[MrChip72]

Golf is declining slightly overall. I definitely see it "up north" where at least a dozen courses that I used to play have been turned into residential subdivisions.

Number of golf courses and country clubs US 2022 | Statista

The golf simulators are extremely popular though. I know some Millennials that are into golf and they prefer the simulators since they can go out and play a round after work when it's pitch black outside and you can easily get a round of 18 with two people done in just over 90 minutes and only pay $20/hour to play.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by MrChip72

Golf is declining slightly overall. I definitely see it "up north" where at least a dozen courses that I used to play have been turned into residential subdivisions.

Number of golf courses and country clubs US 2022 | Statista

The golf simulators are extremely popular though. I know some Millennials that are into golf and they prefer the simulators since they can go out and play a round after work when it's pitch black outside and you can easily get a round of 18 with two people done in just over 90 minutes and only pay $20/hour to play.

This is the NEW golf.

Golf courses are becoming obsolete, although I'm not sure there are any quality facilities at $20/Hour.


Coming to a Simulator Near You

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[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

I think that golf, popularity (or not) notwithstanding, is definitely a niche sport; that niche being primarily Caucasians with ample time on their hands and money (sometimes, a lot of money) to throw at their hobby for things like green fees, satisfactory equipment and in many cases, lessons. Tiger Woods did a lot to change that, but IMO golf is still seen as a rich old white guy sport.

So what? Is there a point there?

[MrChip72]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

This is the NEW golf.

Golf courses are becoming obsolete, although I'm not sure there are any quality facilities at $20/Hour.

The $20/hour ones that I've seen are unmanned and open 24 hours. You have to sign up for a 10 hour package to get the $20 rate.

[westernrider75]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

There are some folks on here, I hardly ever agree with.

That said, the above is 100% accurate.

The Villages has more than sufficient golf for it's population. The problem seems to be the entitled attitude of golfers.

I play golf at least 5 times/week. I play the courses I want to play, when I want to play them (Championship only). I have never, ever had a problem booking a golf time, within 30 minutes of my desired time and never had to drop to 3rd on my list of course preference.

As noted, you can't expect to book a group of 20-30 players, during prime time, in primed season.

Most every private country club in the world, limits "guests" during prime time. Most every private country club, limits "group" bookings in prime time.

Having been in TV for 3 years and having spent 30+ years around golf clubs, both as a member and in management, it's perfectly clear to me, what the problem is in TV. "Entitlement" and "groups".

Groups are the biggest pain in the butt in the golf world. They play slow, they all have a habit of putting their slowest players in the last group and they drive Starters crazy, with switching around players/foursomes.

In my opinion, if you want to book a group with more than 1 foursome, you should be relegated to non-prime time during peak season. Before 9-10 am or after 2 pm. That's how it works in country clubs around the USA, why do Villagers think they're special and expect more than you can get in the real world.

Per capita, The Villages has more golf courses than any state in the USA. Per capita, it has more "holes" of golf, than the most prolific golf area in the USA (Naples area).

Golf Courses Per Capita - GolfBlogger Golf Blog

Just a moment...

I’m pretty certain the average golfer in The Villages does not desire or have the funds to play the championship courses 5 times per week, probably why you can get your desired tee times.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by westernrider75

I’m pretty certain the average golfer in The Villages does not desire or have the funds to play the championship courses 5 times per week, probably why you can get your desired tee times.

At lowest $$ courses with cost changes during high season and summer, faithfully playing 5 days a week 52weeks a year around $13,000 give or take few dollars. Many live for golf as their only entertainment. My guess is 60-70% have the entertainment funds of $10,000 and up. Probably choose not to throw it all in one basket.

I do know many who play 2 executives a day, averaging 4-7 days a week. No extra funds needed except for trail fees. Most of our circle plays championship 3 days a week. Not because of money issues just lack of time, and weather

[Black Beauty]

Convert some tennis courts to pickelball

[Marathon Man]

I don't understand why yet another thread was started on this. In case some didn't hear about it - Additional golf courses are currently under construction. Lots of new holes will be open.

[SHIBUMI]

Went to the ER recently, they said the majority of injuries in the Villages is from playing pickle ball. Golf injuries fell behind bocci, hacky sack, shuffleboard, and knitting class. Picklers may need to drop back to Ping Pong, its smaller version, to stay healthy.

[SHIBUMI]

Simulators are not real golf. Its millennials wanting anything technology that you can drink more to. And they will be successful like top golf. Its good though as it keeps these folks off the real golf courses.

[Topspinmo]

At end of day the villages have plenty of golf. When you advertise something for free you get lot of cheapskates.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Black Beauty

Convert some tennis courts to pickelball

Covert some golf courses to apartments.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by westernrider75

I’m pretty certain the average golfer in The Villages does not desire or have the funds to play the championship courses 5 times per week, probably why you can get your desired tee times.

Nor the skill.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

So what? Is there a point there?

Yep, plenty of golf in villages.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Rich Iwaszko

Went to the ER recently, they said the majority of injuries in the Villages is from playing pickle ball. Golf injuries fell behind bocci, hacky sack, shuffleboard, and knitting class. Picklers may need to drop back to Ping Pong, its smaller version, to stay healthy.

Well, if out of shape and over weight tiddlywinks might be injury issue?