OMG - What an Experience at a local private club

[Big Johnny69]

C'mon guys, dinner manners can be talked about in another thread. Back to the topic of HW's bad day at the course.

[Bullet]

Ok then, my 2 cents was said on the last page. LOL

[Txxxxxxx]

C'mon guys, dinner manners can be talked about in another thread. Back to the topic of HW's bad day at the course.

Manners in general is a spinoff of this entire thread. It all pertains to the rules and codes these private clubs expect and set out. Even unwritten ones are just forms of manners. I don't think our last couple of posts really went off topic.

[Big Johnny69]

Manners in general is a spinoff of this entire thread. It all pertains to the rules and codes these private clubs expect and set out. Even unwritten ones are just forms of manners. I don't think our last couple of posts really went off topic.

When HW's original post was just about the dress code of the club and his displeasure of how he was treated, talking about elbows on tables and wearing hats inside or not, the thread is getting a little off topic. I can just see where the thread could end up and instead of letting it get there I'd rather just keep it on track right now. That's all.

[Bullet]

Point taken Geoff and aggree that yes it could go way off topic. EG could start a thread talking about manners in or out of golf. maybe a poll or something

[Txxxxxxx]

When HW's original post was just about the dress code of the club and his displeasure of how he was treated, talking about elbows on tables and wearing hats inside or not, the thread is getting a little off topic. I can just see where the thread could end up and instead of letting it get there I'd rather just keep it on track right now. That's all.

I'm going to call a bunch of buddies to go run into the barriers on the Queensway so you have something to do.

[Big Johnny69]

I'm going to call a bunch of buddies to go run into the barriers on the Queensway so you have something to do.

[MrMulligan]

I played the next day with Hello_World after his unfortunate situation at said "uptight" club and he wore the shorts and socks he bought. While he did look very dapper in his new attire, the mustard stained mock turtleneck shirt he had on didn't compliment the look he was after. Funny thing is he looked so out of place in our group (We were all wearing Cargo Shorts and collared golf shirts) that the Marshall made fun of him on numerous occaisions.

I think that cargo shorts are not only fashionable now but also very practical. The pockets allow you to hold all of the necessary golf paraphenailia (Scorecard and pencil in a pocket that doesn't break, course guide book, blackberry, tees, divot tool, ball marker, tuna sandwich, cigarette lighter, membership card and money for golf cart, etc.)

I think that it's time for change. People who think that change means a lack of respect for the past need to get over it and understand that change is essential. There is no reason for anyone to be treated with a lack of respect and that is exactly what happened in this case.

The way that some of you uphold these silly rules as being part of the game is not only "old school" mentality it also prevents what is most important to all golf courses - paying customers!!

Come ON people!!

[Big Johnny69]

I played the next day with Hello_World after his unfortunate situation at said "uptight" club and he wore the shorts and socks he bought. While he did look very dapper in his new attire, the mustard stained mock turtleneck shirt he had on didn't compliment the look he was after. Funny thing is he looked so out of place in our group (We were all wearing Cargo Shorts and collared golf shirts) that the Marshall made fun of him on numerous occaisions.

I think that cargo shorts are not only fashionable now but also very practical. The pockets allow you to hold all of the necessary golf paraphenailia (Scorecard and pencil in a pocket that doesn't break, course guide book, blackberry, tees, divot tool, ball marker, tuna sandwich, cigarette lighter, membership card and money for golf cart, etc.)

I think that it's time for change. People who think that change means a lack of respect for the past need to get over it and understand that change is essential. There is no reason for anyone to be treated with a lack of respect and that is exactly what happened in this case.

The way that some of you uphold these silly rules as being part of the game is not only "old school" mentality it also prevents what is most important to all golf courses - paying customers!!

Come ON people!!

They aren't upholding the "silly" rules. They are abiding by the rules the club they are playing at implemented. To me that is not "old school" it's called respect.

[jonf]

I played the next day with Hello_World after his unfortunate situation at said "uptight" club and he wore the shorts and socks he bought. While he did look very dapper in his new attire, the mustard stained mock turtleneck shirt he had on didn't compliment the look he was after. Funny thing is he looked so out of place in our group (We were all wearing Cargo Shorts and collared golf shirts) that the Marshall made fun of him on numerous occaisions.

I think that cargo shorts are not only fashionable now but also very practical. The pockets allow you to hold all of the necessary golf paraphenailia (Scorecard and pencil in a pocket that doesn't break, course guide book, blackberry, tees, divot tool, ball marker, tuna sandwich, cigarette lighter, membership card and money for golf cart, etc.)

I think that it's time for change. People who think that change means a lack of respect for the past need to get over it and understand that change is essential. There is no reason for anyone to be treated with a lack of respect and that is exactly what happened in this case.

The way that some of you uphold these silly rules as being part of the game is not only "old school" mentality it also prevents what is most important to all golf courses - paying customers!!

Come ON people!!

Personally, when I'm playing, I take absolutely everything out of my pockets except for a couple tees, ballmarker, scorecard and pencil. I can't stand all that crap weighing me down as I try to swing. I wear cargos all the time, but would hate wearing them on the course.

And, we've been over this before. It does not keep paying customers away. Private courses are not concerned with the occasional green fee player. They are concerned with keeping their members, who pay upwards of thirty thousand dollars initiation, and several thousand a year, happy. Part of the reason they pay that kind of money is that the club upholds a certain standard. Also, keep in mind that at most private courses, the rules and decisions are all made by the membership. The rules are, therefore, the ultimate in customer satisfaction

[jmr73]

I played the next day with Hello_World after his unfortunate situation at said "uptight" club and he wore the shorts and socks he bought. While he did look very dapper in his new attire, the mustard stained mock turtleneck shirt he had on didn't compliment the look he was after. Funny thing is he looked so out of place in our group (We were all wearing Cargo Shorts and collared golf shirts) that the Marshall made fun of him on numerous occaisions.

I think that cargo shorts are not only fashionable now but also very practical. The pockets allow you to hold all of the necessary golf paraphenailia (Scorecard and pencil in a pocket that doesn't break, course guide book, blackberry, tees, divot tool, ball marker, tuna sandwich, cigarette lighter, membership card and money for golf cart, etc.)

I think that it's time for change. People who think that change means a lack of respect for the past need to get over it and understand that change is essential. There is no reason for anyone to be treated with a lack of respect and that is exactly what happened in this case.

The way that some of you uphold these silly rules as being part of the game is not only "old school" mentality it also prevents what is most important to all golf courses - paying customers!!

Come ON people!!

Not sure what lack of respect you are referring to. Sounds like they handled the situation rather well by talking to the member one on one instead of causing a scene.

Are you suggesting there be no rules at all? How about t-shirts and cut-off jean shorts? How about jogging pants and a tank top? Cargo shorts look sloppy... what do you really need all those pockets for anyway? You aren't working on your deck or going for a hike.

The rules aren't that difficult to follow. They have some pretty simple guidelines and you will find lots of clothing that will fit the bill. How hard is it to get yourself a nice plain pair of dress shorts.

That being said, there are courses out there that don't seem to have a big problem with jeans or t-shirts... some of your lower-end courses. Stick with them and you should be very happy.

[Kilroy]

the Marshall made fun of him on numerous occaisions.

There is no reason for anyone to be treated with a lack of respect and that is exactly what happened in this case.

It is grossly disrespectful for the Marshal to openly make fun of a customer. How is that better than being told privately that your guest is inappropriately dressed?

[Colby]

Personally, when I'm playing, I take absolutely everything out of my pockets except for a couple tees, ballmarker, scorecard and pencil. I can't stand all that crap weighing me down as I try to swing. I wear cargos all the time, but would hate wearing them on the course.

And, we've been over this before. It does not keep paying customers away. Private courses are not concerned with the occasional green fee player. They are concerned with keeping their members, who pay upwards of thirty thousand dollars initiation, and several thousand a year, happy. Part of the reason they pay that kind of money is that the club upholds a certain standard. Also, keep in mind that at most private courses, the rules and decisions are all made by the membership. The rules are, therefore, the ultimate in customer satisfaction

Well said Jonf. I think we have beaten this topic to death.

[Kiwi]

Well, well, interesting thread and I’ll take my shot now before it gets shut down. I wish I had Big Mac’s restraint.
I’ve no problem with a bunch of rich guys and gals starting a club and setting their own rules. If you pay that much you’re entitled. The rudeness is another thing. I don’t think that manners and wealth are mutually exclusive.
It would be a perfect world for me, now that the rich and famous (or wannabees) have their own places to play, if someone would establish exclusive clubs for those who show up drunk, or get drunk before the turn; yell so loudly after each shot (theirs and their partners) that it can be heard all over the course; never replace a divot or repair a ball mark; and take 5 ½ hours to complete a round.
Then the rest of could really enjoy ourselves.

[1972Apex]

Sorry to all the folks who love cargo shorts, but if I showed up at the Royal Ottawa or the Hunt in cargo shorts and they did not escort me off the grounds I would quite frankly be disappointed in them.
I was invited to a tournament a couple of weeks ago at one of the Clublink courses and dressed so as to be suitable to attend tea with the Queen . When invited as a guest to an upscale course it is always best to err on the side of caution in your clothing selection.

[jmr73]

Well, well, interesting thread and I’ll take my shot now before it gets shut down. I wish I had Big Mac’s restraint.
I’ve no problem with a bunch of rich guys and gals starting a club and setting their own rules. If you pay that much you’re entitled. The rudeness is another thing. I don’t think that manners and wealth are mutually exclusive.

1. What "own rules"? Cargo shorts have been a no-no for a long time at most courses. It is just that many low-end courses are relaxing their rules to allow them. I think this is a mistake as it may open a can of worms.

2. where was this rudeness everyone keeps talking about? Was the fact that they actually pointed out that he was inappropriately dressed being rude? I would rather someone politely tell me than let me walk around looking like a slob all day... or make the same mistake another time.

[jeffc]

Well, well, interesting thread and I’ll take my shot now before it gets shut down. I wish I had Big Mac’s restraint.
I’ve no problem with a bunch of rich guys and gals starting a club and setting their own rules. If you pay that much you’re entitled. The rudeness is another thing. I don’t think that manners and wealth are mutually exclusive.
It would be a perfect world for me, now that the rich and famous (or wannabees) have their own places to play, if someone would establish exclusive clubs for those who show up drunk, or get drunk before the turn; yell so loudly after each shot (theirs and their partners) that it can be heard all over the course; never replace a divot or repair a ball mark; and take 5 ½ hours to complete a round.
Then the rest of could really enjoy ourselves.

I've played at many a private club and I have yet to run into anyone rude, in fact, it is exactly the opposite, the service is beyond anything I ever see at a public course. And not everyone who is a member is rich. My dad is far from rich but worked hard all his life and he was able to join his course 26 years ago when they were dying for members and there was no initiation fee. Now it's $12000 to join + dues, etc.

[jmr73]

I had to re-read the OP since I was trying to see this rude behaviour... still don't see it.

...so I have to buy new shorts, that are way overpriced.
...
Then, as I put the shorts on, they tell me I can't wear the socks I am wearing. Because I was wearing pants, I wore knee high socks, NOT ALLOWED. I then had to buy new ankle cut socks.

Why did you not wear the pants you showed up in? Unless you showed up in jeans (which I hope you didn't)... the pants you wore should have been fine.

No need for new shorts or socks and no problem at all.

[MrMulligan]

Are you suggesting there be no rules at all? How about t-shirts and cut-off jean shorts? How about jogging pants and a tank top? Cargo shorts look sloppy... what do you really need all those pockets for anyway? You aren't working on your deck or going for a hike.

Let's be real here. T-shirts and cut-off jeans? Jogging pants? I thought we were having somewhat of a serious discussion. You're comparing apples and oranges .

Who says Cargo Shorts always look sloppy? You can buy perfectly nice Cargo Shorts that when compared to some of the loud golf pants people wear look much better. I've seen people wear ill-fitting "pleated" golf pants that make them look much sloppier than the cargo shorts I wear. How about the wrinkled, haven't been washed golf shirts and pants - are they perfectly acceptible also because they have pleats?

I'm not sure but I would also classify golf as a hike n'est-ce pas? The average golf course is probably a 7-8km trek and can be even longer depending on how well and where you hit your ball. Being comfortable on such a trek is a necessity IMHO.

I'm dissapointed in everyone here who claims that Cargo shorts are not adequate golf attire. As I stated before, it is "old school" thinking but I guess the word "progressive" is sacrelidge for most of you on responding to this post.

If I'm not mistaken the reason ClubLink is successfull is because it buys golf clubs where membership can't support it. If this type of thinking is prevalent I guess they'll be having their pick of courses to purchase in the years ahead...

[3Jack]

Hmmm..... http://shop.callawaygolf.com/Apparel...ex_Shorts.html

[jeffc]

I personally don't like cargo shorts on a golf course and am a bit of a purist when it comes to golf attire. And with regards to wrinkled or stained attire, I wouldn't be surprised if they asked you to change or leave.

Again, it's a private course. If you want to play, just abide by their rules. Heck we went on a cruise where a couple of nights the dinner is formal, such that you have to wear a suit or tux. While I wasn't crazy about bringing a suit on vacation, that was the rule and if I wanted to eat dinner in the dining room that night, that's the deal.

[jmr73]

Hmmm..... http://shop.callawaygolf.com/Apparel...ex_Shorts.html

Oh... come on now. Chances are nobody would even notice those are cargo shorts. So they have an extra couple of pockets. I doubt any private course would say anything about those shorts.

The ones that I mean look sloppy are the ones that the pockets stick out an inch... and they have about 10 pockets. There is no question that there are some nice looking cargo shorts and these would likely be ok.

The thing is where do you draw the line? Better to ban cargos altogether then to start policing which are nice and which are not. If you open the flood-gates you will have people showing up in these...

http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products...teID=210054843

or these

or these... after all we may be 'fishing' our balls out of the water...
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...d-3fd3dd0b0a90


As jonf mentioned, most golfers like to keep there pockets as empty as possible while golfing... why do you need all those pockets. If we are throwing all decorum out the window, why don't we just allow people to go shirtless if they feel like it. It is a long walk so why not get one of these..

http://www.drinkstuff.com/productimg/15617_large.jpg

[3Jack]

I just found it interesting that callaway has a line of shorts that could be interpreted as cargo-style is all.

[jeffc]

I'm sure most public courses wouldn't care less about cargo shorts.

[paulfourputt]

It all starts with cargo shorts, and before you know it...

http://http://www.poconorecord.com/a...NEWS/706260335

[jeffc]

try this link instead:

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbc...NEWS/706260335

[ironmaster15213]

I have never had an issue playing at any top Country Clubs, I always wear long pants and a clean golf shirt with a collar. I often don't even shine my shoes before playing at said clubs . I have met many wonderful people at these clubs and never have been talked down to just cause I'm not rich like them. I enjoy their stories about golfing and they enjoy mine, and I get to play a wonderful course for very little money out of my pocket. If you respect the members and the club at large there is even a chance that you may be invited to someone elses club to be a guest . People really are the same no matter how wealthy they may become, they enjoy being with someone who laughs and jokes with them but also knows when to be serious and diplomatic. It really comes down to respect and no matter what you think everybody looks for it and will return it if given. I did have to buy a shirt at Wigwam golf resort in Phoenix once cause I had a very nice but collar free shirt, kind of like what Tiger wears quite often. It cost me 65 dollars and now I always keep a collared shirt in a plastic bag in the trunk of my car just in case.

[Big Johnny69]

[quote=MrMulligan;190897]

I'm dissapointed in everyone here who claims that Cargo shorts are not adequate golf attire. As I stated before, it is "old school" thinking but I guess the word "progressive" is sacrelidge for most of you on responding to this post.

quote]

Personally I think you aren't getting it. The club sets out their rules. They are not open for interpretation. Abide by them or don't play there. That is what this discussion is about. Like most said, cargo shorts are allowed at most public (and probably some private) courses. So its not "old school", courses are startign to accept them. But this course happened to not allow them, so its not "old school" on their part. Its part of their rules which have most likely been set up with the input and acceptance of their members for them to get the most enjoyment out of their membership.

If HW had taken it upon himself, and not left it up to his friend, to find out what was acceptable at the course we wouldn't even be having this discussion. It appears he is trying to make the course out like some cranky, uptight snobs, when personally, if that happened to me, I'd be embarrassed for having that happen. I think HW should take some of the blame for this happening and not be so quick to try and pawn it off on the "uptight stuffy shirts" at the club.

[1972Apex]

I was at a private swimming pool the other day and I could not believe they threw me out for trying to swim in the nude. I mean, I guess it is their rules but at the public lake I generally frequent no one has a problem with it

[jeffc]

remember, there is good naked and there is bad naked.