No Children Allowed on a Golf Course?

[Liquid_A_45]

As someone who worked at a course and plays golf I have been hit with stray shots a few times, been almost hit numerous times and have seen a few serious injuries where someone was hit with a ball. The golf course is no place for children under the age of 5 or 6 imo.

[SadTrombone]

 

But the argument is definitely solid. For those parents who want that for their children, wrapped in foam in the backyard is a better place for their children.

 

 

 

It's not an argument about personal values - it's whether to comply with a rule (stupid rule or not). Whether you choose to comply or not is a function of your values.

 

But the OP or you/me aren't making the rules for the golf course that has that policy...so whether you agree or not with the golf course rules is irrelevant.

 

The "a golf course is no place for children rabble rabble!" stuff has nothing to do with the rule.

 

As for the rule, it's their choice to implement it. It's my choice to spend my disposable income elsewhere as a result. Neither them nor I have any issue with that.

 

The argument that "golf courses aren't safe for children" is flawed at the least. That's the part I disagree with.

 

It's all pretty clear in the (whole) post you quoted.

[chippa13]

I would think it would be a concern for other golfers as far as distractions and pace of play are concerned. You don't want to be behind some guy who has his little child kicking the ball down the fairway all day. Young children would be better served on a pitch and putt, in my opinion, if we're talking about growing the game and grass roots.

[Bomber_11]

Thanks to those of you that gave solid input. Many of your opinions clarified why this rule is likely in place. I had just simply never heard of it.

 

By no means am I trying to push golf on my 18 month old daughter. I more meant why 7 year olds can't be on the course - when clearly they're of an age to take up the game.

 

I just enjoy sharing my passion with my wife and kid, and they enjoy getting some sunshine and seeing me do something that I love.

 

 

Gsea33, I don't understand why people like you are on these forums. You contributed nothing to the conversation. Had you given any input whatsoever that was constructive, I would've welcomed that feedback. Instead you typed one idiotic comment after another.

[jay65]

I can understand and concur with the ruling of having more than 2 people on a cart for safety reasons. I get that, and agree with that type of ruling. However, I have walked around the Old Course St Andrews, Royal Troon, Turnberry, and many other top Courses with my wife and her carrying my young son when he was a baby in 'baby sling' and none of those courses have objected, and have never felt my child to be in any kind of danger at any time. so whilst I respect any Clubs' rules regarding the matter, I do think it's a bit 'up themselves' to enforce it, taking into consideration the quality of Courses I've played with my wife and young child in tow.

[gsea33]

Thanks to those of you that gave solid input. Many of your opinions clarified why this rule is likely in place. I had just simply never heard of it.

 

By no means am I trying to push golf on my 18 month old daughter. I more meant why 7 year olds can't be on the course - when clearly they're of an age to take up the game.

 

I just enjoy sharing my passion with my wife and kid, and they enjoy getting some sunshine and seeing me do something that I love.

 

 

Gsea33, I don't understand why people like you are on these forums. You contributed nothing to the conversation. Had you given any input whatsoever that was constructive, I would've welcomed that feedback. Instead you typed one idiotic comment after another.

 

Why are you even recognizing me? Just ignore me and my idiotic statements. Someday I will be able contribute in the positive manner that you are.

[KemperPro]

Not trying to be a jerk here, but the very last thing in the entire world I ever want the chance to hear on the golf course is a crying baby. It could be both a liability and courtesy issue to other patrons. After the age of 5-6 with supervision during non peak times, I don't see the problem. Before that age, in reality its just a convenience for you, as opposed to beneficial for the child.

[Eidolon]

Children under the age of 3 are babies. If they are at the golf course it is because you are a selfish dad who refuses to miss his golf. Grow up, be a Dad, there will be time for golf later. If you are one of these guys who disagree with me on this, I don't care. Your wrong! Nothing is more important than your child, damn sure not a game!

[Eidolon]

 

But the argument is definitely solid. For those parents who want that for their children, wrapped in foam in the backyard is a better place for their children.

 

 

 

It's not an argument about personal values - it's whether to comply with a rule (stupid rule or not). Whether you choose to comply or not is a function of your values.

 

But the OP or you/me aren't making the rules for the golf course that has that policy...so whether you agree or not with the golf course rules is irrelevant.

 

The "a golf course is no place for children rabble rabble!" stuff has nothing to do with the rule.

 

As for the rule, it's their choice to implement it. It's my choice to spend my disposable income elsewhere as a result. Neither them nor I have any issue with that.

 

The argument that "golf courses aren't safe for children" is flawed at the least. That's the part I disagree with.

 

It's all pretty clear in the (whole) post you quoted.

We are not talking about children, read the post, we are talking about Dads and babies(less than 3 years old). Different deal.

[SadTrombone]

Children under the age of 3 are babies. If they are at the golf course it is because you are a selfish dad who refuses to miss his golf. Grow up, be a Dad, there will be time for golf later. If you are one of these guys who disagree with me on this, I don't care. Your wrong! Nothing is more important than your child, damn sure not a game!

 

*you're

[Eidolon]

Sadtrombone, 'you are' a dick head.

[jay65]

Children under the age of 3 are babies. If they are at the golf course it is because you are a selfish dad who refuses to miss his golf. Grow up, be a Dad, there will be time for golf later. If you are one of these guys who disagree with me on this, I don't care. Your wrong! Nothing is more important than your child, damn sure not a game!

 

So any men with babies shouldn't play golf? There is a massive difference between a family who can't find alternative arrangements for childcare, so go out to play golf with their children regardless, and a family who wants to share their experience of fresh air a good walk with a family hobby. Come on, get a grip eh! You're coming across as a male egoist.

[ChipDriver]

Children under the age of 3 are babies. If they are at the golf course it is because you are a selfish dad who refuses to miss his golf. Grow up, be a Dad, there will be time for golf later. If you are one of these guys who disagree with me on this, I don't care. Your wrong! Nothing is more important than your child, damn sure not a game!

 

So any men with babies shouldn't play golf? There is a massive difference between a family who can't find alternative arrangements for childcare, so go out to play golf with their children regardless, and a family who wants to share their experience of fresh air a good walk with a family hobby. Come on, get a grip eh! You're coming across as a male egoist.

 

 

Reductio ad absurdum. :)

 

No - not at that club with that rule. Find a place that does (and there are many)...but not that one. And if he can't find one that allows it - he will have to play without his cheering squad until they all qualify under the club's rule. Pretty simple. The rules are there to benefit everyone - not just the OP. FYI - my kid has been out with me since she's been an infant...our home clubs allow it and many locals - but NOT every course.

 

There are other ways to introduce golf to family and to spend time with them and also introduce them to golf. Walk the grounds or the path together, putt on a green together, watch it on tv...etc. etc. While he may sound like a male egoist - you are sounding myopic and an alarmist.

 

Would you go to Disney World and insist on taking your baby on Space Mountain even if it flouts a rule? Would you keep a hat on indoors at a clubhouse that forbids it? :) :)

[rawdog]

Children under the age of 3 are babies. If they are at the golf course it is because you are a selfish dad who refuses to miss his golf. Grow up, be a Dad, there will be time for golf later. If you are one of these guys who disagree with me on this, I don't care. Your wrong! Nothing is more important than your child, damn sure not a game!

 

So any men with babies shouldn't play golf? There is a massive difference between a family who can't find alternative arrangements for childcare, so go out to play golf with their children regardless, and a family who wants to share their experience of fresh air a good walk with a family hobby. Come on, get a grip eh! You're coming across as a male egoist.

 

 

Reductio ad absurdum. :)

 

No - not at that club with that rule. Find a place that does (and there are many)...but not that one. And if he can't find one that allows it - he will have to play without his cheering squad until they all qualify under the club's rule. Pretty simple. The rules are there to benefit everyone - not just the OP. FYI - my kid has been out with me since she's been an infant...our home clubs allow it and many locals - but NOT every course.

 

There are other ways to introduce golf to family and to spend time with them and also introduce them to golf. Walk the grounds or the path together, putt on a green together, watch it on tv...etc. etc. While he may sound like a male egoist - you are sounding myopic and an alarmist.

 

Would you go to Disney World and insist on taking your baby on Space Mountain even if it flouts a rule? Would you keep a hat on indoors at a clubhouse that forbids it? :) :)

 

Are we talking dining room? Or grill? Or grille? Or hot dog shack?

 

Ooops...

[Liquid_A_45]

Children under the age of 3 are babies. If they are at the golf course it is because you are a selfish dad who refuses to miss his golf. Grow up, be a Dad, there will be time for golf later. If you are one of these guys who disagree with me on this, I don't care. Your wrong! Nothing is more important than your child, damn sure not a game!

 

So any men with babies shouldn't play golf? There is a massive difference between a family who can't find alternative arrangements for childcare, so go out to play golf with their children regardless, and a family who wants to share their experience of fresh air a good walk with a family hobby. Come on, get a grip eh! You're coming across as a male egoist.

 

 

Reductio ad absurdum. :)

 

No - not at that club with that rule. Find a place that does (and there are many)...but not that one. And if he can't find one that allows it - he will have to play without his cheering squad until they all qualify under the club's rule. Pretty simple. The rules are there to benefit everyone - not just the OP. FYI - my kid has been out with me since she's been an infant...our home clubs allow it and many locals - but NOT every course.

 

There are other ways to introduce golf to family and to spend time with them and also introduce them to golf. Walk the grounds or the path together, putt on a green together, watch it on tv...etc. etc. While he may sound like a male egoist - you are sounding myopic and an alarmist.

 

Would you go to Disney World and insist on taking your baby on Space Mountain even if it flouts a rule? Would you keep a hat on indoors at a clubhouse that forbids it? :) :)

 

Are we talking dining room? Or grill? Or grille? Or hot dog shack?

 

Ooops...

 

That's funny^

[pokerfish]

Young kids still developing... Might want to consider chemical exposure as a concern. Pretty much every course utilizes commercial fungicides (and some pesticides as well) in their turf management. Many of those chems are carcinogens and/or cause birth defects in rats. These chems tend to stay active for 2-4wks, and are applied several times per season. Depending on where you live, there could be no postings regarding the timing, frequency, or specific chemical exposure.

 

Seeing that kids would be most susceptable to exposure, especially over time... Might want to second guess very young kids crawling on grass, picking at it w their fingers, and putting it in their mouths. Heck, adults might want to consider what they do w their hands while playing a round.

[bermuda]

Children under the age of 3 are babies. If they are at the golf course it is because you are a selfish dad who refuses to miss his golf. Grow up, be a Dad, there will be time for golf later. If you are one of these guys who disagree with me on this, I don't care. Your wrong! Nothing is more important than your child, damn sure not a game!

 

Good lord. I took my 3-year-old and 14-year-old to play on vacation twice last week. The 3-year-old loved it and the only time he cried was when his mom came to pick him up and he wanted to stay with us guys. If you can't manage a 3-year-old on a near-empty golf course that has no parallel fairways for stray balls to come flying at you, then you aren't much of a parent. He's come closer to getting hit by foul balls at youth baseball games than he has getting hit by golf balls the half-dozen or so times I've taken him to a golf course. And the notion that golfers can drink beer, curse and throw clubs but the chance a child might cry is too much distraction for them is laughable.

[gopherguts]

But the argument is definitely solid. For those parents who want that for their children, wrapped in foam in the backyard is a better place for their children.

 

 

 

It's not an argument about personal values - it's whether to comply with a rule (stupid rule or not). Whether you choose to comply or not is a function of your values.

 

But the OP or you/me aren't making the rules for the golf course that has that policy...so whether you agree or not with the golf course rules is irrelevant.

 

The "a golf course is no place for children rabble rabble!" stuff has nothing to do with the rule.

 

As for the rule, it's their choice to implement it. It's my choice to spend my disposable income elsewhere as a result. Neither them nor I have any issue with that.

 

The argument that "golf courses aren't safe for children" is flawed at the least. That's the part I disagree with.

 

It's all pretty clear in the (whole) post you quoted.

 

I can see this thread has been "cleaned up". :help: So it got heated. Never saw that coming. :rolleyes: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

So let's see now. Guys who can't control their golf ball but can still move it well over 100 MPH IS a "safe" place for kids ? :man_in_love:

 

OK, I've got it now. :hi:

 

Carry on,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Shilgy]

But the argument is definitely solid. For those parents who want that for their children, wrapped in foam in the backyard is a better place for their children.

 

 

 

It's not an argument about personal values - it's whether to comply with a rule (stupid rule or not). Whether you choose to comply or not is a function of your values.

 

But the OP or you/me aren't making the rules for the golf course that has that policy...so whether you agree or not with the golf course rules is irrelevant.

 

The "a golf course is no place for children rabble rabble!" stuff has nothing to do with the rule.

 

As for the rule, it's their choice to implement it. It's my choice to spend my disposable income elsewhere as a result. Neither them nor I have any issue with that.

 

The argument that "golf courses aren't safe for children" is flawed at the least. That's the part I disagree with.

 

It's all pretty clear in the (whole) post you quoted.

 

I can see this thread has been "cleaned up". :help: So it got heated. Never saw that coming. :rolleyes: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

So let's see now. Guys who can't control their golf ball but can still move it well over 100 MPH IS a "safe" place for kids ? :man_in_love:

 

OK, I've got it now. :hi:

 

Carry on,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Nah-a golf course is a fine place for children but saying an 18 month old is being introduced to golf is a bit of a stretch imo.

[JBake]

I live on the 14th hole of the club I belong to. I only take my 20 month old out very very late afternoon/evenings on my cart. I make sure no one is around, and if I see people I quickly move on. I let him walk to the green with me, and carry his club around. I think it would be disrespectful to people who are paying to play and are having to wait on a toddler walking around, or crying etc. on the course. I will also take my son to the back of the range where we are out of the way. I would never think to take him out there during peak play times i.e. Saturday mornings. That's just not a place for golfers who aren't ready for course golf, yet alone young children.

[DZClark]

I am extremely lucky it sounds like. I have a club that welcomes my 2.5 year old daughter. She has learned to go into the pro shop and tell them she is going out to "practice" and they chat with her and show her clubs. Granted, we are not doing this at 9am on a Saturday morning. It has a time and place. I would be nearly every time we have gone out to the course, we have been the only 2 people left out there.

 

If we want to go during the day (Sunday they grill hot dogs at the halfway house and she LOVES eating in the golf cart) we go to the far side of the driving range where she is out of sight and out of earshot of everyone and I let her hit a "bucket" of balls.

 

I understand any course that would prohibit children on the course. In this day and age, the same loving father who is "trying to grow the game at the grass roots" would be the same father who would sue you for not providing a safe golf environment for his little one. I am in a different camp and will take 100% responsibility for my child's safety. We are not going to be around where people can hit us. And that means not just her, it means me too. I don't want to get hit by a golf ball either. If we drive the cart up and its too crowded, we go to the practice green, if its empty, or back home. One of the main reasons we bought a golf cart earlier this year was so we could go out and play after all the other golfers were done for the day and didn't have to worry about having the cart back to the barn.

 

One of the things that is missing today is simple consideration for others. I would love for the entire world to be about me, or about me and my daughter, but its not. A little consideration of others goes a long long way.

[Dan42nepa]

I live on the 14th hole of the club I belong to. I only take my 20 month old out very very late afternoon/evenings on my cart. I make sure no one is around, and if I see people I quickly move on. I let him walk to the green with me, and carry his club around. I think it would be disrespectful to people who are paying to play and are having to wait on a toddler walking around, or crying etc. on the course. I will also take my son to the back of the range where we are out of the way. I would never think to take him out there during peak play times i.e. Saturday mornings. That's just not a place for golfers who aren't ready for course golf, yet alone young children.

 

I agree I would not like to play behind someone teaching their child to play. In fact, I WAS stuck behind a 4some with to children who did not play bad but we still had to wait for multiple shots for them to get our of our range. Go late afternoons and let everyone play through.

[cardoustie]

Riding around in a cart with an infant = not a great idea

[KevCarter]

I saw 2 women this morning walking with baby strollers on the street. I thought of this thread. :-)

[extrabolts]

As a lawyer and father of multiple children who have been on the golf course from a very young age (weeks old, not years), the liability thing that people are mentioning is a cop out. Pools and many other places are much more dangerous for little kids and there are no issues taking your kids there. I've been golfing for a long time and have never been injured or even had anything remotely close to being injured happen. If the course is saying it is a liability issue, that is a polite way of saying we don't want kids on our course. Probably they had someone bring out their kids, who were crying or generally misbehaving, got some complaints, and decided to ban kids because they can be distracting, slow down play, and don't pay. The solution is to stop playing at that course and find a different course. Having introduced my kids young and taught them etiquette, I'm comfortable playing with my 9 year old and any other members we get paired with, and keeping pace of play at or under four hours.

 

For the course to kick you off I think is ridiculous. They should have told you at the beginning, or at the end, but asking you to go home in the middle of your round - I would never go back there again, even without kids.

 

@Eidolon - you must not be a father. Some of my best times with my family have been out on the golf course, watching them learn to play or explore the course when they were too young. Calling fathers selfish because they want to golf with their family, or assuming their wives and kids didn't ask or want to come to the golf course with dad even if just to watch, is, as you would say "wrong."

[RickK]

When my son was born, I lived on a private course and owned my own golf cart. His first time to the course, he was 6 months old. I strapped his car seat in the basket, put him in it and off we went late one afternoon. He made 9 holes, mostly sleeping, before he got too restless and we headed home. We were never around anyone and by ourselves. Did this probably once a week all during the summer. When he was 2-1/2, I told my regular group that I was planning on bringing my son and if anyone thought it would be an issue, I could drop out of the group and play late in the day.. Not one person complained. Honestly, he probably rode more with the other guys in their carts more often than he did with me. Everyone worked to teach him golf etiquette and he had a blast as did my buddies with him. He had a set of plastic clubs and if we were waiting on someone ahead of us, they would encourage him to hit the plastic balls. When he got older, I bought him a set of kids clubs...but that is later than this topic is about. He went with me pretty much regularly up till he was about 9 years old when baseball became his thing. BTW, he started playing golf again later on and made the high school team. I think he got a lot out of being around the adults. And, he definitely learned a respect for the game.

Maybe I should mention about taking him out when he was 2-1/2. I grew up in the era when we did not have seat belts in cars, nor mandatory car seats, standing up in the back seat, etc. I remember the days of my mother and dad using their forearm in case they had to stop quick. I also remember discipline. If I did sit still and where I was told to sit...I paid a price. Let me just say...my son is well adjusted. :)

[Don W]

The courses I have seen with no kids policies always said it was an insurance requirement. I was lucky enough that my kids were allowed onto the local par three as soon as they could hit the ball a reasonable distance, if I remember right that occurred when they were 5, and generally staff went out their way to make them feel welcome.

 

When I was a kid (1960s) we weren't allowed on the city owned par 3 course till the age of 12, fortunately for my buddy and I the pro got to know us and would sneak us out as soon as no one was around the clubhouse for half price (we were 10 at the time). If it wasn't for that pro letting us play I doubt I would have taken up golf, as we had been kicked out the local park and the athletic fields behind our school by the cops who were getting pretty pissed at having to chase us out of multiple public areas repeatedly.

[Vindog]

I used to bring Vindog jr. Some courses were more receptive than others and I always tries to play during the week and when it was slow. Most of the time was in a cart, though I do remember a few times schlepping him and my clubs around on a Jeep trail stroller.

 

Last weekend in fact up in Ellsworth I saw a mother and father out playing, pushing around their kid in a trail stroller. But that's Ellsworth. Notorious hat wearing country ;)

[bobbyking88]

This is true it's for mostly insurance purposes I would love to bring my 4 year old with me my wife probably wouldn't mind me golfing then lol

[bangabain]

I think I've said it in another thread previously, but both Christmases since we had our daughter we've headed down to Phoenix with the in-laws - every day for the 2 weeks that we're down there we all (8 of us) golfed at the course they live on, and every day we had our daughter with us (8 months old the first year and 20 months the second year) strapped in to the cart with one of us who wasn't golfing that day, who could run home with her if she was over it or ready for a nap :P. The cart is fully enclosed with solid fibreglass doors and rear window, so there's basically zero chance of a ball coming in, and the course doesn't have any holes next to each other, so there's no balls coming in from other holes which is super nice.

 

The first year she just sat in the car seat obviously, but last year she had one of her clubs and balls and came out and hit some shots on holes where we were waiting or on the green, which she loved. She definitely has a great time out there driving around in the cart and chatting with everyone - she knows what golf is from the tv and always says "ooh good shot" to anyone who hits the ball despite the outcome, and again when she starts getting cranky one of us drives her home to nap.

 

What this is a long winded way of saying is that I totally get where the OP is coming from - It would totally suck to have one person from the group have to stay home every day, and while I'm not 100% sure we would have done it if it was a course we didn't know and without the fully enclosed cart, it definitely would have been discussed - our whole family and extended family are golfers, and to me it's a great way to still spend time with your family, and get to share the joy of the game you love with them, even if they are too young to fully "get" it yet.

 

Just my $0.02, completely understand those saying it can be a liability issue, but I know I would be more than happy to sign a waiver if that were an option at a course we wanted to take her to. As far as the slowing down groups behind you thing, totally get it too, unfortunately there seems to be far too many people who live in their own bubble without too much awareness for the outside world and the people in it, but that isn't just reserved for people with young children at a golf course, and is another argument for another day :P

 

Cheers all, sorry for the long post!