SocketRocket
Ryder Cup Winner
A very good and educated reply.
Clubs still in the Dark Ages
- Thread starter LCVreg
- Start date
A very good and educated reply.
LCVreg
Assistant Pro
As I mentioned earlier, I did not want to get into that mobile phone scenario - on that score alone, we just need one heart attack at the furthest extremity of the course and the unfortunate dies as a result of nobody being allowed to take their mobiles on the course, and that whole issue would soon disappear.
And its not also just the "having to change into jacket & tie for sandwiches at lunchtime scenario", which I really do think is pretty sad in this day and age, it is am attempt to try and find out from others those courses and clubs which in truth just do not welcome visitors other than with a scowl, that not only from the jumped up little steward behind the bar, but also from a spotty 18 year 2 handicapper in charge of the pro-shop who has as much idea on Social charms as Alf Garnett - it is a mixture of all and everything that has been muted - there are these clubs still out there, I know a few in the South, now come on, name and shame the others!!
And its not also just the "having to change into jacket & tie for sandwiches at lunchtime scenario", which I really do think is pretty sad in this day and age, it is am attempt to try and find out from others those courses and clubs which in truth just do not welcome visitors other than with a scowl, that not only from the jumped up little steward behind the bar, but also from a spotty 18 year 2 handicapper in charge of the pro-shop who has as much idea on Social charms as Alf Garnett - it is a mixture of all and everything that has been muted - there are these clubs still out there, I know a few in the South, now come on, name and shame the others!!
SocketRocket
Ryder Cup Winner
Come on now! How many clubs expect you to change into a Jacket and Tie at lunch times? I play a lot of golf and visit many other clubs and have never been expected to do this.
You are using sensationalism to try and defend a flawed theory. Members clubs exist for the enjoyment of the members and it's them that decide how their clubs are run. If you want to be a visitor at these clubs then pay your green fee, abide by the rules, play your game, share the facilities on offer for the day and go on your way rejoicing. If the club is not to your liking then dont go there again, but with your attitude you will be very restricted to venues.
Oh! regarding the mobile phones and people having heart attacks on the course. Many people (me included) carry a mobile in their golf bag with it turned off. If you needed it in such a situation you just turn it on. Simple really.
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chris661
Money List Winner
I would imagine the number is very low, possibly even zero.
As you said a little further on most clubs will advise you on their website of any requirements/rules and if you don't like it you always have the option of not going. But to go and then moan about it is frankly daft.
So if you invited someone into your house and they did things you found unacceptable you'd say you were in the dark ages?
On the issue of mobile phones; next time you are in a club or pub that allows them listen how the volume level rises when someone is on the phone. Its discourteous to those around you. Taking them out on the course; why not? I've never yet come across a course that searches your bag to make sure you haven't got one with you - switch to silent, no harm done.
Having read through the responses I'd say you've got a fair idea of everyone's thoughts on your question. Will it make you reconsider where you fit in the demographic, or is it the majority that are wrong?
I know of at least one club which up until fairly recently (don't know if the rule has changed in the last couple of years, but wouldn't bet on it) requires members to arrive at the club in jacket collar and tie and then change into golf gear.
Visitors are allowed to turn up in their golf gear as long as they take a j,c&t if they want to use the clubhouse.
As far as mobiles are concerned, common sense has to prevail. By all means take a mobile onto the course ( on silent ) to be able to use it in an emergency.
Facebook, Twitter or checking the football results do not constitute emergencies ! So use it sparingly.
Back in the clubhouse, go outside or to the locker room to make or receive calls. Sitting using the phone while in company is as rude as taking out a book and reading it while in company.
Visitors are allowed to turn up in their golf gear as long as they take a j,c&t if they want to use the clubhouse.
As far as mobiles are concerned, common sense has to prevail. By all means take a mobile onto the course ( on silent ) to be able to use it in an emergency.
Facebook, Twitter or checking the football results do not constitute emergencies ! So use it sparingly.
Back in the clubhouse, go outside or to the locker room to make or receive calls. Sitting using the phone while in company is as rude as taking out a book and reading it while in company.
OMcG
Club Champion
Feel as if an unfair hierarchy exists within some clubs. After a round my friend and i went into the clubhouse to get something to eat. I had my phone on silent and took a short call while in the restaurant. One of the staff quite bluntly came over and told me to turn my phone off. Being relatively new to the game i was unsure of the approach with regard to mobile phones in the clubhouse. I did as requested and turned my phone off straight away and thought that that is fair enough. However shortly afterwards at the table across from us a mid-aged womans phone went off (not on silent). She was talking very loudly and must have been on the phone for 5-10minutes. During this time not one member of staff came across to tell this woman to turn her phone off. Where is the fairness and consistency in this? I was happy enough to turn my phone off and can understand that rules are rules, however i was angry that the staff took no notice off this other phone user which was very noticeable. Is this because i am 18 as i feel sometimes youger players are treated unfairly in some cases?
That's certainly not fair. It should be one rule for all.
Smiffy
Grand Slam Winner
I think that if you could be put off joining a club because you can't use your mobile phone there your heart isn't really in it.
Maybe it's best you don't join anyway????
mashleyR7
Journeyman Pro
I agree with most of the mobile comments, talk on it outside or in the corridor and make sure it's on silent, but there is no harm in anyone sending a texting or checking emails etc on it as it wont disturb anyones peace and quiet. Wearing a hat it seen as rude and I will take mine off out of respec and how I was brought up, my dad always told me to take it off indoors when I was young.
The things that annoys me is wearing shoes in the bar, If i'm wearing trousers its not a problem but wearing shorts, I look like scruff with black shoes, white socks and shorts! Id look smarter with a decent pair of trainers or canvas shoes on. In fact to make sure I dont fall foul of this rule I leave an old manky pair of shoes at the club so they are always there, they are not smart and are worn out but they are shoes and are allowed over my smart new trainers. Also, socks above the ankle? Again why would this be banned?
The things that annoys me is wearing shoes in the bar, If i'm wearing trousers its not a problem but wearing shorts, I look like scruff with black shoes, white socks and shorts! Id look smarter with a decent pair of trainers or canvas shoes on. In fact to make sure I dont fall foul of this rule I leave an old manky pair of shoes at the club so they are always there, they are not smart and are worn out but they are shoes and are allowed over my smart new trainers. Also, socks above the ankle? Again why would this be banned?
chris661
Money List Winner
It really doesn't matter why they are banned but they are. No one said that the rules some clubs have in place or are sane but they have so there is two choices. 1.go visit the club adhere to them and get on with it (not spend days moaning about iot afterwards) or 2. don't go.
Fyldewhite
Tour Winner
A young colleague of mine went to play golf for the first time at a private club last week. After the round he looked at his mobile to check the latest on the olympics and was immediately admonished by the steward and made to feel an inch tall in front of his mates. He was amazed when he related the story the following day and said the reaction couldn't have been more hostile if he'd had a crap on the carpet. A lot of talk about manners and respect on here, but it goes both ways surely? Respect has to be earned IMO. Just writing down some rules that are clearly out of touch will never foster any respect for them.
The rules on mobiles are rooted in the days when mobile phones WERE intrusive and the type of people that had them (and I know I'm generalising but go with it) tended to be at the louder end of the spectrum.... you know, the type that make you utter he word "tosser" under your breath a lot...... However, as always, things have MOVED ON. Most people now have them, a high proportion use them with consideration for others and most use is nothing to do with conversation anyway..... a quick text, a check of the football etc. BAD rules are difficult to enforce. Even the R&A caved in at the Open with few real issues.
I fail to see what is wrong with "Please show consideration for other members and have mobile devices on silent mode at all times within the clubhouse or on the course". Simple, everyone understands it and it achieves the objectives for 95% of members (there's always the element actively looking to complain about something/anything).
The rules on mobiles are rooted in the days when mobile phones WERE intrusive and the type of people that had them (and I know I'm generalising but go with it) tended to be at the louder end of the spectrum.... you know, the type that make you utter he word "tosser" under your breath a lot...... However, as always, things have MOVED ON. Most people now have them, a high proportion use them with consideration for others and most use is nothing to do with conversation anyway..... a quick text, a check of the football etc. BAD rules are difficult to enforce. Even the R&A caved in at the Open with few real issues.
I fail to see what is wrong with "Please show consideration for other members and have mobile devices on silent mode at all times within the clubhouse or on the course". Simple, everyone understands it and it achieves the objectives for 95% of members (there's always the element actively looking to complain about something/anything).
Great post.Clubs,people and attitudes in golf need to move on with time but sadly not many do.
duncan mackie
Money List Winner
regarding the first point; there certainly are some and the first date in the diary each year is a visit to one of them! The bigger picture is that the round will only take 3hrs absolute max (2 balls only permitted) leaving me plenty of time for a leisurely shower and change. I then get treated to a superb lunch which will be entirely unrushed and an extremely relaxed few holes of foursomes in the afternoon usually follows.
In many ways the antithesis to the normal society day with up to 10 hours on the course and where even changing golf shoes eats into the already rushed catering!
Possibly unsurprisingly the use of mobile phones is restricted to the car-park although, as your last paragraph highlights, there is no club anywhere that effectively bans the carrying of a mobile phone for use in an emergency on the course.
Doon frae Troon
Ryder Cup Winner
My old boss used to call them the 1% club.
He would say that 99% of folk are great but 1% are not.
So...don't worry about them just ignore them.
Very wise words that have stopped me quite a few times from giving some golfers a well deserved shellacking.
He would say that 99% of folk are great but 1% are not.
So...don't worry about them just ignore them.
Very wise words that have stopped me quite a few times from giving some golfers a well deserved shellacking.
MadAdey
Money List Winner
Times have moved on and for some people they need to be in contact with outside world at all times. In this modern world people in business expect to be able to have contact with each other at all times, not like the old days of sending faxs and waiting for people to reply to their answer phone. Being disconnected from the outside world for 5 hours during the day could cost some a lot of money. Saying that, people should at best have their phone on silent at all times at the golf club. At my club they are not banned, but, they do ask for consideration to be shown and for them to be kept on silent. People have phones in the clubhouse with them and if needed they go outside away form people to use it. I do not see any problem with that at all.
chris661
Money List Winner
What a crock. If someone needs to be available for that amount of time then a golf course is the wrong place to be. NOONE is that important that they need to make/take a call whilst playing golf unless it is a life and death situation.
Foxholer
Blackballed
So you've never been to - and had lunch and a second round at these local (bit of an assumption) ones:
Swinley Forest
The Berkshire
Sunningdale
Royal St Georges
Rye
Woburn (I think but may be wrong)
If not, you've missed out on some cracking courses and meals - for only a small inconvenience.
Absolutely agree with everything else in the post!
fundy
Ryder Cup Winner
no need for jacket and tie at Woburn these days
Doon frae Troon
Ryder Cup Winner
Quite agree with you on your outlook, trouble is not all folk are like you.
I have played golf with individuals in recent years who clearly have no idea of how to hold a knife and fork far less have the intellect to realise that they are not the centre of the universe.
Ps I used to lunch HCEG in the early 1960's without the need to put on a tie. Jacket yes/tie no.
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