A private golf club, or a country club, is essentially just a golf course and clubhouse that is only open to its members. Most private clubs provide restaurants, change rooms, showers, accommodation options and golf facilities that are often of a higher quality than public courses.
Typical clubs require an initiation fee, an annual fee and frequently additional requirements to join, such as a sponsored reference from an existing member, employment at a particular company, residence in a specific area, or sometimes by gender. For example, the Augusta National Golf Club, home to the Masters Golf Tournament, is limited to male golfers.
If you're planning to join a private golf club or have been invited by a friend to play on a private course, there are a few considerations you should take into account before showing up for your first scheduled tee time.
1. Know the rules of the course.
Typically, the rules of a particular course are posted clearly in the club house and at the first tee. If you're new to a private course, make sure you understand all of them, as courses are different - and don't be afraid to ask.
Most courses have rules requesting that golfers or their caddies replace divots, smooth their greens and rake their sand hazards. Always follow these course etiquette requirements.
2. Follow the dress code.
Normally private clubs have an enforced dress code that requires golfers to wear collared shirts or does not allow baseball caps. If you're unsure of a course's dress code, call ahead and simply ask. Typically, golf courses require proper golf shoes with plastic spikes and frown on denim, T-shirts, short shorts and other inappropriate attire.
3. Understand the tipping system.
If the private course you're at is upscale enough to offer caddie service, you should normally tip your caddie about 50% of the course caddy fee, while a forecaddie (a caddy who does not carry bags, but rather keeps score) should be tipped about $50-$100 from a group of four. From there, you'll need to tip your cart attendant, bag drop attendant, valet, beverage cart attendant and sometimes your starter. You should only tip your starter if he or she has done something particularly special, like fit you in on a desired tee time on a busy day.
If you're unsure about a private club's gratuities policy, don't be hesitant to call ahead and simply ask that, along with the usual tip amounts or percentages.
4. Be on time for your tee-off.
Getting a tee time at a popular or upscale golf resort can sometimes be difficult, so make sure you don't miss it. Arrive at the course at least 30 minutes to an hour early and give yourself sufficient time to move from your car to the clubhouse, get warmed up and then to your starting point.
If you arrive late, you could lose your tee-off time and be forced to wait for an available slot.
5. Don't be intimidated.
Just because a club is private doesn't always mean the players are better or even snootier. Simply play a good game, respect the game and respect your fellow players, and you'll have a great time.
For both practical and exciting golf course general golfing improvement aids, golf balls information and more, please visit www.golf-the-course.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning all kinds of relevant interests for the golf enthusiast.
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