On the Green

A while back, I reminded people that golf is a business - important enough for each player to keep the golf course in the same or better condition then it was found. Golfers' assistance is greatly appreciated by the course as well as other players when divots are filled with sand, bunkers are raked, and ball marks on the greens are repaired.

There are several policies at golf courses that affect all players. It is important to realize that a "tee time" is very similar to a reservation for a seat on an airplane. The way to increase business is to fill every seat with a passenger or in golf, a tee time with four people. The proper courtesy is to call the golf course for a tee time in advance. Ideally, the club hopes you will have three or four players; however if you should only have two or just yourself the club may need to pair you up with someone else. Although all golfers may not like this, it is good business sense.

Pace of Play is another policy that is very important to follow for many reasons. First and foremost the essence of the pace of play policy is to keep people moving around the golf course. Slow Play occurs when any group allows a gap of one or more holes between themselves and the group in front of them. Slow playing golfers, often feel it is okay to stop and let the group moving faster behind them to go through. In reality this does not help if the course is busy. The group you let through may have a group right behind them and then they too will want to go through and so on. So, it is best to just keep up.

Golf is a great game to play but unfortunately most new golfers start playing without professional golf lessons. Well intended friends and family members; usually with very little experience themselves, try to teach the beginner while playing on the course. This is not a good situation because it usually results in very slow play. The best time of day for beginners is late in the day.

Dress code is another one of those policies that over the years has gotten more and more inconsistent from club to club. Fashion has definitely changed over the years; thanks to Tiger Woods and his Nike mock turtle neck shirt which too many looks like a t-shirt. Private clubs have stricter dress code policies than public courses so I highly recommend that you call the facility before you go there to be sure you are consistent with their codes.

Golf courses are also in the food and beverage business; and count on their guests to buy food, snacks and beverages from them. It is an unacceptable policy at most courses for any guest to bring in their own food. So please be considerate to the host club on your next visit.