Clubs still in the Dark Ages

[Neddy]

If you join a club, you sign up and agree to abide by it's rules. If they say no mobiles, trainers, jeans or whatever then tough, those are the rules. You have made an adult decision, nobody forced you into it. If you don't like a club's rules then either don't join or join one that has rules that suit your requirements.

100% agree and in the event i join a club that is exactly what i would do.

Do you not feel though that clubs are costing themselves untold sums of money in memberships & visitors green fees by enforcing rules that only exist because they always have and in fact serve no purpose?

For example, I just checked out a golf club's website and it told me that to play on the course i have to wear a certain kind of socks. Seriously...why?!

All clubs say on their website "visitors are welcome" but some have so many pointless rules I'd be too terrified of accidentally upsetting someone to pay them a visit. And in that situation, they don't get a green fee, and I don't get the chance to play the course....so who wins? Nobody.

Ironic that clubs feel they are "protecting the game" by enforcing these silly rules when in fact they are only doing it harm.

I keep hearing that golf clubs are struggling/closing all over the shop. Don't you think some of that might be because people who view the game as a hobby don't wish to spend their free time being treated like school children?

 

[backwoodsman]

I guess if you are looking at antiquated rules, then Wimbledon Common/London Scottish has one where you have to wear pillar red tops on the course (no other colour allowed). Its a by-law of playing on the course and has been in place since the club opened in 190

Don't think WC/LS is quite that old Homer ...

Removal of hats: Alleged to date back to mediaeval times when removal of helmet was sign of respect - eg by removing my helmet and identifying myself, I demonstrate that I trust your friendship and trust you not to welt me around the ears with your sword or mace.

 

[Dodger]

Doesn't matter - that's how it is.

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But why??Who decided and when did it become?I didn't realise it was a rule of golf and I am interested as to where it originates from.Anyone

 

[Snelly]

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But why??Who decided and when did it become?I didn't realise it was a rule of golf and I am interested as to where it originates from.Anyone

The English decided that this should be the case after winning lots of battles against our enemies. We dictated it and the world obeyed.

 

[Yrrah09]

Once after finishing a round in a competition I walked through the clubhouse (removed my hat) and gave my scorecard in. I then sat outside on the main terrace/veranda and put my cap back on as it was sunny (this was outside). I was then asked by the captain to remove it as it looked 'common'. I was only 16 but I knew it wa him throwing his weight around so I respectfully said no and explained the sun was in my eyes and wanted to watch the players come in. He then stormed out muttering words under his breath. 10 minutes later the secretary came to ask to have a chat to me. He said that disobeying the captains rules could lead me to be kicked out!?!? I was fuming, I had done nothing wrong. That's like not being able to wear sunglasses when it's sunny because they look tacky. I soon left the club and was even advised to take it further.

 

[chrisd]

In all private clubs the rules are there before you join and you do join one knowing that. Those that ban mobile phones do so because the members want them banned, not all members but a majority because if the majority wanted them to be ok'd they would put a motion to an agm or egm and get them ok'd - that is what happens at a private club.

I get annoyed when someone comes into my work place and has a conversation with me whilst answering 2 or 3 calls on his mobile which mostly arnt related to work. If there were 80 people in the clubhouse can you imagine the noise of the various ring tones going off and people, as they do, shouting down their phones to their wives/girlfriends about issues that they could quite happily wait until they get home.

The main thing is though, at a private club, you are an equal member and you are quite within your rights to propose a change to the rules and I think that the people here who want more liberal rules would be suprised just how out of step with the bulk of the membership they are, and that includes the younger members not just the old codgers.

 

[GreiginFife]

Am not arguing but can anyone tell me why you should take yer bunnet off to shake hand or not wear it indoors??

Doffing the cap at the 18th is a sign of respect you your beaten/victorious opponent that the game was played in a good spirit and of mutual respect between players.
Wearing a hat or cap indoors, I don't think this even needs to be a rule. Just why would you wear head gear indoors? What purpose would a cap or hat serve in a fully covered enclosure? Do you sit about the house in your cap? It's just bonkers that people do this.

 

[dufferman]

I was only 16 but I knew it wa him throwing his weight around so I respectfully said no and explained the sun was in my eyes and wanted to watch the players come in. He then stormed out muttering words under his breath. 10 minutes later the secretary came to ask to have a chat to me. He said that disobeying the captains rules could lead me to be kicked out!?!? I was fuming, I had done nothing wrong. That's like not being able to wear sunglasses when it's sunny because they look tacky. I soon left the club and was even advised to take it further.

That is exactly how I felt when being asked to not use my mobile phone to send a text message. I was really hurting no-one, I think the captain was just throwing his weight around!

 

[Doon frae Troon]

The sad thing about this thread is that clubs are forced to ban mobiles due to the lack of social skills of far to many people.
It is not snobbery it is having to re-act to the lowest level.
The people who actually answer their phones in the theatre, cinema, public meetings and even a funeral service really do need a good talking to.

 

[chrisd]

The sad thing about this thread is that clubs are forced to ban mobiles due to the lack of social skills of far to many people.
It is not snobbery it is having to re-act to the lowest level.
The people who actually answer their phones in the theatre, cinema, public meetings and even a funeral service really do need a good talking to.

Spot on Doon, spot on!

 

[CliveW]

What is so important about mobile phones anyway? I understand that certain professions might need to be on call etc. but why should the majority answer a call straight away? In the good old days before mobiles, if you weren't at home when the phone rang it wasn't the end of the world and people would phone back later. I won't allow visitors to my house to use or answer their mobile if they are visiting me, neither would I take a mobile with me when I visit people. They have come to see me not to have conversations with others. I don't want to have my life interupted by someone elses phone call. It is the height of bad manners and certainly don't want to listen to half of another's conversation.

 

[USER1999]

That is exactly how I felt when being asked to not use my mobile phone to send a text message. I was really hurting no-one, I think the captain was just throwing his weight around!

HGC really is not the sort of club where the Captain throws his weight around.

 

[dufferman]

I think there is a real divide about the whole mobile phone thing. At no point has anyone said that they can't live without their mobile phone, it just seems like a silly rule IMO. As others have mentioned, sending the odd text message is no different to burying your head in a golf magazine or book. But, each to their own, I am not a member of a club because I cannot afford it, I'm happy to admit that and am not ashamed of it. Maybe if I was paying money and got caught up in the traditions of a clubhouse my opinions might change.

As for Hillingdon Golf Club murph, I can only tell you what happened! In my limited experience at the club, that is the way they made me feel, and I haven't gone there since Christmas time!

 

[Yrrah09]

I have my phone on silent with me in my bag when I'm in the course and in my pocket when I'm at the bar. I check it every 6 holes just to make sure there are no emergencies. When I saw I check it, I glance at it not get it out as I'm walking up a fairway.

 

[Airlie_Andy]

The sad thing about this thread is that clubs are forced to ban mobiles due to the lack of social skills of far to many people.
It is not snobbery it is having to re-act to the lowest level.
The people who actually answer their phones in the theatre, cinema, public meetings and even a funeral service really do need a good talking to.

Those circumstances are not even slightly comparable to someone quietly sending a text in the clubhouse. Rather than ban mobile phones entirely because some people may abuse them why not state that they must be on silent and crack the whip on anyone who doesn't? Social skills have nothing to do with it, I get far more annoyed listening to some of the inane conversations I have to listen to in the clubhouse rather than someone quietly on the phone making arrangements for later in the day etc.

 

[MegaSteve]

As for Hillingdon Golf Club... I haven't gone there since Christmas time!

Your loss, methinks...

My lad was a member there for a short while... Unfortunately redundancy and a change of circumstances meant he couldn't renew... He's a bit older than yourself at 35 but he can't live without that b####y blackberry of his [angry face!]... BUT he thought it a small price to pay [not using it in the clubhouse] to be a member at a really friendly welcoming club... Hopefully, he says, new job on Monday allows him to re-acquaint himself with the club...

 

[dufferman]

Your loss, methinks...

My lad was a member there for a short while... Unfortunately redundancy and a change of circumstances meant he couldn't renew... He's a bit older than yourself at 35 but he can't live without that b####y blackberry of his [angry face!]... BUT he thought it a small price to pay [not using it in the clubhouse] to be a member at a really friendly welcoming club... Hopefully, he says, new job on Monday allows him to re-acquaint himself with the club...

Did he find a 'young' crowd joining there? It seems that a lot of the clubs I have visited to play all seem to have members over the age of 45 which, with no disrespect to the older golfer, isn't quite what I'm looking for! Hillingdon did seem to give the impression of a much older group of people there. A few of my neighbors are members there, they are all over the age of 60!!

 

[triple_bogey]

Someone talking loudly in to their mobile is, at best, antisocial and at worst, rude.

Its no different from groups of guys after their rounds chatting, laughing loudly. I've come across many of these loud groups, and personally it makes a great lively atmostphere instead of a funeral parlour.

 

[chrisd]

Just to put the record straight. Most clubs dont ban mobile phones. Its their ringing, and people talking on them in the clubhouse bar/eating areas that are usually banned.

If they are on vibrate and ring, people usually go out of the bar (at my place) and take a call in the corridor.I have never seen or heard of anyone told off about texting in the bar. So, no one need necessarily miss a vital call but the members enjoying a social drink after a game are not subjected to 15 different ring tones going off every few minutes and some eejit discussing with his other half whether he wants roast or boiled potatoes!

 

[JezzE]

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But why??Who decided and when did it become?I didn't realise it was a rule of golf and I am interested as to where it originates from.Anyone

Was having a similar conversation with my son about elbows on tables while you're eating... 'but why is it bad manners, dad?' 'Ummm... you might get ketchup on your shirt sleeves... oh, alright - I don't really know to be honest...'