Dec 04 2008
The Golf Course Police
The Golf Course Police
I have worked the past few summers as a golf course players’ assistant, as we like to call it. You would refer to them as marshals. There’s the first problem. The reference to a member of the police force sets the tone.I still don’t like the term players’ assistant either. I think of being more of a congenial host at an outdoor party and would like to do what I can to make your visit at the course more enjoyable.
You paid good money to play here and you should be treated accordingly, unless, of course, you stop respecting the course and offend the other people playing it.
It never ceases to amaze me that when I arrive at a tee, the players often respond with “OK. What did we do wrong?” I see that as nothing more than a conditioned response based on numerous unpleasant incidents at other golf clubs.The message to all the golf course police out there is this.Golf is in the hospitality business.
Your job is to make the customer’s visit a satisfying experience while you still ensure the properties of the course are not intentionally damaged. Maybe you should learn to smile more. Tell a few jokes to lighten up the tension that you generate. Find ways to be supportive and thank them honestly for playing at your golf course.
I’m not afraid to offer assistance to beginners but I always qualify it with a statement I am not an expert and here’s my friendly suggestion. If you want to pursue this more, find yourself a golf pro that you are happy with and not just any teacher. Find one that will actually help you to understand what you are doing wrong and provide some idea of how to correct it that you clearly understand.
The game is about fun and the golf course police don’t want to let you have any. Maybe they should find someplace else to be the bully. Your method is no longer acceptable.
