Thinking of moving to a new course

[Sevewils29]

The course I currently play is ok...greens can be a bit slow and not very receptive to a ball when conditions are dry (clay based I believe). Course suffers really bad in wet weather, often closed due to heavy rainfall. 4 of us (family) play together and course is pretty central (12-15 mins drive).

We have a links course within 10 mins for 3 of us, but it's an extra 10 mins for the 4th person.

Pretty much guaranteed the course is open all year (apart from extreme weather) but it's a great course, in great condition and really enjoyable to play.

The dilemma is the 4th person in our group has it good at the minute. Current course is between his home and work. He likes to call in for practice sessions on way to/from work. For the other 3 of us, we all work in the opposite direction to the course. No opportunity for practice.

Is it unfair to ask that we all move to a better course (we're all agreed on that) but for him to give up the good thing he has going at the moment in terms of practice time? Or do we stick it out at current club to so he is better off and we put Up with inferior golf conditions.

It's tricky cos we all get on and don't want any fall outs!!!

He's undecided on the move at the moment, worried about reduced practice time/opportunity but agrees golf would be better.

What would you do?

[The Pearl]

The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few.

[HoffTTM]

25 minutes is nothing in the scheme of things if the course and club are better. Whats the difference money wise?

[Sevewils29]

Membership fees are almost identical. It's an extra 20 miles per round trip for him though, which over the course of a year could be additional £200.

[HoffTTM]

If its either of the two clubs I think you are talking about I would suggest doing it. I just find links golf so much more interesting and you are bound to get 5 or 6 extra properly playable rounds out of the better soil per year as well.

There might even be qualifying competitions all the way through the winter which would be a massive bonus.

[Sevewils29]

This year I think we've had to pay and play other courses approx 8-10 times which offsets the additional fuel costs if we don't have to do that if we make the move. He's more concerned with travel time which would eat into practice sessions.
Personally I love the feeling of hitting crisp iron shots off links turf and knowing the fact conditions would be decent all year round!

[HoffTTM]

If he needs to pay for range balls at the current club anyway (I'm making an educated guess based on past posts), whats the difference to going to a public range when he is short of time? Unless they are complete rubbish/out of the way

[Sevewils29]

I agree. That's pretty much how I get my practice in - using ranges close to where I work.
It's short game practice or the extra time for a quick 9 holes that's his concern.
He's said he will log his practice over the next few weeks, see if he does 'nip' to the club for a short practice session that much in reality or if it might not be so much of an issue.

[rbhan12]

If your fourth buddy wants to play at a worse course for the same price, and is essentially restricting you guys from moving out of fear of a fallout, you need a new fourth.

[ChipDriver]

[quote name='rbhan12' timestamp='1413647899' post='10309869']
If your fourth buddy wants to play at a worse course for the same price, and is essentially restricting you guys from moving out of fear of a fallout, you need a new fourth.
[/quote]

Agree.

He's causing you to waste your money. You all clearly see a value in the newer course...but are acceding to the 4ths wishes.

What's the deal with the 4th guy? What's so special about him? Is he your dad? or your grandpa? Does he pay for the tee times or buy the beer? Why all the respect for his wishes, when the 3 of you clearly see a better benefit overall to the 2nd course?

[Sevewils29]

We are all family and play regular together. Have done for 9-10 years!
If it was just some person joining us for a game it wouldn't be a dilemma...would just move and leave him...but we all get on well and enjoy playing together hence the problem we have!!!
I just need to convince him the move is worthwhile!!!

[ChipDriver]

[quote name='Sevewils29' timestamp='1413648993' post='10309933']
We are all family and play regular together. Have done for 9-10 years!
If it was just some person joining us for a game it wouldn't be a dilemma...would just move and leave him...but we all get on well and enjoy playing together hence the problem we have!!!
I just need to convince him the move is worthwhile!!!
[/quote]

Invite him over for a beer, then all of you give him a shot to the nut sack and say "James....we're moving. You'll adapt."

[Hateto3Putt]

A wise man once said: "do what the hell you want".

[Sevewils29]

Lol. Maybe I'll try that!!! �
Maybe I'm being a bit soft and should just man up and move regardless! Think of number 1 for a change!