Lots of people walk the Executive golf courses to get exercise while they play, and use a pull cart to carry their bag of clubs. The courses have these pull carts available for those who want them.
Forget about the adjusting telescopic golf club, however. It will not work. Rules require that each golfer must have a minimal set of clubs (I'm not sure, but I think a set must include at least 5 clubs). And two golfers are not allowed to share one set of clubs. There are very good reasons for such rules.
Golf is usually played by sets of 4 players (foursomes). If you schedule a time for just the two of you, the other two slots will be filled in with people you don't know. Villagers are generally friendly, so this is generally not a problem as long as you follow proper protocols.

The suggestions are not relative to the rules in TV.

Even in the "non-snowbird" time of year when the Executive courses are not crowded, no one really appreciates a group of extremely slow golfers in front of them and the usual thing is the faster group will ask the slower ones if they can play through. Usually, it is a "Yes" and there is no problem for anyone.

If the OP and husband have never golfed and mainly just want to walk; there are miles of Multi-Modal trails used for walking, carts, and bikes. I personally would suggest that IF they do not want to learn golf.

However, if they do want to learn golf, it is a great idea to take a week's worth of lessons at Palmer or Tree Tops and also learn all the golf etiquitte and rules so everyone can enjoy the golfing experience of The Villages. Pick up a set of used clubs and very likely, they will become golfers - maybe not the best but having a great time playing in The Villages.

Just for discussion, not suggesting folks do this....
 

The OP brings up an interesting question. Why cannot a resident simply walk along? I am not suggesting anyone would want to do that, but just wondering for discussion sake, WHY NOT? They have paid their amenity. If you understand etiquette and rules as it relates to behavior on a golf course, have at it. In fact you can go walk Pelican almost any time this time of year, no one is ever there, it is the best kept secret in TV (shhhhh).

I also do not agree that there is such a thing as a minimum set of clubs. I see no reason I could not simply show up and play with a 7 iron, putter and 2 golf balls. In fact I do not really need a putter if I simply blade the 7 iron.

Sharing a set if different. There could be pace of play issues with that.

Anyway, not to be argumentative, just random thoughts while killing some time before I have to go clean up garage :icon_bored:

"why can't a resident simply walk along". Maybe because they would be taking up a tee time (important during the season) of someone who wants to play golf--- which I can assume is the purpose of a golf course. There could be a safety factor too. Walking around enjoying the beauty of the golf course and not paying attention to the golfing could result in a serious injury. Just a couple of reasons off the top of my head that you want golfers on a golf course.

In answer to your queation I would say the following. I believe that you would upst many people by doing what yuo suggest. The courses are extremely crowded especially during the season. I agree that gol courses areindeed beautiful. Possibly you couldwalk them before seven or aftereight pm. I had a friend who did that because she was not aware of the rulr. Sheeventually decided to take up golf andnow golfs twice a week. Shenever thought she would like it. I guess the reasoning is as follows: one wouid not walk on any other sports venue, so golf courses shold be creserves for golfers also. There is a track atttheHS that can be used.I also see people all over TV using thesidewalks .

Thank you
 

Thank you all for your feedback. I thought that this topic might get some folks upset. I feel everyone gave their ideas and that they were very polite. I do not reside in TV yet. We have taken the bus ride twice and will be coming for a Lifestyle visit hopefully in Dec. They haven't opened the schedule for Dec yet. I think we will start walking on the multimodal paths first. You posters have got me interested in golf now. Not high staked competitive golf, but for fun golf. Husband had back problems. This might might golf difficult for him.

Exercise the back
 

Andercat: Many of us play with a "bad back" and had to adapt our swing and expectations to accommodate the aging process. However, every back situation is a little different. There was a time when I was in a body cast for 10 weeks that I thought that I might not play golf again----point is don't immediately give up on your husband playing! Proper exercise and a reason to do the exercise can do wonders for your lifestyle and your back. Fore! :gc:

jistjim, I agree will all you have said and I am just having some fun discussing the hypothetical. To be clear in my hypothetical, the people walking along need to stay part of a golf group in their position on the course whether that group is a twosome or foursome and they should understand golf etiquette (***). IMO, if I have a club and more than 2 balls in my pants than I am a golfer.

If I decide that I will only putt on two greens all day and walk as part of the group the other holes, my hypothetical is that I have the same right to that tee time as the any resident even if play every hole...

*** - this may disqualify many of the folks already out there :evil6:

You could probably walk the Tierra del Sol course. No golfers there for a few months.

Correction: if you have more than two balls in your pants you might be a circus attraction too! Other than that, I agree with you.

Why can't residents just walk along with other residents who are golfing?
Not trying to be argumentative, but if you've ever been hit by a golf ball you'd know why. It doesn't feel real good.
One day I was playing with a guy who hit an errant shot off the tee and struck a course maintenance worker who was standing next to his mower on the far side of the cart path about 180 yards away. Hit him mid thigh and knocked him right down. And he didn't get up too quick either. Was still down when we got over to him to see how he was.
Regarding most activities, I find the Villages to be pretty laid back. You can do just about whatever you want, however you want. But no so with golf. It has fairly strict standards and protocols which are mostly there to promote the safety and enjoyment of everyone.

Spectators are allowed on TV courses. They do not take up a tee time and should generally remain near the bag of the person they are accompanying for safety reasons. If they are riding, they will be charged a trail fee. My spouse has walked/caddied executive courses with me and it has never been a problem.

People who are interested in walking for exercise are probably not interested in stopping at every hole while the group takes their shots. So I go back to my original thought of maybe very, very early or very, very late walking the course might work. Of course you run the risk of getting watered!

Walking on the championship courses after closing hours is considered trespassing. This is actually private property.

I don't know if walking on the executive courses is considered private property, but those living on the golf courses probably would not like people walking behind their homes late in the evening or early hours as well.

Plus, early hours is when the maintenance workers are out, no one should be on the paths interfering with their jobs.

What about dog walkers, golf carts out just for a ride after hours,
Those who want to practice putting, pitching or driving etc.

If you allow evening strollers on the courses, you are opening up this for other activities as well.