Originally Posted by Ignatz (Post 2358411)

Thankfully a lot of people feel differently about the value of the CW department and appreciate their efforts.

Originally Posted by UpNorth (Post 2357706)

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:

Originally Posted by Ignatz (Post 2358411)

Thankfully a lot of people feel differently about the value of the CW department and appreciate their efforts.

Originally Posted by GizmoWhiskers (Post 2358426)

"Free golf for life?" - I never saw that in an advertisement. Free if you WALK all the courses.

Free walking courses along with your Lifestyle monthly non-hoa fee that goes up about $10 per year.

Squirrel... They still advertising the Brownwood movie theater?

Nothing in life is truly free... including humans.

Originally Posted by Bruceg0028 (Post 2358489)

All you would do is open up higher costs. Amenity fee with a reduction now would continue to rise over time and you just gave the developer permission to raise green fees over time. 3-5 years down the road it would cost more not less.

Originally Posted by MandoMan (Post 2358410)

One thing I’ve realized, though, is that they have the same right to be there that I have, and part of my role as a participant is to encourage them, help them, make them feel valued, and make their time here happy. I’m thinking of some musicians who were frustrating for many of us, but they came every week and loved it. Then they were dead. What if I had said something that robbed them of their pleasure? We’re all in this together.

Originally Posted by kkingston57 (Post 2358382)

Personally like the idea.Appears that recently golf maintenanc budget is not sufficient. 1st thing this would do is that courses will have the money which would allow greens to be over seeded in the winter months.

Biggest problem is that too many people over use the exec courses. Met 1 guy who plays as many as 3, 9 hole rounds almost everyday and I am sure that there are others who do the same.

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki (Post 2357736)

Bad course conditions in season are due to incompetent maintenance

Originally Posted by BrianL99 (Post 2358502)

The Developer has nothing to do with Executive courses that are owned by the CDD's nor are there any "green fees" associated with Executive courses.

Apples & oranges.

Originally Posted by UpNorth (Post 2357706)

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:

Originally Posted by Bruceg0028 (Post 2358489)

All you would do is open up higher costs. Amenity fee with a reduction now would continue to rise over time and you just gave the developer permission to raise green fees over time. 3-5 years down the road it would cost more not less.

If you want to improve speed of play and course conditions is to make it a prerequisite to take a golfing 101 course to be able to make a tee time. While they offer a class it’s not required. People don't fix divots, ball marks. They drive where they shouldn’t and they have no concept of golf etiquette and ready golf. I had one round where I was waiting to hit up on number 9 and the group in front of us literally stood on the green after they were done and decided to just talk. Had no clue we were waiting for them to exit the green. Really!

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2358637)

Having played golf for the last 56 years I categorically reject that proposal. I suppose when Stewart Cink comes to visit his mom or Patrick Reed his grandparents they can't play until they go to golf school? Ridiculous. Give the ambassadors a bit more power and enforce the existing rules of golf and etiquette.