[jmm2760jmm]

The money that the Morse family has accumulated is called "capitalism" and it is what makes this country great! They have done an outstanding job with TV otherwise you wouldn't be here - you'd be somewhere else, right? They have worked hard, put their money on the line to build TV and because it's a success they have been financially rewarded. Sounds like America to me. Try finding a place like this in China...

[jgbama]

Originally Posted by dlhill

If part of your amenity fee goes toward maintenance of the Executive golf courses, then golf is NOT free. The Morse family has used this ruse to help lure people to the villages so they could accumulate their current worth of $2.5 BILLON dollars. If you think you are getting something for free, then you need to rethink.

Come on DL, doesn't some of our property taxes go to schools? Our son is out of school. Why should I still pay them? Schools aren't free as far as I'm concerned. Same silly logic. This whole topic started out simply to get everyone's BP elevated.

[RichieLion]

I don't get the blood pressure thing. Every homeowner pay the "amenity fee". That covers everything that is common area in TV. All those hardworking landscapers you see everywhere, the community patrols cruising and watching, the care and upkeep of all the multi-modal trails, etc.

Like stated previously, you're paying whether you are a golfer or not. If you do play golf there are no greens fees to do so. It ostensibly free. Your golf cart? Well, you must pay for that privilege, but you may walk the course and not pay. It's your choice.

[socrafty]

Originally Posted by BogeyBoy

Someone must have given you a break, it's been $3.50 for quite a while. (2006 ? or earlier)

The trail fee went up at the beginning of July to $4 per person.
Golf The Villages

[socrafty]

Sorry I don't think the link worked. Here is what TV website says:

What costs are related to playing on the Executive Golf Trail?
Green fees on the executive courses are free for residents. A trail fee is required for use of a golf car on the courses and may be paid per round, semi-annually or annually. The fee is required for each person in a golf car. The trail fee is $4.00 per person for each round played. Members of a household may purchase a six-month trail fee for $105.93 with tax and a yearly trail fee is available for $141.24 with tax. There is no charge to resident or seasonal golfers for walking

[Joaniesmom]

None of us are Spring Chickens any more. We have all had some experience in the ways of the world by now. So I would guess that we all know that nothing is free. There is a price to be paid for everything, in one way or another.

[mulligan]

You sound bitter.

[PennBF]

I really love the Villages and don't have a problem with the Morse's gaining
a reward for their work and risk. Everone had a opportunity to take a risk.
Your reward is in line with the risk you are willing to take.
Having said that it should be understood that "nothing is ever free". If you see a buy one get one free, a free candy bar if you buy a soda, a free
high end music system if you buy the car, these costs have already been
built into what you are going to purchase. The recovery may be from a different product, or the free one has been built into the cost of the first one,
etc. This is a very basic requirement when compaines price prodiucts and services. THey have profit objectives they must meet to satisfy the share holders.
Given the above of course golf is not free. The recovery of their expenses
may be from the Amenity Fees, from some of the profits from sales of products, etc.etc. But rest assured golf is not free.
I really don't care..I moved here because we love the life style and I had
absolutely no expectations that I would get anything free.

[KeepingItReal]

...

[Threeputt]

Originally Posted by allairenjadea

When did it go to $3.50. I played in December and it was $3.00

As of July 1 It's now $4 but the annual prepay hasn't changed

[Threeputt]

Originally Posted by dlhill

If part of your amenity fee goes toward maintenance of the Executive golf courses, then golf is NOT free. The Morse family has used this ruse to help lure people to the villages so they could accumulate their current worth of $2.5 BILLON dollars. If you think you are getting something for free, then you need to rethink.

I'd have paid the Morse's even more. They earned it.........not rethinking anything, was well informed before we bought in. Semantics.....

[2BNTV]

There is a price to be paid to live in paradise which I will gladly pay when I get there.

I believe dhill parents objected to the word free golf in their advertising when there may be a trail fee which they felt was false advertising.

Everyone knows there is no free ride in life. Nothing is hidden and the Morse's deserve every penny for building a paradise.

Just sayin.......

[hotrodgirl]

I don't know about everyone else, but I don't expect to get something for nothing! I have just recently purchased a lot in TV, love where I am going to live, am thrilled with the opportunities that abound there, and know this will be a good decision for me. That being said, when I made my purchase, my agent sat me down and was very forthright in explaining the covenants and restrictions, the amenity fees, the bond and it's proration, the rec centers, golf cart fees, etc etc. etc. In no way do I feel I was duped or misled, and am looking forward to this new lifestyle. Is the developer making a profit? Yes. Is that wrong? No. Is it smart? You bet! He's making a good idea work both for himself and those who choose to live there. I don't believe anything is being taken from me, and still feel it's a bargain for what we get. Sure there will be some surprises along the way, but mostly I feel fortunate to be able to live my retirement comfortably with smart and active individuals.

[asianthree]

what ever you think free or not free, you can stay love it here or put your home up for sale and that is the meaning of free to stay or free to go

[Joaniesmom]

Originally Posted by mulligan

You sound bitter.

If I sounded that way to you, I didn't mean it to. But I believe it to be true. Just my opinion. You are certainly entitled to your own and I wouldn't criticize yours.

In re-reading other posts here, I seem to have lots of company. So I'm not the only "bitter" person here.