Bunker Renovation Project
The construction team will be working each week (weather permitting) Monday-Saturday.
Currently Holes #1, #2 & #3 are closed.
Weather permitting, Phase 2 is projected to start on December 18 at which time Holes #4, #5 & #8 will be closed.
When Holes #1, #2 & #3 re-open the bunkers and the surrounding new sod will be roped off as Ground Under Repair. If your ball comes to rest in any of these areas, please do not play from within the marked GUR, but instead take relief at your nearest point, no nearer the hole with no penalty. We appreciate your cooperation as we need to allow the new sod to root in before we can play on it. Let us know if you have any questions.
More detailed information regarding golfing logistics, posting scores, tournament play, and guest play is available in the Pro Shop.
Posting Golf Scores
Although we will not be playing a complete 18-hole round of golf, posting scores will still be required during the duration of the Bunker Project per the USGA/NCGA protocols for maintaining a valid handicap…Golfers will need to post their scores on the USGA/GHIN App/Website or via the Villages Posting Computer in the Posting Room as such:
1. Hole by Hole Posting will be required – you cannot use the Total Score Option for posting scores for the duration of the project.
2. Post your score for each of the holes played that day and leave the holes not played blank.
3. The USGA Handicap algorithm will automatically fill in the holes not played to derive an “18-Hole” score for your record.
4. The Pro Shop Staff will be more than happy to assist you with posting scores during the project. Stop by the Pro Shop if you need any assistance at all.
Pro Shop Holiday Sale
From December 10 to 24 all merchandise in the Pro Shop will be on sale right here at the Villages Pro Shop! Plenty of Villages logo merchandise for the non-golfers as well including crew neck sweatshirts, shirts and outerwear, and headwear in many styles.
All Holiday Sale Shoppers who spend over $40 will qualify for the Grand Prize with the winner being chosen on the final day of the sale:
Three free rounds of golf plus $50 on your range card!
10 Reasons to do your Holiday Shopping at The Villages Pro Shop:
1. Convenient – Shop while at your home within the Villages gates
2. No long lines – no long waits
3. Fabulous selection of all things golf
4. Exceptional Customer Service
5. Close Parking
6. Sale Lasts two weeks for your convenience
7. 10%-70% Off Sale Items
8. No Shipping Fees
9. Leave with what you want – no waiting for boxes to be delivered to your front door
10. No supply chain disappointments – it’s right here for you
Winter Rules—From now until further notice we will play Winter Rules defined as 6-inch relief, Pick-Clean-Place, no nearer the hole everywhere including the rough.
Tree Trimming—There is some necessary tree trimming being conducted near the Clubhouse and on the golf course. Please be aware and safe and not enter any safety zones or roped off areas.
December Golf Schedule
Thursday, December 19 – Open Play All Day
Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve – Open Play tee Times 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – All Golf Facilities Closed at 1 p.m.
Wednesday, December 25 – Christmas Day – Golf Courses, Driving Range, Pro Shop closed all day
Thursday, December 26 – Open Play All Day
Please Check in for Golf—Please remember to check in to the Pro Shop when you play golf. It is often difficult for the Pro Shop staff to see all the players who are teeing off on the first hole of the day. This is especially true now that we are starting play from Hole #10 during the Bunker Renovation Project. Checking in can be as simple as poking your head into the Pro Shop and saying hello. Checking in helps us immensely to know who is here in each group. And checking in especially helps mitigate billing errors. So please let us know you are here and ready to go play some golf, we always enjoy seeing you!
Fall Maintenance Schedule
Fall Overseeding will continue through the end of January.
2025 Golf Events Calendar—The 2025 golf calendar of events is now posted and available to view on the Website Resident Portal. Keep in mind that this is a live document and is subject to change – any necessary changes will be updated on the Resident Portal as they occur.
Tips from the Pro—10 Minutes a Day
I’m sure most of you have heard of Dave Pelz the short game guru who worked with some of golf’s best short game minds to include Phil Mickelson, Seve Ballesteros and Tom Watson. One of the best tips that Mr. Pelz has instituted is the “10-mintes a day” philosophy to putting. Putting is the most feel based aspect of golf. The ability to choose the correct line and more importantly hit the ball with the correct speed is a feel based skill and therefore must be practiced. The premise is…practice your putting for 10-minutes per day, every day. Work on 20-40 foot lag putts for 5 minutes, work on 10-15 foot putts for 2-3 minutes, and spend the last 3-4 minutes working on holing 3-5 foot putts. The goal is not to make everything, but to attain a consistent pace and feel to your putting stroke. Try it for a month and see if your putting improves…you will be very surprised how much you can gain from a simple 10-mintes per day of focused putting practice.
To sign up for a lesson with me, email ssteele@the-villages.com
