private courses

[schulzea]

Rookie golf question. I was invited to play at a private course by a co worker. Being a guest of a member, will I have to pay green fees? I know ill have to tip caddies, etc. I've never played at a private course like this just want to be prepared. Thanks

[nando]

I have had to in the past, unless they specifically say they are covering it.

[rvgolfer]

Best thing to do is just ask the member you will be playing with for advice and the protocol that you should follow. Dont be reluctant to ask questions before you even drive up to the course.

[jshel]

Completely agree with rvgolfer.

I would send the host member an email. I would say that you want to be prepared so you want to know:

- Where to park? Where should you meet them? Are there any weird dress code rules? What are the cell phone rules?
- Can you change your shoes in the parking lot, or do you need to go to the locker room?
- What are the guest fees? Should you pay them in cash? Or can you pay in the shop? If you can pay in the shop, do they take cards or cash?
- Caddies? What are the fees? And how much should you tip?

I think asking ahead of time shows that you're on the ball and that you don't want to mistakenly do anything to embarass yourself or the member.

Have fun.

[pkuhr9]

^ +1... every time its different for me... if its just the two of you going out to have fun i would expect to pay, but if you get invited by a boss or a customer it is usually covered... just my experience

[drake47]

[quote name='jshel' timestamp='1366222783' post='6865641']
Completely agree with rvgolfer.

I would send the host member an email. I would say that you want to be prepared so you want to know:

- Where to park? Where should you meet them? Are there any weird dress code rules? What are the cell phone rules?
- Can you change your shoes in the parking lot, or do you need to go to the locker room?
- What are the guest fees? Should you pay them in cash? Or can you pay in the shop? If you can pay in the shop, do they take cards or cash?
- Caddies? What are the fees? And how much should you tip?

I think asking ahead of time shows that you're on the ball and that you don't want to mistakenly do anything to embarass yourself or the member.

Have fun.
[/quote]

This advice is perfect, just enjoy yourself, most of these clubs are much more laid back than you expect.

[CPSOX]

Ask the member. Trust me, a member is more concerned with a guest doing something goofy than the guest himself is.

[schulzea]

Thanks everyone. Will talk with him and get some details

[kuslamb]

Footwear - I never change shoes in the parking lot for a few reasons, primarily its a pain in the butt and doesn't look good anywhere, public, private, etc... - With that being said, I usually arrive wearing sandals if I plan on changing shoes inside or my golf spikes if there isn't anywhere convenient to change shoes once inside - I always ask if sandals appropriate to arrive in?

Whenever I play outside of my country club, I always keep $50 or so in $5's handy - Unlikely that you will spend all of them, but its (in my opinion) a nice gesture to tip cartboys, valets, waiters, bartenders, etc... in addition to whatever the member is picking up.

As for paying, I always make it clear to my guests whether I am paying or they are paying - and this is always made clear to me as well.

[lefty-golfer]

[quote name='CPSOX' timestamp='1366410759' post='6880369']
Ask the member. Trust me, a member is more concerned with a guest doing something goofy than the guest himself is.
[/quote]


my hope for any guest i take is that they blend in...i have had guests show up in cargos with the shirt hanging out, wearing their hat backwards, not be able to hit the ball in the air...you name it. be cool act the part and have great time. for the most part clubs are much more freindly then you might be expecting...hard to believe but private clubs are people too!! they join for golf and the social network...just smile and have a good time.

[Dave Arcobello]

Be sure to have a white sweater tied around your neck upon arrival and order a Perrier at the turn. With lemon, not lime. Lime is for vagrants.

Cheers.

[Lexicographer]

Lime is for vagrants. LMAO

[lrhogfan]

Ask the member. Some courses have a general no-tipping policy. I would at least offer to pay for the round by saying something like "how much do I owe you for this round," and let the member take it from there.