[Mallory]

Just wondering how the figure of 20,000 households that are on the villages.net computerized tee time systems is calculated or verified?

[villages07]

Mallory.... that was just an estimate... may be way high, may be way low; there are almost 40,000 households in TV, so, just used half that for estimating purposes. Once all the Comcast people have to start paying for tee time system, the number of paid subscribers may drop.

Bogie... agreed, but, it was a face and a starting point. Given the intricate and somewhat secretive nature of villages-operated businesses, it may be a real challenge to actually find someone with answers who is willing to share.

As an aside, I started a list of all the businesses directly or indirectly owned or supported by the Villages developer....it fills up 2 columns on a piece of steno paper. A few examples.... libation stations at the Squares, golf cart store, katie belles, Daily Sun/VNN/WVLG, movie theatres, fitness centers, polo field, charter schools, bowling alley, championship golf, etc. Again, these are just a few. I am pro-Developer...I think they created a great concept here, do everything first class, and the risk they took earned them their rewards. But, it is a far and wide operation.... well beyond just selling new houses. Even after buildout, whatever and whenever that is, the Developer will continue to have a huge presence in this community.

[Mallory]

07 - Thanks. I'm sure it's a hard number to calculate. Most I know use it, but surprisingly some golfers don't even know the computerized system exists.

[aln]

____07

A good starting point for info would be the T-Time office on Wedgewood LN

Originally Posted by villages07

Mallory.... that was just an estimate... may be way high, may be way low; there are almost 40,000 households in TV, so, just used half that for estimating purposes. Once all the Comcast people have to start paying for tee time system, the number of paid subscribers may drop.

Bogie... agreed, but, it was a face and a starting point. Given the intricate and somewhat secretive nature of villages-operated businesses, it may be a real challenge to actually find someone with answers who is willing to share.

As an aside, I started a list of all the businesses directly or indirectly owned or supported by the Villages developer....it fills up 2 columns on a piece of steno paper. A few examples.... libation stations at the Squares, golf cart store, katie belles, Daily Sun/VNN/WVLG, movie theatres, fitness centers, polo field, charter schools, bowling alley, championship golf, etc. Again, these are just a few. I am pro-Developer...I think they created a great concept here, do everything first class, and the risk they took earned them their rewards. But, it is a far and wide operation.... well beyond just selling new houses. Even after buildout, whatever and whenever that is, the Developer will continue to have a huge presence in this community.

I have nothing against the Developer either; but, as you said, they have their hand in a lot of side businesses designed to pick up extra $$$$. You can add the furniture stores to the mix as well. When you add in this extra golf fee, its pretty obvious there's a bonus in there for them moneywise. I can see making some profit, but after awhile, it seems like its going overboard.

It isn't like our golf is cheap. If you're a single and play 3 times a week on the championship courses and have a priority membership the annual total comes to almost $5000 per year, or $9000-10,000 per couple. And that figure is based on the latest winter, fall and summer (golf in the morning) rates.

[retiredguy]

This is ridiculous. I have never paid a fee to my cable company or anybody else to do online T-times.

Yes, you can use the phone; however, if the convenience of using online is available, why the charge? I'm guessing Comcast and TV will be pointing fingers at each other.
What does that tell you !!

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by rekop

If you're a single and play 3 times a week on the championship courses and have a priority membership the annual total comes to almost $5000 per year

I think that sounds about right - I'm used to the $100 per week but up here it is only for 5 months. Holy crap I better start saving my pennies!

[tonycirocco]

The real problem is lack of competition.

Comcast being the only cable company in TV, can charge whatever they want.

We use Dish network...I think they have merged with the other satellite provider and will follow in Comcast's footsteps one of these days.



Tony C

[smalldog]

Small Dog Sez

just another fee added onto my free golf ..... wait, wait whose hand is that in my pocket again ........

[Midge538]

Maybe it would be appropriate to email Roger Kass who is President of our 'Village's Homeowners Assn.' The VHA might/should be able to provide a more detailed analysis and opinion re: this issue.

[Russ_Boston]

The $8 charge is not from Comcast. Dish/Direct vs. Comcast vs. Fios etc. is a separate issue. The $8 is called 'member services' from villages.net. You can access this from any internet connection once you are a member.

At least that is what I can gather from looking at the villages.net website.

[JTW]

I'd just like to thank you for pursuing this issue of the $8 added charge for the golf tee times in July of 09. It seems to me that everyone figures that there is no use in complaining to the folks in charge (I for one have written to support@thevillages.net which is an address that I was directed to) to voice my dissatisfaction with this additional charge, but I wish there was something more we ALL could do to insure that our voices and concerns are heard. I admire your resolve to contact those who make these decisions and let your opinion be counted. If you do find an email address or contact person that we can reach, please put that information on Talk of the Villages and maybe people like yourself will follow your lead and try to make a difference.

[texasfal]

I haven't had Comcast for about 2 years and I've been paying $6.00 per month so it's actually a $2.00 a month increase, and the $$ goes to TV.

I think it would be very tedious to use the phone system, when searching for tee times, or trying to fit in a group at certain times, as compared to using the internet where you can see at a glance what times are available. At home, where we paid much less for unlimited golf on a nicer course, we of course would just call the pro to get a tee time.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

I think that sounds about right - I'm used to the $100 per week but up here it is only for 5 months. Holy crap I better start saving my pennies!

Using the same logic, playing twice a week is $3400. Doesn't it depend on your personal choice of how many times a week you want to play and pay. One could be living in Orlando and paying $75 to $100 per round.Even comparable courses in our area are priced the same as TV.