The Rules of the Country Club
posted by Gia Bocra, host of Fine Living TV’s THE WANDERING GOLFER
Gia Bocra was the host of the Fine Living TV Network’s series “The Wandering Golfer.” Bocra beat out over 1,500 hopefuls in a nationwide search to land the job of becoming the next Wandering golfer. Most recently, Bocra was a LPGA Teaching Professional at the top ranked Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where she launched the club’s instructional women's and junior programs. Prior to Trump Golf, she served as golf instructor at the Academy of Golf at Palm Beach Polo & Country Club. She worked alongside Director of Instruction, Mike Adams, one of the country's top golf instructors (GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest). In addition, she has taught with Todd Anderson at his former Golf Academy at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla. and her mentor, Krista Dunton, Director of Instruction at Belfair Golf Club.
When I talk to people about playing golf, one of the first things I ask them is, “How do you feel when you’re on the golf course?” Ninety-nine percent of the time they talk about their game, how they’re hitting the ball, and how they can improve. Rarely do amateur golfers talk about how enjoyable it is to be outside, to be active, to be social – and these are some of the best parts of the game.
If you’re like most golfers you also put too much pressure on yourself. But golf is not like any other sport. It gets better the more you relax and stop worrying about your swing or your score. Getting caught up in these worries can spoil what could potentially be a great time.
While municipal golf is capable of providing more than respectable challenges, some of the most incredible courses in the world are members-only private clubs. The courses are pristine, the environments are breathtaking, and the experiences can be once in a lifetime. When you get the opportunity to play one of these courses you’ll want to be ready. Believe me: guest behavior at Country Clubs is an art. The more comfortable you are in a new environment, the more you’ll enjoy what could be one of the most amazing experiences of your golf-life.
Step One: Dress accordingly.
The first thing you want to be is comfortable with what you’re wearing. All private clubs have a dress code and you don’t want to look out of place – or worse, have attention called to the fact that you’re dressed improperly. If you’re questioning what to wear the best thing to do is to just call the pro shop and they’ll tell you what the club’s standard is. From club to club it does vary but for the most part, men are pretty typical: a collard shirt and Bermuda shorts. However, some places like Baltusral is pants only for men. Women are generally a skirt to a certain length and pants or Capri pants with a modest top. At other clubs – like Trump – you can’t even wear jeans on the property. If you go there with jeans you’ll be asked to purchase something appropriate at the pro shop and that attention can easily get your round off to an awkward start.
You want to feel good with what you’re wearing because you’ll fell confident with yourself, and that’s definitely going to translate to the golf course. So put yourself in the best position possible by making sure that you’re wearing the proper clothing.
Step Two: Know where you’re going and get there on time.
My father always said, “5 minutes early is ten minutes late.” You never want to feel rushed, especially when you’re the guest of a member at a Country Club. Feeling rushed will rush you to the tee and rush your swing and quickly ruin what should be a great experience. So, if you’re unsure of where you’re going call the club and get specific direction. The pro shop or club receptionist will be much more personable and much more efficient than an online map service.
Figure out how long it will take you to get to the club and give yourself plenty of time to get there – then add 15 minutes. If you arrive any earlier use the extra time to relax, make a few putts, or take a few extra swings. It will put your mind at ease and you’ll be ready when it’s time to tee off.
Step Three: When you arrive at the club, use whatever services are available.
Many clubs have services designed to make your day go easier and help you on the golf course. Use them. Drop your bag at the bag drop or let the valet park your car and take care of your sticks. A locker room attendant can be most helpful. He can show you to a locker, give you towels, and even shine your street shoes. Not all clubs have all of these services but if they’re there, take advantage. Enjoy the experience and put yourself in their hands.
[NOTE] Tippiing
Some clubs have “no tipping” policies, while others depend on them. In some cases your member may take care of the valet, the locker room attendant, and the caddies on a regular basis. As a result he will probably let you know that there is a “no tipping” policy at the club – in which case you should probably respect his wishes. If your member doesn’t make a point of it, the pro shop or the service attendants themselves can inform you of the policy. If you don’t call ahead to confirm the standard you should always offer a tip. When you want to proffer a tip, simply do so in a subtle manner. If the tip is rejected you should offer again. You may say something like, “It’s not much,” or “I insist.” At the end of the day any tip will be appreciated and as a general rule management won’t slap an attendant on the hand for accepting it. After all, the customer is always right.
Step Four: Go with the flow in the pro shop.
In many cases when a member invites you to play at their club, they will pick up the tab. However, if you have been “bugging” your member for a chance to play their track you should take care of your own fees. Many shops are “member-only pays” – meaning your cash is no good there. Do not call attention to this issue in the pro shop. Ignorance is bliss. If you aren’t sure how to behave, zip it and wait until you are outside to settle up. At an opportune moment quietly offer to reimburse your member for any fees. If he rejects your offer, wait until the end of the round to offer a second time (see Step 9).
Step Five: Do what you need to do on the driving range, but be ready to go when it’s time.
You member will know how much time you need to get from the driving range to the first tee. Ask him how long you have to warm up or watch is routine and be ready to go when he is. If you get to the club before your member go down to the range and do your thing. The attendants will let your member know that you’re on the range and the fact that you’re taking care of yourself will instill confidence in your member.
Step Six: Be confident on the first tee.
At this point, the better you feel about being at the club, the better you’ll feel on the first tee. Also change your mentality from “going with the flow.” You don’t want to follow your member around the golf course all day – especially if he hits a wayward shot. Play your own game.
Step to your first ball with confidence and don’t worry about what other people are thinking. Know that everyone on the first tee is being watched and is thinking the same thing you are. If you don’t hit your first ball “fab” and you’re playing a friendly round, you may ask for a breakfast ball – also known as two off the first or a mulligan. Whichever ball you’re standing over, just relax, make your swing, and see what happens.
Step Seven: If available, use a Caddy as an on course attendant not as a teacher.
A Caddy’s job is to carry your golf bag, tend the flag, rake the bunkers, replace your divots, pull your clubs, read the greens, and provide basic course management. They can be an invaluable resource when utilized in this manner. However, some Caddy’s may offer advice on your swing that can slow or even ruin your round. The time to make swing changes or to change your swing thoughts is not on the golf course at a new club. If a Caddy offers unsolicited advice during your round, politely inform him that you “are working with someone on your swing and don’t want to confuse the lessons.”
Step Eight: In a cart, be aware of what’s happening on the course.
Particularly if you’re driving, take note of that day’s weather and environment. Look for posted signs indicating temporary cart rules like: cart path only or 90-degree rule, which means your cart may only leave from and return to the cart path at a 90-degree angle to your ball. Proper cart behavior will instill confidence in your member and let him know that you will treat his course with respect.
[NOTE] Enjoy the Experience
To get the most out of your time at the club, enjoy what you are doing. Enjoy the company you’re with and remember that golf is a game. Have fun. If you find yourself getting caught up and struggling with your game, step back for a moment. Take in the scenery of the course. Look at the trees, the surrounding landscape, and the way these natural elements affect the course.
Take the opportunity to learn about your environment. Learn about the grasses and the types of greens you are playing on. If you’ve never played Bermuda greens or you’ve never played a course in the South, use your experience as a learning opportunity for next time. All in all you will play much better if you are enjoying yourself.
Step Nine: At the end of the round, enjoy the nineteenth hole and make a final attempt to settle up.
Offer to take care of the Caddies on your way in. If your member invites you for a drink, stick around and offer to take care of the tab. While you are enjoying your topper make a final attempt to pay for your round. If your member refuses, graciously thank him and offer to take him out on another course on another day.
Whatever your experience at the Country Club, you will always be better off to simply relax and enjoy it.
