Lost Under WHERE

“Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses.”—Adlai Stevenson Most of the time, the answer to where? is an easy one since you’ll be playing your favorite course more often than not. However, should you be invited to play elsewhere or decide to spread your wings and give another course a look, you’ll need to do some research. There are three basic types of courses: public, private, and resort. To prepare for—and behave properly at—each, you need to know the difference. Public Golf Courses These are the course open to anyone who reserves a tee time, and where most golfers play. In the United States, 75 percent of all rounds are played at public courses. Just because anyone is permitted to play doesn’t mean you can act like an idiot. Despite what the actions of many might otherwise suggest, you’re not golfing in your own backyard. Someone still owns the course and reserves the right to send yo home for being disorderly or destructive. There are city- and county-owned courses, also knows as municipals. There are semi-private courses, which offer special privileges and rates to patrons who purchase a membership or a season pass for the family. And sometimes there are privately owned public courses, run by large management companies that operate dozens of properties. Private Golf Courses A private course is typically restricted to members and their guests only. Fees to join can range from reasonable to jaw-droppingly exorbitant. Generally, the golf course is only one of many amenities available to members. Others might include good service, social activities, tennis courts, spa and fitness centers, and swimming pools. (Baby Ruth? It’s no big deal …) There are two types of private golf courses: equity and non-equity. Equity An equity course is owned by its members, who purchase a stock share of the club that can be sold at a future date for a profit (or loss). Members pay monthly or annual dues. A pre-determined number of memberships are usually available. When they’re sold out, the club creates a waiting list. Equity courses are usually governed by a board of directors and several committees. The books are intended to break even every year. Funding for major projects, such as a new irrigation system, is approved by the membership and the cost is equally shared by all. Non-Equity A non-equity club is designed to generate revenue for an owner or a group of owner/investors. Patrons pay a deposit that is refunded at the purchase value, or a percentage thereof, if the patron decides to leave the club. Like equity clubs, the members pay monthly or annual dues. Non-equity clubs are usually governed solely by the owners of the facility or an appointed manager. As a pro, I found non-equity clubs to be the most enjoyable places to work. I liked to answer to one person who made the final decisions, or allowed them to be made, rather than deal with the politics of an equity club and answer to every single member. Resort Golf Courses Resorts are built for profit, and the golf course is the bait to hook guests into staying in the hotel. Rooms are often available as part of a package that includes a round of golf or two, and both amenities are also typically available separately from the other. Because of a resort’s lodging and convention facilities, its bread is usually buttered by hosting corporate golf outings or tournaments. Money Matters Find out in advance what forms of tender are acceptable at the destination golf course. Some courses don’t take cash. Some don’t take checks. Others won’t accept anything from guests—and everything, including merchandise, must be charged to a member’s account. Most courses allow tipping and even expect it. Others discourage that practice, in some cases, they will even terminate an employee for accepting a gratuity. Whatever the policy is, find out in advance, or immediately upon your arrival, and adhere to it. If you aren’t certain, be ready for either. Usually a buck or two is appropriate for most situations. If however, someone really goes out of their way to help you, then adjust your tip amount proportionally. Dress Code Let’s get one thing straight from the start—sometimes it matters how you dress. Asa guest at a private club, don’t put your host or the professional in an uncomfortable position by ignoring the dress code. At a resort, you’ll definitely want to wear conforming clothes, because the prices in the shop can be higher than other facilities due to the “logo factor.” If you are asked to change, you can end up overpaying for a new shirt you might not have needed in the first place. The policies can vary drastically from public course to course—so don’t get caught dressing to the lowest level of acceptable attire for one facility, only to find discover after it’s too late that your tank top and basketball shorts aren’t considered appropriate at another. I’m not saying you need to wear name brand or expensive clothing. I’m saying you need to plan ahead and wear clothes that conform to club policy. For more on dressing appropriately for the game consult Greg’s Rules of Fashion.