreciate the Villages giving it a try on some of the executive courses.



If you don't like it don't play on the courses that have it. I think there are plenty of courses to play. I'm betting a lot will find it fun. Fun is why we moved to the Villages.

I'm pretty new to the game and doubt I have enough years left on earth to get decent with it. I moved to TV for fun and would like to try the 6" holes golf. Are there not enough courses for those who golf good to play on that they might deny a couple of easier courses for us beginners? I resent being referred to "miniature golf" status just because I would like to TRY the 6" holes. Really?

[Bay Kid]

Originally Posted by Suzi

I'm pretty new to the game and doubt I have enough years left on earth to get decent with it. I moved to TV for fun and would like to try the 6" holes golf. Are there not enough courses for those who golf good to play on that they might deny a couple of easier courses for us beginners? I resent being referred to "miniature golf" status just because I would like to TRY the 6" holes. Really?

Keep the golf courses real. If it isn't working for anyone to hit the hole take lessons.

[Happy Villager 1]

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer

My question is revelent to your words. You state Todd Basso, "golf operations manager for the Villages" has ordered etc ........ We the residents actually are the owners of nearly all of the executive golf courses, so why is Todd Basso the golf operation manager the private company "GOLF MANAGMENT SOLUTIONS" the company owned by Ken Creely making decisions for courses you and I own???? I am opposed to any decision like this that degrades the ancient rules of golf. This is really a stupid idea. My solution for the person who likes the 6 inch hole idea, is simple, any ball that is within 1 inch of going in the hole can be determined to be "in the hole".

Warren I'm by no means an expert on how our system works but I believe we are only residents of this community and as such do not own any of the recreational facilities which include the executive golf courses. I say this because in my purchase agreement, page 5 of 8, it states: Purchasers of Homesites further agree, by the acceptance of their deeds and the payment of the purchase price therefor, acknowledge that the purchase price was solely for the purchase of their Homesite or Homesites, and that the owners, their heirs, successors and assigns, do not have any right, title or claim or interest in and to the recreational areas, security facilities, dedicated or reserved areas or facilities contained therein or appurtenant thereto, by reason of the purchase of their respective Homesites, it being specifically agreed that, (1) the Developer, its successors and assigns, is the sole and exclusive owner of the areas and facilities, and (2) the Contractual Amenities Fee is a fee for services and is in no way adjusted according to the cost of providing those services."
It goes on to further state: "Developer reserves the right to enter into a Management Agreement with any person, entity, firm or corporation to maintain and operate the portions of the Subdivision in which the Developer has undertaken an obligation to maintain, and for the operation and maintenance of the recreational areas, security facilities, and dedicated or reserved areas. Developer agrees, however, that any such contractual agreement between the Developer and a third party shall be subject to all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Declaration. Upon the execution of any Management Agreement, Developer shall be relieved of all further liability hereunder".

[gustavo]

Originally Posted by billlaur

what a gr8 idea,make it easier for all, more people would play and have a much better attitude,more hole in ones...this is fabulous,all courses should be done that way...

I vote to make the whole green the hole, that way there will be a lot of holes in one and everyone will have a chance to be special.

[Indydealmaker]

I am a little puzzled by this experiment. Putting is the easiest part of the whole game.

[TheVillageChicken]

Next thing you know, pitchers won't have to bat in the American League.

[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by Indydealmaker

I am a little puzzled by this experiment. Putting is the easiest part of the whole game.

I agree. You can put almost anyone on a green, and they will get the hang of putting in a short time. That's not to say they will make every putt, but they will soon learn how to swing the putter to move the ball toward the hole.

As far as pace of play, most beginners have more trouble getting to the green than they have on the green. On the other hand, it seems the more experience/skill a golfer achieves, the slower they are on the greens.

I really cannot see enough benefit to make this a plus for anyone. I would rather see them provide a free/inexpensive set of group lessons to introduce people to the game to include swing fundamentals and etiquette.

[mulligan]

This really has to be an April Fool's joke. I find it hard to believe that the golf management people would even be engaged in a discussion about changing the hole size.

[gustavo]

Originally Posted by Indydealmaker

I am a little puzzled by this experiment. Putting is the easiest part of the whole game.

If you were joking, I get it. If not, I would humbly disagree. Although the mechanics of the putting stroke are simple, green reading, pace, the mental aspects are by no means easy. Most great golfers who felt they could no longer compete left competitive golf because of degraded putting. I can hit a 250 yard drive down the middle or hit a 180 yard drive into the right rough. Can still make par in either situation. A missed 3 foot par putt is gone forever.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by mulligan

This really has to be an April Fool's joke. I find it hard to believe that the golf management people would even be engaged in a discussion about changing the hole size.

I thought this was an experiment suggested by the Head of the PGA.
And that it was going to be tried at 100 golf courses across the USA and Canada.
If that is the case, I'd think the Golf Management People would be discussing it.
Especially since there are a lot of older newbies moving to TV and trying the game for the first time.
Wouldn't it make sense to try a pilot on some of the easier Level 1 and 2 courses?

I'm not saying I like the concept .. but it is only an experiment.

.

[Mallory]

This is just the third installment of the initiatives started a few years ago by the USGA. They were initially brought forward by Tom Weiskopf and have been championed recently by Jack Nicklaus. If you are a USGA member or get their communications this is not new to you. The first initiative was the play it forward idea of playing from the tee that matched your abilities. Here in TV this resulted in the yellow, forward tees on the championship courses. The second initiative was about faster play and brought about the "while we're young" commercials. This is just the third step in that USGA program.

If you have a complaint, take it to the USGA and or the R&A.

[TheVillageChicken]

As evidenced by this Q & A with the current USGA president, the organization is careful to point out that the larger holes will not be considered golf, but rather a similar game that might lead folks to golf and is not a USGA initiative.


Q. This is for Tom. I wonder if you could talk a little bit about the USGA's perspective on the movement to have -- play outside the rules for beginners, alternative golf formats. How does the USGA look upon that when the goal is to help grow the game?

TOM O'TOOLE, JR. : Well, there have been some initiatives recently and one currently that contemplate larger holes and different implements in balls. You know, our view is that if these programs or these initiatives will ultimately draw people to our game, then that's a good thing. We're not going to call them golf, nor are we going to bring them in our governing of what we do in golf, nor will we have them operate under our golf rules, equipment standards.
So I think some of these things that would enhance or entice people to play golf by playing a different game, that's perfectly okay with us.

[zonerboy]

This issue has nothing to do with The Villages.
The powers that be in the word of golf have noted in recent years definite downward trends in both the number of people who play golf and the number of rounds played. They are looking for things they can do to stimulate interest in the game.
They need to address the facts that the game is quite difficult, it's expensive, and it requires a goodly amount of time.

[chvlt57]

Lots of thoughts, hope this extra hole does not get in the way of my first ever legitimate hole in one.

Probably proposed by the same people who forced Amberwood into shortening the par 4 & 5!!!

Originally Posted by alwann

Instead of making the holes larger, how about making the greens putt-able? The greens on many of our executive courses are in sad shape. The fairways and rough are pretty bad too on a lot of them.

The only fairways on the executive courses are par 4's. Par 3's are tougher if you don't hit the greens