Good point. The cost of the cart plus maintenance is a huge factor to consider, especially when we are playing on some courses that are not in good shape. There are always a few courses that are decent, but with the large numbers of people playing golf, it is not always possible to get tee times at the good courses, especially in the high season, or if you are playing in a large group. Many of us who moved here for the golf, are either playing outside the Villages, or just not playing, because of the course conditions. If you are thinking of moving here, and golf is your primary reason, I would think twice.

Been here over 7 years and agree that Championship courses have fallen into a state of total disappointment.
Take note that so far, and 2 years out, there is one Championship course south of 44.
Disappointing for us that bought here, but politics, taxes and greed will take the Villages down a dark road.
Beware, this developer is as greedy as they get!!

HI, I've lived in the Villages for 11 years. I totally agree that the courses need a lot more maintenance. The management company earns big dollars from the Championship courses and yet they put the care of the courses up for bid to the lowest priced company. What's wrong with giving the maintenance company a list of demands to keep up the quality of the courses or pay a penalty for there poor performance. May times in my lifetime I made the mistake of going with the cheapest price and not paid enough attention to the quality and longevity of the work done. I paid for it later. I think more golfers should let the Country Club Administrators no how unhappy they are about conditions. Speak up every time you play and let them know how you feel. If enough of us complain it will influence there decision making. Remember a lot of new sales are based on the current course conditions. If prospective buyers see that residents are unhappy it will hurt their sales. They won't like that!!!

Golf Course Conditions
 

I've been a Village Resident for 11 years and have only played the Exec. courses. I must agree with those who have expressed the opinion that the condition of many courses has declined. Have you played Silver Lake recently? Don't!

We play outside every week, with a wide selection of courses with better conditions and less expensive. Even when we pay some of the courses with the same cost of
"The Villages", the conditions don't even come close. It is like playing some of the courses back north, with nice fairways, wonderful holes, great greens and challenging holes. They are always welcoming us with great fees and extra's like range balls, discounts on after golf in their restaurants.

Have to agree that the Championship courses are not in good shape. The fairways are like hitting off of rocks on many fairways on both the Championship and Executive courses. If they put the extra money that they are charging now into the courses, hopefully that would help.

I absolutely agree. Ive played courses outside the Villages and they are not only cheaper but in much better shape so no excuses for our courses, its just neglect. Another complaint I'm hearing a lot and agree with is the amount of traffic coming in from Fenney with no signs of relief just a continuation of homes being built. What happens when the condos are built? The bubble is becoming a big ballon ready to explode. All about money, that's pretty obvious and not what Mr. Moorse intended.

I do play the Executive courses and many are in horrible shape. I also live on an Executive course and it is very disheartening to view a golf course that has turned from lush green to bare dirt.

I agree that the championship courses are in pretty poor shape. Very little grass on many tee boxes. Also, they need to enforce golf carts not going past the stakes. Many people almost drive on the greens. This causes undue wear and tear. Repair your ball marks on the greens. If you are good enough to hit the green then fix your mark and one other. Take care of the golf courses. The grounds keepers can’t do it all!!

Couldn't agree with you more!!! Been living here for 6 years now. Moved here to golf. All the championship courses south of 466 have gotten worse, condition-wise, each year I've been here. I don't know who calls the shots on course maintenance, and am sure it is all about money, but they need to realize that people will stop playing those courses if they don't improve. I would be more than willing to pay a higher rate to play a course WITH GRASS! Even the worst public courses in Michigan are in better condition than these courses! And the executive courses are even worse, but that is another subject!

you either: 1) work at one of the courses; 2) don't golf here: or 3) are related to the developer. The courses are in horrific shape!

if there are spots on the greens then they are NOT in "great shape"! how much grass is in the fairways?

even if true, why aren't Palmer, Bonifay, Evans Prairie, Belle Glade, Havana in "very good condition"? it's called water and fertilizer! that is all these places need!

I agree, let the fairways grow a little. I find myself hoping my drives roll into the rough so that there is actually some grass under my ball for the next shot. Golfers are supposed to be rewarded for hitting fairways and penalized for going in the rough. Not vice-versa.

Well if you don't golf here you WON'T get it! A lot of us moved here for the golf. And at that time there were less than 85,000 residents. Now there are over 125,000 and no more extra courses. And the courses are in very bad condition, so why wouldn't all of us who moved here for the golf be very bitter!