From The Top (March 2026)

On February 9, I attended a Project Wide Advisory Committee (PWAC) meeting. One of the topics of discussion was an expenditure of funds to complete cart paths on par-four holes at three of the 43 Executive Golf courses. A majority of the board members present voted in favor of the motion for funding.

The completion of the cart paths will allow the Executive Golf management the option of cart-path-only operations. Great idea! Last year, District Government heard residents’ complaints about poor conditions on various courses. The management team, along with District Government and PWAC, changed policy and increased the frequency of rehabilitation of all Executive Golf courses. This was a wise, though expensive, decision.

The largest enemy on golf courses is the golf cart tire. That is correct. Every time a tire revolves on the turf, compaction occurs. Think of the number of tires. If we play more than three million rounds of golf per year on our courses, the potential number of tires could be well over 6 million.

Now we have another problem. Rain has been infrequent, reducing aquifers, and requiring water regulations. This exacerbates the compaction problem already created by the tires. We can make a difference.

The VHA believes that we can make a difference. We can keep all four tires on the cart path. Whenever we stop to make a shot, stay on the path. Not two tires, four! A positive result may occur. Potentially, maintenance budgets are less, and course conditions improve. We residents need to step up and help our golf course management teams and the maintenance teams keep our courses in terrific condition through the water regulation period and beyond. Do not abuse the system. We will all pay when you do.

The Villages Golf offers a Good Golf School and has informational flyers outlining proper use of facilities. We urge you to take advantage of these opportunities.

Peter Russell, VHA President