Golf Random Irritations

[sunshine]

If it's essential to carry, then make it so. If it isn't, no need for people to feel superior about carrying.

Don't think anyone feels superior about carrying?

Despite golf demographics, the majority of people are perfectly capable of carrying. They've just got used to the luxury of a tour bag on an electric trolley. It's more noticeable with younger people who are fit and healthy but have never carried and are horrified at the thought, although it's not entirely an age thing.

It does create a problem, because some people genuinely can't carry. That 10% of membership wouldn't damage the course too badly if they were the only ones using a trolley.

 

[Lucifer MorningStar]

Don't think anyone feels superior about carrying?

Despite golf demographics, the majority of people are perfectly capable of carrying. They've just got used to the luxury of a tour bag on an electric trolley. It's more noticeable with younger people who are fit and healthy but have never carried and are horrified at the thought, although it's not entirely an age thing.

It does create a problem, because some people genuinely can't carry. That 10% of membership wouldn't damage the course too badly if they were the only ones using a trolley.

I disagree when I’ve been to clubs I’ve heard many people brag or play the superior card because they carried and they’re doing more to protect the club than others without finding out why some people actually have a physical need for a trolley and can’t carry.

Towards the end my dad couldn’t carry at at all and there were occasions I had to have words with other members asking why he got preferred treatment to use a trolley they were carrying and he looked perfectly capable of carrying also. Only when I pointed out his outward looks didn’t match the inward turmoil his body was suffering with the illness he had did they shut up and accept not everyone has the same capacity.

That’s just one personal example but I’ve seen it at many places even some of the comments on here about how some peoples clubs are compared to others comes across as superior/smug. Another is a friend of mine is late 30s played College golf in US and has played in the Open outwardly he looks fit and healthy but he can’t carry a bag anymore due to suffering from CFS & Fibromyalgia for a few years now that stopped him playing golf for a fair while.

I learnt from those alone not to judge everyone on their outward appearance and is why clubs should be more accommodating to that 10% of the membership and why we should all educate ourselves in being more tolerant until we have the full facts of each situation.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

There is, though, a difference between having a need to use a trolley (and many do), and not being bothered with carrying. Many carry when asked, rather than required, not because they want to carry, but that they recognise that every little counts in respect of reducing winter wear and tear on the course.

 

[nickjdavis]

Last round of the year booked for tomorrow morning, forecast is for 4inches of rain to fall during the time we're booked to play

But its warm rain....surely?

 

[Slab]

But its warm rain....surely?

Well yeah, the temp will still be in the 30's
The 'trick' is to wear as little clothing as possible, so thinnest golf shirt and shorts, stuff that'll dry quickly, carry spare caps then pop on the rain gloves and swing away

 

[Billysboots]

We were out reasonably early this morning. Sixth group out, three of us with those in front all 4-balls. Great pace of play.

That is, except, the group behind. Another 4-ball who, by the time they reached the 6th tee, were three holes behind us. And it was backing up horribly behind them. By the time we finished they were four holes behind, ultimately finishing over an hour after us.

Why does this irritate me, you might ask. Well, when I mentioned to the manager afterwards that he might want to have a word with the group in question, he wasn’t interested. But, more importantly, the group causing chaos on a day when the tee sheet was full included our 2026 club captain.

Slow play at ours has always been an issue. And with this guy at the helm in 48 hours’ time, it won’t improve in 2026.

 

[KenL]

We have (or had) a rule that if the course was sufficiently wet, the only people who could use a trolley were those who had submitted a letter from their doctor stating they were unable to carry.

That seems to have gone by the wayside now.

Probably because it is a disgraceful waste of a doctor’s time.

 

[rudebhoy]

Probably because it is a disgraceful waste of a doctor’s time.

Signing a letter that allows a patient to get exercise they wouldn’t get otherwise seems like a very good use of a doctor’s time to me.

It will be a stock letter which admin staff print off for the doctor to sign, so will take a couple of minutes max for the Dr.

And there is normally a charge for the letter - mine cost £40.

 

[KenL]

Signing a letter that allows a patient to get exercise they wouldn’t get otherwise seems like a very good use of a doctor’s time to me.

It will be a stock letter which admin staff print off for the doctor to sign, so will take a couple of minutes max for the Dr.

And there is normally a charge for the letter - mine cost £40.

I see it the other way. The club shouldn’t be expecting a doctor to perform such a function.

Why doesn’t the club just ask members why they think they need a trolley?

 

[Lucifer MorningStar]

I see it the other way. The club shouldn’t be expecting a doctor to perform such a function.

Why doesn’t the club just ask members why they think they need a trolley?

Because people lie!

 

[D-S]

Signing a letter that allows a patient to get exercise they wouldn’t get otherwise seems like a very good use of a doctor’s time to me.

It will be a stock letter which admin staff print off for the doctor to sign, so will take a couple of minutes max for the Dr.

And there is normally a charge for the letter - mine cost £40.

Is there any examination or questioning involved? (i.e. not just the automatic signing of a letter) If not and it is not an ongoing diagnosed condition then surely it is a waste of time? If there is examination or questioning then more time is required than merely admin.

 

[KenL]

Because people lie!

If you think they are at it, tell them they can’t play. Or encourage them to use a light bag and a few clubs.

 

[PaulMdj]

If you think they are at it, tell them they can’t play. Or encourage them to use a light bag and a few clubs.

Or if they are genuine and it helps both their physical and mental health then they’ll go the doctor and get the letter.

Surely it is the Club wasting the doctors time insisting on a letter, rather than treating people like adults and accepting their word.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I have a dodgy back and don't carry. I doubt my club would bring in a carry only rule, too many older guys there, but if they did I'd likely leave and go elsewhere. My issue wouldn't merit a doctor's visit or a note but it's a very real problem.

If a note was required, I agree with @PaulMdj and his very sensible answer, can you imagine the surge in Dr visits just for these letters? We have two doctors surgeries in our market town. You could have 100+ people suddenly wanting appointments for a letter to use a trolley

 

[rudebhoy]

Is there any examination or questioning involved? (i.e. not just the automatic signing of a letter) If not and it is not an ongoing diagnosed condition then surely it is a waste of time? If there is examination or questioning then more time is required than merely admin.

I never saw the doctor but did make reference to my history of back problems when discussing with the receptionist. I had a major back op some years ago which will be on my record. I’ve no idea whether the doctor would refer to my records before signing the letter.

 

[Arthur Wedge]

Doctors note only for the use of buggies at our place

No note no buggy

 

[KenL]

I never saw the doctor but did make reference to my history of back problems when discussing with the receptionist. I had a major back op some years ago which will be on my record. I’ve no idea whether the doctor would refer to my records before signing the letter.

Exactly the sort of explanation your club should accept without involving a doctor.

 

[rudebhoy]

I have a dodgy back and don't carry. I doubt my club would bring in a carry only rule, too many older guys there, but if they did I'd likely leave and go elsewhere. My issue wouldn't merit a doctor's visit or a note but it's a very real problem.

If a note was required, I agree with @PaulMdj and his very sensible answer, can you imagine the surge in Dr visits just for these letters? We have two doctors surgeries in our market town. You could have 100+ people suddenly wanting appointments for a letter to use a trolley

None of the guys I know who have a doctors note actually saw the doctor, no appointment was required, just a request via reception, pay the fee and you get the letter.

It’s a bit of a palaver, but the fee which is generally £40-£50 will act as a deterrent for those who don’t actually have a medical issue but can’t be bothered carrying.

 

[KenL]

Does the letter last a lifetime or do you need a new one each year?

 

[rudebhoy]

Exactly the sort of explanation your club should accept without involving a doctor.

I agree but as another poster said, people lie.

Maybe the club should devise a medical test or demand to see your battle scars (only joking )