EGU Says Relax Dress Codes and Allow Mobile Phones

[ArnoldArmChewer]

Do I wish to play with somebody who can't be bothered to dress properly or extend the courtesy of not talking to people on his mobile whilst in my company, let me think ? No I do not.

 

[Sweep]

This really is pretty basic stuff and allowing jeans and mobile phones is not going to make any great impact IMO. Having quickly scanned the article, they don't seem to be making any distinction between the course and clubhouse and I would suspect that England Golf are not advocating jeans on the course. As many have posted on here, I think most golfers would not wish to see jeans on the course and most think it entirely reasonable to expect players to dress appropriately to play a sport.
Much comparison is made between the success of newer forms of cricket and what should happen in golf. No-one ever suggested they should allow cricketers to play in jeans. They did relax the "whites" dress code on the field, but I don't think anyone could claim golf dress code is too restrictive on the course and one look at a Loudmouth catalogue would put any issues of that nature to rest.
As for mobiles, I think objections to their use is slowly being relaxed in the clubhouse, especially for Internet, texting and social media ( non talking) and let's face it, the use of mobiles is changing towards these kinds of uses throughout society. If you want to address the issue of the use of mobiles on the course, then you have to deal with their use as a DMD (still confused about that one!) and that is where the REAL gains could be made on golf participation. If they want to deal with this issue properly then they should look at daft rules like this one. Much emphasis is placed on the shoulders of the clubs and their responsibilities in increasing participation in the game, but there is only so much they can do. We still have to play the game within the rules. The R&A needs to step up and modernise. Everyone expects the clubs to do so.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I take my phone on the golf course and have it set on silent and will often send texts / receive them, providing it is convenient for me to do so and I'm not holding up play, waiting for my playing partners to take their shot, or whilst standing / walking to the next tee. Just because I have a mobile on the course doesn't mean I am incapable of being considerate to others or I'm a moron. I'm not on it all the time, it isn't glued to my ear so I don't see the problem. Why should rules such as banning phones on the course be to the detriment of those that are responsible with their use. Must we always pander to the lowest common denominator?

The problem is, not everyone is like you. If as you say you don't delay play and are ready when it's your turn, then I have no issue with you sending the odd text message. However, as soon as you allow phones on the course, it won't be people doing it discreetly(sp?) it will be people openly walking down the fairway talking, texting, facebooking, twittering or whatever else people seem to be unable to go without for more than a nanosecond. It will delay play and it will be distracting and golf will stop being the game it is now.

Personally, I don't feel the need to send a text message when I'm at golf and I certainly don't see the need to constantly check my phone just in case someone I know has just updated their status to tell me they've got a hangover. If I need to communicate I'll do it before or after golf, when I'm playing golf that's what I'm doing, everything else can wait.

 

[SAPCOR1]

The SGU suggested this a couple of years ago.
I remember seeing a couple of staffers and two junior golf stars on the front page of their Mag. They looked pretty embarrassed.

I think most Scottish golfers carried on as usual, I haven't noticed many adults wearing jeans on the courses I play [mainly muni's]

As we cannot tell the difference between trainers and golf shoes now are clubs going to pay someone to do a boot inspection on the 1st tee, like fitba.

As I have said many times, I have a picture of my Papa and his cousin winning the Evening Times Trophy [old Scottish Foursomes Championship] They are wearing tweed suits, stud collar and ties and tackity boots. For those who demand tradition I suggest they adopt that look.

Well said DFT!:thup:

 

[SAPCOR1]

Can't argue with this

Capri's, 3/4 trousers only look good on really tall thin people. For the rest it up just makes them look shorter and dumpy!

However if people want to wear them that is their choice...

 

[didsbury_duffer]

The problem is, not everyone is like you. If as you say you don't delay play and are ready when it's your turn, then I have no issue with you sending the odd text message. However, as soon as you allow phones on the course, it won't be people doing it discreetly(sp?) it will be people openly walking down the fairway talking, texting, facebooking, twittering or whatever else people seem to be unable to go without for more than a nanosecond. It will delay play and it will be distracting and golf will stop being the game it is now.


Personally, I don't feel the need to send a text message when I'm at golf and I certainly don't see the need to constantly check my phone just in case someone I know has just updated their status to tell me they've got a hangover. If I need to communicate I'll do it before or after golf, when I'm playing golf that's what I'm doing, everything else can wait.

Superbly put Hawkeye. Absolutely spot on.:clap:

 

[guest100718]

I play at a course where mobiles are allowed, it doesnt cause a problem. This is the 21st century.
The kids you need to join your clubs as they get older have grown up in a world where being instantly in touch with everyone they know is the norm. You can't expect them to change this just to keep a bunch of crusty old blokes happy. My kids text and ring me from thier rooms, it used to drive me nuts, but you just have to accept that this is how things are and move with the times.

 

[nemicu]

Missed my point a bit. I am a member and do not use the clubhouse etc as much as I could because of the dress restrictions etc. Many of those who rally against modernising dress codes are those who wear trousers, shoes and a collared shirt was casual wear in any event and see no need for change. My point is that change may encourage existing members to use the facilities more and spend more at the club.

Why should a golf club want to change me, it won't. What it will do is push me towards car park golf if i do not feel comfortable in the atmosphere provided.

I think you missed my point as well. Many clubs have tried the "let's ignore denim" route and have flopped miserably. Instead of asking a club to bow to your wishes, most clubs would politely ask you to comply with their wishes for the reasons outlined. There are plenty of places to eat and use your mobile, but a golf club should be a place where their rules apply - not yours. I don't think they would be out of pocket in the grand scheme of things if you opted to go elsewhere. I doubt they remain on standby 24/7 in case you change your mind either. Like I said, many clubs with a strict dress code and a no mobile policy seem to fair a lot better financially than those without such restrictions or membership base. Coincidence? I don't think so. If wearing jeans and using your mobile is that high on your agenda for membership of a club, then I think you've picked the wrong club. Instead of asking what the club can do for you, ask yourself what you can do for your club - if you feel they are suffering as a result.

 

[stevie_r]

I think you missed my point as well. Many clubs have tried the "let's ignore denim" route and have flopped miserably. Instead of asking a club to bow to your wishes, most clubs would politely ask you to comply with their wishes for the reasons outlined. There are plenty of places to eat and use your mobile, but a golf club should be a place where their rules apply - not yours. I don't think they would be out of pocket in the grand scheme of things if you opted to go elsewhere. I doubt they remain on standby 24/7 in case you change your mind either. Like I said, many clubs with a strict dress code and a no mobile policy seem to fair a lot better financially than those without such restrictions or membership base. Coincidence? I don't think so. If wearing jeans and using your mobile is that high on your agenda for membership of a club, then I think you've picked the wrong club. Instead of asking what the club can do for you, ask yourself what you can do for your club - if you feel they are suffering as a result.

Watch you don't fall off that horse, it looks mighty high up

 

[nemicu]

Watch you don't fall off that horse, it looks mighty high up

Horses aren't allowed in clubhouse either. Unless they have a blazer and tie of course.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I think you missed my point as well. Many clubs have tried the "let's ignore denim" route and have flopped miserably. Instead of asking a club to bow to your wishes, most clubs would politely ask you to comply with their wishes for the reasons outlined. There are plenty of places to eat and use your mobile, but a golf club should be a place where their rules apply - not yours. I don't think they would be out of pocket in the grand scheme of things if you opted to go elsewhere. I doubt they remain on standby 24/7 in case you change your mind either. Like I said, many clubs with a strict dress code and a no mobile policy seem to fair a lot better financially than those without such restrictions or membership base. Coincidence? I don't think so. If wearing jeans and using your mobile is that high on your agenda for membership of a club, then I think you've picked the wrong club. Instead of asking what the club can do for you, ask yourself what you can do for your club - if you feel they are suffering as a result.

Personally, I think the clubhouse and the course should be separate when it comes to Jeans\mobiles. I have no issue with either in the clubhouse, the course is a different thing.

We actually had a trial last year that allowed the wearing of jeans in the clubhouse, it has since stopped and I have heard nothing more about it.

 

[stevie_r]

Horses aren't allowed in clubhouse either. Unless they have a blazer and tie of course.

3/4 length cargo pants?

 

[stevie_r]

Personally, I think the clubhouse and the course should be separate when it comes to Jeans\mobiles. I have no issue with either in the clubhouse, the course is a different thing.

We actually had a trial last year that allowed the wearing of jeans in the clubhouse, it has since stopped and I have heard nothing more about it.

I can't fathom why anyone would want to play in jeans. Heavy denim + quick shower = 18 holes of discomfort I would imagine.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I can't fathom why anyone would want to play in jeans. Heavy denim + quick shower = 18 holes of discomfort I would imagine.

Well no, me neither, and I don't understand why golf should modify it's dress code in an attempt to become popular either. I drive past a lot of cricket pitches and I've never seen anyone wearing denim on one of those.

 

[nemicu]

3/4 length cargo pants?

Lol -only with full length socks just below the knee

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Horses aren't allowed in clubhouse either. Unless they have a blazer and tie of course.

This fella is a lot smarter than some of the golfers I see

 

[Slab]

Well no, me neither, and I don't understand why golf should modify it's dress code in an attempt to become popular either. I drive past a lot of cricket pitches and I've never seen anyone wearing denim on one of those.

I agree that golf doesn't need to permit jeans... golf just shouldn't be seen as banning them

Its the banned from this/that, prohibited from this/that, comply with this/that approach that makes clubs unwelcoming to potential members and pay as you play customers (what some clubs call visitors)

Its the prominence clubs give to things you cant do that puts people off

 

[woody69]

So does that mean you ignore the rule?

If so, what other rules do you ignore?

What rule are you talking about? As far as I know the device may be used for any non-golfing purpose (e.g., as a communication tool to phone, text or email), subject to any club/course regulations and the rules on accessing advice-related matters – see Decision 14-3/16. - so unless there is a LR in place (which there isn't at my club) I'll happily use it and I would more than support a reversal of the LR banning them.

 

[JCW]

Dress code on the golf is a must but I think its time its relax elsewhere in the clubhouse , how many times have you gone pass your club and fancy a bite or a pint or even just to check a few things out but you wearing jeans , that's the end of that , mobile phones also should be relax but they should be on slient on the course and used only when needed without disrupting your playing partners or others by moving to a spot away from play ,for the record I do carry mine but its on slient and only used it in an emergency , like wise in the clubhouse , take the call outside . many clubs have given relax dress codes and mobiles a trial to see the results , most have seen takings in the club house increased but sadly many have committees stuck in a time zone of years gone by and just revert back to how they were , you need to turn a profit or go under as many already have , I am lucky at my Home club that we have made a profit and a healthy one at that .......................EYG

 

[woody69]

The problem is, not everyone is like you. If as you say you don't delay play and are ready when it's your turn, then I have no issue with you sending the odd text message. However, as soon as you allow phones on the course, it won't be people doing it discreetly(sp?) it will be people openly walking down the fairway talking, texting, facebooking, twittering or whatever else people seem to be unable to go without for more than a nanosecond. It will delay play and it will be distracting and golf will stop being the game it is now.

Personally, I don't feel the need to send a text message when I'm at golf and I certainly don't see the need to constantly check my phone just in case someone I know has just updated their status to tell me they've got a hangover. If I need to communicate I'll do it before or after golf, when I'm playing golf that's what I'm doing, everything else can wait.

Most people in the world don't. They are playing golf, but occasionally they need / want to send a message. I never understand why it's one extreme or the other. Just because we start to allow mobiles everyone turns into an idiot incapable of striking a balance between playing golf correctly and in a timely manner and spending time texting, facebooking etc etc. People come to play golf, not walk around on their phone, so allowing them isn't going to suddenly open the door to everyone abusing the right