So you play a round at a public course, and someone just starts wiping your clubs as you finish up on 18. How do you react?

[EddieEdwards]

Only time it happened to me was at a $12 muni.

[RSinSG]

44 minutes ago, 4x4GGG said:

a kid hustling bags at a golf course earns enough to get his mom a mothers day present or get a nice corsage for his GF for home coming.

Thats a nice sentiment but if they're anything like my oldest son was when he moved into an apartment at age 18 his box boy paycheck was quickly cashed and it went for rent and the rest for beer. He got his food from our pantry.

[Rob G 89]

Anyone tip in crypto currency?

[denkea]

If you don't want your clubs clean just tell you don't need them to be cleaned.  But remember all that trash you left in the cart?  They also need to return the carts to the cart barn to be charged and  cleaned up and ready to go for the next golfer.  

 

If you are playing at a course where you put your own clubs on a cart and take them off yourself somebody still has to clean them after play.  

 

[RSinSG]

49 minutes ago, denkea said:

If you don't want your clubs clean just tell you don't need them to be cleaned.  But remember all that trash you left in the cart?  They also need to return the carts to the cart barn to be charged and  cleaned up and ready to go for the next golfer.  

 

If you are playing at a course where you put your own clubs on a cart and take them off yourself somebody still has to clean them after play.  

 

Do you tip every worker for doing their job?

[jordan2240]

52 minutes ago, denkea said:

If you don't want your clubs clean just tell you don't need them to be cleaned.  But remember all that trash you left in the cart?  They also need to return the carts to the cart barn to be charged and  cleaned up and ready to go for the next golfer.  

 

If you are playing at a course where you put your own clubs on a cart and take them off yourself somebody still has to clean them after play.  

 

Again, we were not given a choice.  The guy just showed up and started wiping down the clubs while we were putting out, and we didn't notice until he had already gotten into it.  As for leaving trash in carts, I walk almost exclusively unless the course doesn't allow it or I'm totally unfamiliar with the course, but always dump anything I put in the cart that wasn't there when I started.  

[david.c.w]

10 hours ago, 4x4GGG said:

As far as tipping goes in general.. I don't tip everyone. I over tip everyone. (name that movie?) To me it's simple to see it from their eyes and not just mine. It's $2 at Jimmy Johns, it's $3 to a bag person, or in some cases it's me passing off my business card to some kids to come in for a free hour. In the end it means nothing to me. But to them, my small offer plus some others small offers all add up to something that could be great.

 

I used to not feel this way, but I do now.  $2 to the bag kid is more important than $2 to me.  Financially I am doing fine.  I am not loaded but also not counting pennies.  Perhaps my view has skewed since I joined a club.  When you see the same faces every week and they come to know you and have you prepped like you want, they become part of the golfing experience.  The bag guys know that we usually walk Sunday mornings.  Instead of bags on carts they are set nicely to the side with an extra towel draped over.   When I left my rangefinder in the under-roof basket on the cart they found it a few days later and it was in my bag. 

 

Once again, if I am playing a $24 course I am not expecting this service.  I 100% agree that if the guys are cleaning clubs while I am putting on 18 they are doing the hustle and it makes everything awkward and uncomfortable if they stand there waiting for $$$ as you walk off the green.   If I check my bag curbside at the airport, the guys get $5 since they are working out in the heat, and they just saved me 20 min waiting in the bag drop inside.  My anomaly is that I don't like hotel porters.  I rarely stay at full service hotels, but I don't need help with a wheeled suitcase and a backpack.  And it is not the tip, it is the awkward elevator ride that I don't want.

 

If you play a course, public or private, and there are guys wiping down clubs or making golf ball pyramids at the range and sweeping off the chipping green and overall enhancing your golfing experience, lay out a few dollars.  The tips go to the tip drawer and are generally split among the bag room staff at the end of the day.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Abh159]

7 minutes ago, david.c.w said:

If I check my bag curbside at the airport, the guys get $5 since they are working out in the heat, and they just saved me 20 min waiting in the bag drop inside. 

 

If there's one thing I've learned it's that you should ALWAYS tip the bag men/women at the airport. Especially if you're checking golf clubs. That $5-10 could be the difference between them gently placing your bags on the cart and them throwing them onto the top of the pile from 10 feet away. 

[david.c.w]

1 minute ago, Abh159 said:

 

If there's one thing I've learned it's that you should ALWAYS tip the bag men/women at the airport. Especially if you're checking golf clubs. That $5-10 could be the difference between them gently placing your bags on the cart and them throwing them onto the top of the pile from 10 feet away. 

 

Ha.  In Atlanta we have to take golf clubs to the "special screening area" which is in a separate room in the terminal.  They are not usually busy so the clubs go though the machine right away.  I usually linger around outside like a paranoid freak to make sure there are no problems.  I only travel for golf for a bucket list trip or a competitive member/guest when I 100% have to have my own clubs.  I don't want to get there only to find out they were quarantined because XYZ and I could have addressed it right away.  Seems like for some reason curbside does not have this requirement, or at least I don't see it.

[bladehunter]

Last time I had this done it was at grand dunes in MB.    Kid is wiping away on my worn out titleist MB set.  I said “ don’t waste your time , your not going to polish that face back to chrome. “.  And handed him a 5.    He was wiping the crap out of the rust spot on the 9 iron.  Lol.  
 

I don’t like it at all to be honest.  But I’m not a people person.  I do most everything for myself.  It’s just weird to have another dude cleaning up after me.  

[bladehunter]

4 hours ago, RSinSG said:

Do you tip every worker for doing their job?

I confess.  I do.  A lot.  I worked Service industry at a club and then in sales in my youth.  And I appreciate someone giving genuine good service .  And what I found out is it’s contagious and addicting.  You see everywhere I frequent now , I’m known by name and folks go out of their way to wait on me.  To me it’s worth it for a few bucks.  My father in law is opposite and still tips $1 for meals out.  And gripes every single meal about not getting any refills or service in general.  I’ve told him repeatedly that they know who he is as well.  I don’t have that issue. 

[Skaffa77]

Tipping etiquette is a thing that causes so many people grief.  

 

Given the choice, I would decline the service as I prefer to clean my own clubs (with a tooth brush, soap and water) similar to how I prefer to clean/wax my own car or shine my own shoes vs. someone else doing it. 

 

But there are situations where you are not given the choice and in those situations where a service is rendered and I'm the benefactor (golf club wipe down, folks who dry cars with towels at an "automated" car wash, etc.), I will give a tip (even if it is somewhat begrudgingly done) especially if it's a private club and I'm a guest.  In a lot of those situations, these folks are just doing what they are told to provide as a service and I can appreciate their efforts.

 

Still...the worst for me is walking into the restroom of a nice restaurant and encountering an attendant. Poor guy has to deal with dude's doing their business and provide a service with a good attitude. It's so awkward...I just feel obliged to give the guy something.

Edited May 4, 2021 by Skaffa77

[4x4GGG]

5 hours ago, RSinSG said:

Do you tip every worker for doing their job?

Service workers, Yes. 

[RSinSG]

6 hours ago, bladehunter said:

I confess.  I do.  A lot.  I worked Service industry at a club and then in sales in my youth.  And I appreciate someone giving genuine good service .  And what I found out is it’s contagious and addicting.  You see everywhere I frequent now , I’m known by name and folks go out of their way to wait on me.  To me it’s worth it for a few bucks.  My father in law is opposite and still tips $1 for meals out.  And gripes every single meal about not getting any refills or service in general.  I’ve told him repeatedly that they know who he is as well.  I don’t have that issue. 

I wrote in an earlier post that I tend to tip on the high side, but there is a limit. In the US most wait staff get considerably less than minimum wage and depend on tips to make up the difference. Unless the server has a horrible attitude or ignores me I am a generous tipper. I don’t tip every one though as it doesn’t seem right. The guy inside the cart barn cleaning the carts probably makes the same as the guy who works on the bunkers and I don’t tip him. 
 

Before I retired I used to go to several conferences a year in places like NYC, Chicago, Vegas. I used to get tired of having a half dozen people all looking for a tip between the airport and the hotel room. Get off a plane and stand in the cab line and there is some guy there waving at the cab that is already on the way to get you. I figure he could make several hundred per hour and never felt compelled to tip. 

[Hateto3Putt]

11 hours ago, RSinSG said:

I wrote in an earlier post that I tend to tip on the high side, but there is a limit. In the US most wait staff get considerably less than minimum wage and depend on tips to make up the difference. Unless the server has a horrible attitude or ignores me I am a generous tipper. I don’t tip every one though as it doesn’t seem right. The guy inside the cart barn cleaning the carts probably makes the same as the guy who works on the bunkers and I don’t tip him. 
 

Before I retired I used to go to several conferences a year in places like NYC, Chicago, Vegas. I used to get tired of having a half dozen people all looking for a tip between the airport and the hotel room. Get off a plane and stand in the cab line and there is some guy there waving at the cab that is already on the way to get you. I figure he could make several hundred per hour and never felt compelled to tip. 

Went to Vegas (the town built on tokes) a few weeks ago.

 

Cost me $35 in tips from to get from my airport to the room.

 

[landolakes]

Some provided services are not needed or asked for -- the expected tipping that is expected to go along with these services is garbage imo. 

[Dpavs]

Sounds like an opportunity for the next great golf product to me.

 

[Pepperturbo]

Once someone starts cleaning clubs, they figure it's a sure tip.  NOT the best way to go about getting a tip for unwanted or needed services, least from me.  I clean my clubs as I play, so they be all pretty coming off 18, my wife does the same.

 

Lately, however, due to Covid, people that rely on tips may be struggling, so I may give a $5 tip anyway.  Last weekend I handed the guy $10 for nothing.  My tipping, historically, is based on the quality of service, but lately it's been to help out.  A look in the eye and thank you is highly appreciated. 

 

Only it's a bit bothersome when there's no acknowledgment for offering more than the norm, let alone, no service.  It's either entitlement and or lack of manners.  Either way, it's likely to affect my compassion in the future.

 

 

Edited May 5, 2021 by Pepperturbo

[manku]

Most people don’t tip housekeeping at hotels, despite them probably working the hardest and making a meaningful impact on your stay.  
 

Meanwhile, the bellman makes $20 in tips for caring your bags into your room and showing you the remote.  
 

 

[smashdn]

On 5/2/2021 at 2:55 PM, TiScape said:

Same thing happened to me after a round at We-ko-pa in AZ. Same reaction as you. Definitely presumptuous and caught me a little off guard. The kid was pleasant and actually did a good job. So just said thanks and gave him a $5. 

 

That is like feeding the bears.  You just encourage them to look for food around people.  Next thing you know they are in the trash cans.  The bears that is.

 

Think I have only had the issue once.  (I play modest courses.)   After the round I went in to take a leak or something.  Came back out to the cart and my stuff was gone.  Guy that was my age was swabbing my sticks at the club drop.  I can't recall whether I tipped him or not but knowing me I probably did.

 

Same deal with valet guys.  Even if the service is complimentary are you guys tipping?  I do.

 

In these known tipping scenarios I usually just plan ahead of time a bit and make sure I have a 5 or whatever folded in my front pocket.  I can get to it quick and slip it to the guy or gal discretely.  Tipping the beverage cart girl is easy.  Give her a $5 and let her keep the change.

[david.c.w]

On 5/2/2021 at 3:55 PM, TiScape said:

Same thing happened to me after a round at We-ko-pa in AZ. Same reaction as you. Definitely presumptuous and caught me a little off guard. The kid was pleasant and actually did a good job. So just said thanks and gave him a $5. 

 

Must have missed this.  We-ko-pa is up to $200/per round and a top 10 course in Arizona and likely a starting point for young people in the hospitality industry to learn.  Surely the golf service is impeccable from bag drop to driving out.  If your day consists of up to $250 in expenses, an extra $5 to the tip pot split between the staff should not impact you.

[TiScape]

6 minutes ago, david.c.w said:

 

Must have missed this.  We-ko-pa is up to $200/per round and a top 10 course in Arizona and likely a starting point for young people in the hospitality industry to learn.  Surely the golf service is impeccable from bag drop to driving out.  If your day consists of up to $250 in expenses, an extra $5 to the tip pot split between the staff should not impact you.

Not at all! Just surprised me. 

[david.c.w]

14 minutes ago, TiScape said:

Not at all! Just surprised me. 

 

Sorry, not directed at you.  More to those who would not tip in this situation.  Club cleaning at a place like We-ko-pa should be included in the total golf experience.

[TiScape]

8 minutes ago, david.c.w said:

 

Sorry, not directed at you.  More to those who would not tip in this situation.  Club cleaning at a place like We-ko-pa should be included in the total golf experience.

Oh no worries. I took no offense. And I agree! Interestingly on the same trip we played Troon North and TPC Scottsdale. It didn’t happen at either of those. Go figure. 

[miamistomp]

On 5/2/2021 at 4:42 PM, MtlJeff said:

I'm not sure there's a "right" answer. The way i tend to see it is if it's a very high end public course, or resort course...Sometimes this is kind of expected. They clean your clubs after your round at the Mont Tremblant courses in Quebec which are top 100 courses in Canada, and in the mountain resorts. At those i expect to tip a bit because that just seems to be normal

 

At a run of the mill public course that the common man plays at? I don't really want my clubs cleaned, nor do i want to look the type of people that play there in the eye for that matter.

 

Private clubs this wouldn't happen because it's part of the membership dues.

   I would think that any one in Quebec who relies on tips would be struggling

 

  Not known as tippers down here

Edited May 5, 2021 by miamistomp

[MtlJeff]

13 minutes ago, miamistomp said:

   I would think that any one in Quebec who relies on tips would be struggling

 

  Not known as tippers down here

 

I couldn't say for sure, i'm a really generous tipper at places i go to a lot. But at places where it's more forced, i might be stingy .

 

I think overall Quebecers are probably on the lower end of the generosity spectrum. So i could see that

[miamistomp]

 Having never been to Quebec, I have always surmised that tips were included in the price of things there ( like  much of Europe )

 

 

 

 

[MtlJeff]

4 minutes ago, miamistomp said:

 Having never been to Quebec, I have always surmised that tips were included in the price of things there ( like  much of Europe )

 

 

 

 

 

Nope , restaurants or massage places, or delivery services or etc....Anything i can think of where i would tip --Not included.

 

The Canadian government i believe bases a certain portion of taxes in these industries on assumed tips too. So if you don't tip them i believe it actually negatively affects them. I'm not 100% on the mechanics of this, but i always try to tip in some industries

[miamistomp]

Oh well

 

Down here it seems it is only the Quebecers who have the low or no tip policy

Other Canadians don't have that rep

 

[oikos1]

On 5/4/2021 at 12:20 PM, bladehunter said:

I confess.  I do.  A lot.  I worked Service industry at a club and then in sales in my youth.  And I appreciate someone giving genuine good service .  And what I found out is it’s contagious and addicting.  You see everywhere I frequent now , I’m known by name and folks go out of their way to wait on me.  To me it’s worth it for a few bucks.  My father in law is opposite and still tips $1 for meals out.  And gripes every single meal about not getting any refills or service in general.  I’ve told him repeatedly that they know who he is as well.  I don’t have that issue. 

Totally agree.  Giving an unexpected and generous tip for excellent service is quite satisfying.  Receiving an unexpected generous tip for providing excellent service is also quite satisfying.  No matter the expectations or economic status, a generous tip says "Thank you for taking care of me" and only promotes continued good service.