Car parks

[HomerJSimpson]

Think its a historic throwback and members and visitors were all expected to use the locker rooms provided. Like much of the rules surrounding dress codes it seems archaic now and even though my own club still technically has this rule (not sure if we have signs still up or not) its not enforced

 

[Imurg]

At the Zoo the rule is in place to make people go into the changing rooms where the majority of notices are posted.
At least then there's half a chance people will see them.

 

[USER1999]

We have a sign saying no changing in the car park.

It doesn't say what I can't change though, so I am ok doing what I do.

 

[Springveldt]

Does this rule cover actually sitting in your car with the doors closed and changing your shoes?

Would hope not, I've changed trousers and shirts doing that.

 

[Britishshooting]

Its a rule at a course where I play. I'd say 95% adhere to it.

A lot of people have their clubs stored in a container and shoes in their lockers so it suits them. High proportion of retirees here too who seemingly have all the time in the world to play/socialise up there so in no rush and is part of their routine.

Personally after work I don't have time for such faffing when there is barely any daylight and always change my shoes in the car park, heck sometimes I leave my house in golf shoes.

Gets the occasional look from members but never been challenged on it. Had somebody staring at me as if I was taking a dump in the middle of the car park so I began wollaping my shoes together to show how much of a nob I could be as well. My shoes are always air jetted post round so never any mud/grass to cover the car park in anyway so I see no issue.

 

[robinthehood]

To get people to go into the clubhouse after their game, where they may then spend money on a drink etc rather than go straight home

Hmmm I'm not convinced about that. I'm no more or less likely to stop based on where I change my shoes.

 

[Hackers76]

I always assumed it was down to making the club look untidy.

 

[Swango1980]

I played at Brocton Hall one summer evening 2 or 3 years ago, Staffordshire. When I arrived, I naturally went to boot of car and started to change my shoes. The guy I was playing with, a member, nearly had a panic attack and told me to stop, I needed to change them in the changing room. To be fair, he was embarrassed by it and very apologetic, he only panicked because he was worried that someone else would see me change my shoes and take action, he said some members can be quite strict about it.

It was the only time I've ever heard this rule. They even allow you to change your shoes in car park at Woodhall Spa, although they didn't let me into the casual dining area once when I just went in without shoes on (i.e. just socks). That was fair enough I guess.

 

[Jacko_G]

We have a no changing shoes in the car park rule and I just noticed the other day that we also have a no arriving in your golf shoes rule in the club rules!

 

[Lord Tyrion]

We have a no changing shoes in the car park rule and I just noticed the other day that we also have a no arriving in your golf shoes rule in the club rules!

Now that is a first. I nearly always turn up wearing my golf shoes, spikeless, clean. If I was playing at an away course and was going to use the bar first, cup of tea etc then I would not but if I was going to go straight out to play then I certainly would. What is the objection? I really don't get that one.

My own club has a spike bar so I always turn up in golf shoes there no matter what.

 

[backwoodsman]

Don't know if we have the rule or not. But no-one does change shoes in the car park (or not that I've ever noticed).

I'm neither for nor against the rule - but never really understood why you wouldn't go into the changing rooms. More more convenient & comfortable surely?

 

[chrisd]

I always change in the car park after once leaving my golf shoes in a changing room when leaving

 

[Deleted member 23270]

The rule is there for two reasons.

1. Metal spikes could damage the tarmac
2. Prevent mud/grass being deposited all over the car park.

As metal spikes are pretty much gone these days that part of the rule no longer applies. Soft spikes though drag more crap into the car park than metal spikes. The club will have to pay someone to clean up if they want the place to look tidy.

 

[Jacko_G]

Now that is a first. I nearly always turn up wearing my golf shoes, spikeless, clean. If I was playing at an away course and was going to use the bar first, cup of tea etc then I would not but if I was going to go straight out to play then I certainly would. What is the objection? I really don't get that one.

My own club has a spike bar so I always turn up in golf shoes there no matter what.

I honestly don't know. It is an "old school" traditional club which maybe explains it slightly.

 

[Swango1980]

Don't know if we have the rule or not. But no-one does change shoes in the car park (or not that I've ever noticed).

I'm neither for nor against the rule - but never really understood why you wouldn't go into the changing rooms. More more convenient & comfortable surely?

Convenient? Not really, the boot of my car will be a lot closer to get to than the changing rooms, especially as I keep my golf shoes in the boot of my car.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

I always thought it was the old fashion reason of not wanting the car park to look scruffy (clumps of mud and grass lying about) when people turned up.

Which also meant people walking through the car park in “normal” shoes then didn’t step in it and then walk it in to the Clubhouse.

 

[jim8flog]

It makes the car parks messy because most players bang their shoes to get the grass out of then then add the mud and grass from players cleaning trolley wheels ..............

Annoying when the club has gone to expense of providing a trolley and shoe cleaning area with air blowers.

 

[robinthehood]

It makes the car parks messy because most players bang their shoes to get the grass out of then then add the mud and grass from players cleaning trolley wheels ..............

Annoying when the club has gone to expense of providing a trolley and shoe cleaning area with air blowers.

I use the cleaner and then pack all my stuff away, shoes are part of my equipment , makes no sense to have to then go to the clubhouse and back just to put my shoes away.

 

[GB72]

Our carpark is surrounded by grass so no problem being a shoe slapper (my new fave phrase!) there.

I certainly prefer the term 'shoe slapper' over 'car park golfer'

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I'm neither for nor against the rule - but never really understood why you wouldn't go into the changing rooms. More more convenient & comfortable surely?

I played at a course on Monday where the car park was 100m from the clubhouse but 20m from the 1st tee. I would have to have walked past the tee, kept on going and then do the reverse. Makes no sense. In most cases it is much less convenient, adds time and distance, none of which is logical.

For clubs where there is no rule I doubt if more than 10% of people change shoes in the changing rooms and I suspect that is overly optimistic still.