HOA dues for golf course

Chuck,

Is the golf course designated by deed as commons in your declaration? If so it seems there should be some use of those commons independent of the fee for golf services provided to voluntary golf members.

Also check to see if your HOA pays property tax on the golf course land and improvements. If not, it is being considered as commons for property tax purposes. See VA law which says that the assessed value for HOA commons is to be proportioned to each residents assessment of their properties and that the commons has no value in itself for assessment purposes.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+58.1-3284.1

§ 58.1-3284.1. Assessment of lots and open spaces in certain planned development subdivisions.

A. Residential or commercial property, which is part of a planned development which contains open or common space, which includes the right by easement, covenant, deed or other interest in real estate, to the use of the open or common space, shall be assessed at a value which includes the proportional share of the value of such open or common space.

All real property used for open or common space pursuant to this section shall be construed as having no value in itself for assessment purposes. Its only value lies in the value that is attached to the residential or commercial property which has a right by easement, covenant, deed or other interest.
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Bob

The Golf Course has a set of rules that are in place due to their high insurance costs. One of them is that unless you are playing golf you may not be on the course. It is this way in almost all golf course communitites.

My Florida community used to keep a single ranger on duty for an hour after the last players left the course who's job was to tell walkers that they are not allowed on the course unless they are on the play roster. Sorry It seems like a harmless activity but it is very common to not allow walkers on courses. This is a insurance issue and has nothing to do with your dues.