Looking for opinions - Is this poor etiquette and/or stealing?

[Putter Addict]

Just looking for some thoughts from the community here. I recently moved to a new neighborhood that is on a golf course (never lived on one before). A couple holes are only one street over from me. I was thinking about heading over there in the evenings for some practice after everyone is in for the day. The course is public so it isn't as though I am paying for it with HOA fees, etc... 

 

I haven't done this yet and am hesitant because it feels a bit like stealing. If I were paying a membership fee I probably would have no issues with it, but given it is a public course I just don't know that I would feel ok doing this. Not like I would be playing 18 and I would clean up any divots, ball marks, etc.. but still... 

 

Just looking for thoughts and opinions especially based on personal experience, and no judgement either way on anyone who weighs in here. Thanks in advance!

[SEP1006]

When you say "practice" what does that entail? Playing a few holes or just practicing your chipping and putting on one hole?

 

If it's the latter of the two then I see no issues with it and would do it myself.

 

If it's playing a few holes well then that's a different story. Especially if you do it 2 - 3 times a week. I would feel uncomfortable with that.

 

 

[tatertot]

Not stealing ... Trespassing. It's not your property, and you're not paying to use it. Would you go next door and chip in your neighbour's yard?

 

Ask the GM if he minds ... If he doesn't care, you're golden.

[Putter Addict]

1 minute ago, SEP1006 said:

When you say "practice" what does that entail? Playing a few holes or just practicing your chipping and putting on one hole?

 

If it's the latter of the two then I see no issues with it and would do it myself.

 

If it's playing a few holes well then that's a different story. Especially if you do it 2 - 3 times a week. I would feel uncomfortable with that.

 

 

Probably more the latter, but maybe play a hole once a week or less just to get a full tee to green experience. I think the fact that I am conflicted about it probably tells me all I need to know but again, never lived on a course before so wasn't sure what others thought and/or had experienced. 

[Putter Addict]

Just now, tatertot said:

Not stealing ... Trespassing. It's not your property, and you're not paying to use it. Would you go next door and chip in your neighbour's yard?

 

Ask the GM if he minds ... If he doesn't care, you're golden.

Good thought. I may stop in and chat with them about it and get their thoughts. Not sure if they have a policy for those living in the neighborhood. 

[golfinbrad]

How much is the membership fee?  Course would likely not mind if you are playing there a good bit or at least hitting balls on a regular basis.  It is only right to throw some business there way.

[JohnnyCashForever]

Instead of wondering what to do, talk to the head pro and your neighbors.  You can't be the only one with this idea.  There might be some agreement already in place for your situation.  

[McMunch]

16-18 year old me says no problem. Me now says trespassing. Great suggestion asking the GM although from a liability standpoint you might get an automatic no.

[Putter Addict]

I will definitely be giving them some business with their range programs and the occasional 9 or 18 holes. Good call out on talking to them about it though. I will be doing that in the next few days. If they hesitate at all or don't give a resounding approval on it, I will not be doing it. I was already on the fence about it and it does feel "off" to me. 

[trentjo]

Would you not "join" the club anyway? I, too, live on a public golf course that offers a yearly membership. When we moved here a year-and-a-half ago, the year was half over and I inquired about a membership for the remainder of the year. They let me join with a monthly rate and then I paid in-full for this year's membership this past January. With that, it's awesome, as I often go out and play 4-5 holes when time doesn't allow for more during an evening or an early afternoon. Being a member keeps me from feeling bad about it at all, as if I ever get approached, either the maintenance guys know me or can easily check that I'm "okay to be out there." Not sure where you live or if weather is in question as it is for me, but I have a buddy locally that was allowed to "join" the club for summer months, as that timeframe allowed him more access/freedom to play with his work schedule and the longer days were conducive to him playing after work. You might check if that is an option at your club or what their thoughts are on that. In my experience, a local muni is probably going to understand what they are and not get too bent out of shape about requiring things that a high-end, expensive club would, and your head pro will probably be more than happy to help accommodate you playing, as long as you're up front with him with what you're wanting to do. Honesty is always the best policy, as it also then makes them aware that you'll be around and helps make you a part of their community a bit more, too. 

[Putter Addict]

4 minutes ago, trentjo said:

Would you not "join" the club anyway? I, too, live on a public golf course that offers a yearly membership. When we moved here a year-and-a-half ago, the year was half over and I inquired about a membership for the remainder of the year. They let me join with a monthly rate and then I paid in-full for this year's membership this past January. With that, it's awesome, as I often go out and play 4-5 holes when time doesn't allow for more during an evening or an early afternoon. Being a member keeps me from feeling bad about it at all, as if I ever get approached, either the maintenance guys know me or can easily check that I'm "okay to be out there." Not sure where you live or if weather is in question as it is for me, but I have a buddy locally that was allowed to "join" the club for summer months, as that timeframe allowed him more access/freedom to play with his work schedule and the longer days were conducive to him playing after work. You might check if that is an option at your club or what their thoughts are on that. In my experience, a local muni is probably going to understand what they are and not get too bent out of shape about requiring things that a high-end, expensive club would, and your head pro will probably be more than happy to help accommodate you playing, as long as you're up front with him with what you're wanting to do. Honesty is always the best policy, as it also then makes them aware that you'll be around and helps make you a part of their community a bit more, too. 

Good idea. I don't know much about the structure and memberships, etc... given this is my first time living in a golf course neighborhood. I looked into their range program but that was it. I don't play a lot of golf so wasn't really thinking about a membership but you are probably right that I should ask about the different options. 

[MelloYello]

1 hour ago, Putter Addict said:

Just looking for some thoughts from the community here. I recently moved to a new neighborhood that is on a golf course (never lived on one before). A couple holes are only one street over from me. I was thinking about heading over there in the evenings for some practice after everyone is in for the day. The course is public so it isn't as though I am paying for it with HOA fees, etc... 

 

I haven't done this yet and am hesitant because it feels a bit like stealing. If I were paying a membership fee I probably would have no issues with it, but given it is a public course I just don't know that I would feel ok doing this. Not like I would be playing 18 and I would clean up any divots, ball marks, etc.. but still... 

 

Just looking for thoughts and opinions especially based on personal experience, and no judgement either way on anyone who weighs in here. Thanks in advance!

 

The first thing I would say is that a public course would have no problem with you putting / chipping on the designated practice areas after-hours. You might try to make use of those if/when you can. 

 

I never saw our local (public) course shut down the Pro Shop in the evening and tell the folks on the chipping green, 'hey, you gotta go home.'  Often times, the Pro Shop may close at 7pm and there may still be 1.5-hrs of daylight and folks out there putting on the practice green.

 

So, I don't think there's any issue with using areas designated for practice (excluding the range because grass is valuable). 

 

However, going on the course is definitely not "allowed," but it's a question of whether or not you will get kicked off.

 

I would hesitate to ask because (1) they have no reason to say yes and (2) it's definitely got the potential for some unwanted things. What if you had a heart attack out there? What if you were mugged? What if you somehow damaged the course? They're never going to say, 'yeah, freely venture onto our property when we're closed.' Obviously, the answer is going to be a firm, 'no' if you walk in and ask. 

 

It's a question of whether or not you'd do it anyway and that's your call. If you want to spend a little while putting or chipping and you are 100% confident you're not damaging anything, I personally see no issue with it, although you're still trespassing no doubt about it. And when you could be doing that on the practice area(s), I think yeah, it at least looks bad that you're doing it on the course. 

 

Would a private club say anything to a member? Probably not. Perhaps a high-end club would but in this case you're definitely not "supposed" to do what you're proposing. So it's really your decision. It's a bit like speeding. There's a point where it's par for the course and there's a point where it's excessive and indefensible. 

[trentjo]

2 minutes ago, Putter Addict said:

Good idea. I don't know much about the structure and memberships, etc... given this is my first time living in a golf course neighborhood. I looked into their range program but that was it. I don't play a lot of golf so wasn't really thinking about a membership but you are probably right that I should ask about the different options. 

Yeah, just get in front of them and make yourself known. The more they see you around and the more comfortable they are with you, the less things will "be an issue" for whatever you decide you want to do. For instance, paying for golf itself is not issue whatsoever, but I have had a few instances with my father-in-law coming over to play a round with me and I've booked the tee time. Since I'm a member and have my own cart, when the head pro is in the clubhouse and we go to "check in," him knowing that it's my father-in-law playing with me and him also knowing how much I'm out there becomes a "you're good to go, have fun!" situation where we don't pay for the round my father-in-law would have had to do. Again, not necessary, definitely not expected, but it's nice every once in a while that he knows we're there, we have a great relationship, and he knows that we take great care of the course while we're out there, too. Getting to know the guys in the pro shop and the clubhouse will be one of your greatest allies in all of this.

[Soloman1]

My neighbor has a nice swimming pool. I usually hop over fence and use it at night.

[Bye]

I know of one person who has an arrangement at our club where he pays the social membership and can use the practice facilities. We have some members who live on the boundary of the course, they are not allowed to have a gate opening onto the course. It is worth asking and getting some sort of agreement in place and paying something towards it will avoid a lot of awkward situations and conversations.  

[mshills]

Go talk to the GM.  It may not be an issue as long as you're doing some chipping and some putting.....not hitting flop shots, bunker play, or a bucket of wedges from 100 yards.  😄

 

My guess:  the GM will be very happy you came to ask, and something amicable will get worked out.

[Putter Addict]

Thanks everyone that has responded. I felt uneasy about it to begin with but was new to this situation. Definitely helped make up my mind. 

[Wooley12]

I've gone onto golf courses to practice putting and chipping for decades. My rules.

- Stay out of view of the clubhouse

-Walk along the edges. Not in the fairway. 

-Go when/where no one is playing. i.e. Back nine before sundown. 

-Carry only one club. 

-Practice with 3-4 balls only. 

-It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. I've only been asked to leave twice. 

 

-

 

 

 

 

[mrshinsa]

Our local course strongly forbids "practicing" on the course even for paid patrons and members.  I can't imagine any course allowing it for non-paid trespassers.  Practicing on one hole, even for chipping and putting, for an extended period definitely wears out the green.  

 

Don't look like a fool by calling/asking.  Just sneak in, get your itch out, and get out.  If you get caught, get ready for some great excuse.   

Edited October 4, 2023 by mrshinsa

[Ferguson]

"It is not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity."

 

- Francis Bacon 

 

 

 

 

[DNF]

Do it! Worst case scenario you get asked to leave. Then you respectfully do so, wait a couple weeks and try again.

[Maine Golfer]

Im a member at a cheap public course and they basically dont care after they leave for the night (fall or summer). Last year I was gonna pre pay for a buddy to come out and they didn't want it. I can't speak to your course, but mine is more than okay with.  A lot of times its members and HS kids and it all works out. 

[Jayjay_theweim_guy]

17 minutes ago, Ferguson said:

"It is not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity."

 

- Francis Bacon 

 

 

 

 

"Always remember that it’s much easier to apologize than to get permission,”

 

- Admiral Grace Hopper

[DFS PFD]

Pay for a membership, simple as that. Then work with the GM and let them know your intentions. Otherwise you can be criminally trespassed off the course. And if it's okay for you, then it's okay for everyone. Causing excess wear and tear on the course that paying members are stuck footing the bill. 

[Ferguson]

23 minutes ago, Jayjay_theweim_guy said:

"Always remember that it’s much easier to apologize than to get permission,”

 

- Admiral Grace Hopper

 

 

"Extra value is what you get when you buy Coronet."

- Rosemary Clooney 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[WilliePPQ]

Did this in Jr. HS all the time. Got caught and banished but finally found a way to pay for a Jr. Membership and problem solved. 

As an adult, find a place to practice safely and without angst about "being caught" as I'm sure you can afford to pay for it. Do the ethical thing. Using a facility or grounds that you knowingly aren't supposed to be on is not the best example for younger folks either. Sorry just the grouchy old guy perspective.

[MtlJeff]

2 hours ago, Jayjay_theweim_guy said:

"Always remember that it’s much easier to apologize than to get permission,”

 

- Admiral Grace Hopper

 

For us to live any other way was nuts. Uh, to us, those goody-good people who worked crappy jobs for bum paychecks and took the subway to work every day, and worried about their bills, were dead. I mean, they were suckers. They had no balls. If we wanted something, we just took it. If anyone complained twice they got hit so bad, believe me, they never complained again

 

Henry Hill

[Ferguson]

8 minutes ago, MtlJeff said:

 

For us to live any other way was nuts. Uh, to us, those goody-good people who worked crappy jobs for bum paychecks and took the subway to work every day, and worried about their bills, were dead. I mean, they were suckers. They had no balls. If we wanted something, we just took it. If anyone complained twice they got hit so bad, believe me, they never complained again

 

Henry Hill

 

 

"I think you can learn from history."

 

- Chuck Norris 

 

[Springsteennut]

6 hours ago, Soloman1 said:

My neighbor has a nice swimming pool. I usually hop over fence and use it at night.

I know, but can you at least wear a swimsuit. No one wants to see that.

[hackeraz]

Drop a mat on the sidewalk and launch balls from the public space.