[swooner]

It recently came to my attention that The Villages Golf Administration provides special privileges to groups of 32 or more members. This highly unadvertised practice enables groups of that size or larger to pre-establish regular recurring Tee Times at various Villages courses. At least two courses, OBH and Lopez Legacy, and possibly more, prebook these groups on a regular weekly basis to the detriment of Priority Members who compete for Tee Times through TV Tee Time System. These privileged groups include both Priority and Non-Priority Golfers.

Paying an annual Priority Membership Fee ($777) is supposed to provide certain privileges such as having priority for booking over groups that include non-Priority members. All groups in addition are supposed to be prioritized for booking purposes based on total group playing points that have been accumulated during the past 7 days. By pre booking groups of 32 or more players irrespective of these rules, Golf Administration has established a prejudicial procedure in violation of the benefits upon which they sell Priority Memberships.

After referring this issue to Golf Administration, I was essentially told, sorry, that's the way it is. It seems that they don't care if they violate the very precepts under which they sell Priority memberships to the detriment of all of us Priority members who play by the rules. If enough of you express your concerns about this to Golf Administration, perhaps they will be obliged to review and eliminate this practice that clearly violates the terms under which Priority Memberships are sold.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by swooner

It recently came to my attention that The Villages Golf Administration provides special privileges to groups of 32 or more members. This highly unadvertised practice enables groups of that size or larger to pre-establish regular recurring Tee Times at various Villages courses. At least two courses, OBH and Lopez Legacy, and possibly more, prebook these groups on a regular weekly basis to the detriment of Priority Members who compete for Tee Times through TV Tee Time System. These privileged groups include both Priority and Non-Priority Golfers.

Paying an annual Priority Membership Fee ($777) is supposed to provide certain privileges such as having priority for booking over groups that include non-Priority members. All groups in addition are supposed to be prioritized for booking purposes based on total group playing points that have been accumulated during the past 7 days. By pre booking groups of 32 or more players irrespective of these rules, Golf Administration has established a prejudicial procedure in violation of the benefits upon which they sell Priority Memberships.

After referring this issue to Golf Administration, I was essentially told, sorry, that's the way it is. It seems that they don't care if they violate the very precepts under which they sell Priority memberships to the detriment of all of us Priority members who play by the rules. If enough of you express your concerns about this to Golf Administration, perhaps they will be obliged to review and eliminate this practice that clearly violates the terms under which Priority Memberships are sold.

The situation if much worse than you say, in my opinion.

These groups are a disaster for everyone involved, starters, staff, ambassadors and other players. They switch groups around at the last minute, they end up with more or few players and in many cases, play like snails.

There's not a country club in the USA, where you can book a group of 32 players, in prime time, in prime season. It's simply not possible. Guys who are members of private clubs will attest to the fact, they aren't allowed to book large groups of players during prime time or prime season.

The stupid part of this program, is it hurts golf course operations and puts an unnecessary burden on the staff. Every Starter I've talked with, despises dealing with these large group. I have no clue why it's allow, they'd be no problem filling these Tee Times with players who book through the system like they're supposed to.

I'm behind you 1000%, but like other things in TV ... "that's how we do it and we don't care what you think or what's right".

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

[Papa_lecki]

32 is too many, that’s a mini outing every week.

I would be okay if it was limited to 8, all had to have priority enhancement and the 8 who signed up, have to play. BUT, there needs to be the capability to swap out players (priority players) - so the tee sheet is accurate.

[rsimpson]

Originally Posted by swooner

It recently came to my attention that The Villages Golf Administration provides special privileges to groups of 32 or more members. This highly unadvertised practice enables groups of that size or larger to pre-establish regular recurring Tee Times at various Villages courses. At least two courses, OBH and Lopez Legacy, and possibly more, prebook these groups on a regular weekly basis to the detriment of Priority Members who compete for Tee Times through TV Tee Time System. These privileged groups include both Priority and Non-Priority Golfers.

Paying an annual Priority Membership Fee ($777) is supposed to provide certain privileges such as having priority for booking over groups that include non-Priority members. All groups in addition are supposed to be prioritized for booking purposes based on total group playing points that have been accumulated during the past 7 days. By pre booking groups of 32 or more players irrespective of these rules, Golf Administration has established a prejudicial procedure in violation of the benefits upon which they sell Priority Memberships.

After referring this issue to Golf Administration, I was essentially told, sorry, that's the way it is. It seems that they don't care if they violate the very precepts under which they sell Priority memberships to the detriment of all of us Priority members who play by the rules. If enough of you express your concerns about this to Golf Administration, perhaps they will be obliged to review and eliminate this practice that clearly violates the terms under which Priority Memberships are sold.

That is false advertising for the Priority Menbership that I purchased and open for possible Class Action process. How do I contact GOLF ADMINISTRATION as you indicated?

[swooner]

Call Kevin pro at OBH and tds. 352 750 4600 . He’s the one I talked with. I’m sure he can direct you

[JGibson]

The problem I see is if it's on a regular weekly reoccurring basis.

I can see giving a group that size a once or twice a year privilege but every week is ridiculous.

What would happen if you had 25 groups of 32 or more getting weekly reoccurring tee times?

That's what would have to happen for them to change it, overwhelm them with 25 different groups of 32.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by rsimpson

That is false advertising for the Priority Menbership that I purchased and open for possible Class Action process. How do I contact GOLF ADMINISTRATION as you indicated?

I'm in, let me know what they say!

[tophcfa]

That explains the difficulty getting both the first few t times of the afternoon wave on the 27 hole courses as well as the first few t times after 2 PM on the 18 hole courses. Sucks for all residents, priority members or not.

[justjim]

Golden Rule - “He who has the gold rules.”

[Mleeja]

Gosh, this reads to me like the OP is complaining about Men’s Day and Ladies’ Day!

[Rwirish]

I will be calling.

[swooner]

Originally Posted by Mleeja

Gosh, this reads to me like the OP is complaining about Men’s Day and Ladies’ Day!

Absolutely NOT!

[Debra.t.robinson]

It seems as if this practice also protects long term residents from losing established routines.

Having a neighborhood or local group allows for a stronger community. Whether the group plays 1 or 2 times a month, or weekly, what a great way to meet and maintain connections with your neighbors.

Anyone can start a group, therefore, if this practice bothers you, start a group, establish a routine, meet more than 1 - 3 other people who share your interests.

[Fastskiguy]

I'm gonna have to find a group of 31 that needs a 32nd now.....

[Tyson]

This has been going on for more than 20 years. These groups support golf in TV all year long and all players must be priority. In peak season TV gives the leader around 4 courses to chose from. You'll never get TV to stop this.Get a group of 32 and you can join the fun.