May 19, 2018 – After 10 holes enough was enough and I decided to return to the clubhouse, get in my car and leave the Golf Club. Why?

After playing golf for over 25 years from a young age, its has always remained with me that the game of golf taught me many ‘life lessons’ that have helped me in life and business.

• Ethics, Etiquette and Empathy are just a few that I can think of….

In todays modern world I often read on social media forums or hear through Club Management colleagues that Golf Clubs are changing and needing to evolve to attract a younger audience.

Today, I had the pleasure of playing golf with three golfers, all 50+ years old and regular players. After only 10 holes I had raked two bunkers, as at each bunker a different player had stepped out without raking. I had lost two balls, which although slightly offline none of the three playing partners offered to assist in the search.

The Golf Club had a large TV screen in the reception showing various images of bunkers that hadn’t been raked and a request to all members, guests and visitors to show respect to fellow players and staff by leaving the bunkers in good order. They had recognised the problem and its the first club I had seen in the region to make people aware through TV images but maybe this wasn’t enough?

As I walked back to the clubhouse, alone and angry it got me thinking as to why any player, young or old would want to leave footprints in a bunker for a fellow competitor.

Most players will of course complete the required raking of bunkers, repairing of pitch-marks and replacing of divots but then why does a few think that its not for them to repair or replace and leave for others to suffer?

Many clubs are currently seeking new golfers, allowing new golf societies and visitors more access to their clubs, while also creating new ‘modern’ clubhouse dress-codes that appeal to the younger generations. However, I have yet to see any club deliver a ‘Ethics, Etiquette and Expectations’ seminar for new and old members. This could be included within any new membership request, reinforced to guests from the management and followed up by the starter or pro-shop, even placed on the scorecards.

Some clubs now operate ‘rules evenings’ for members, which are fantastic including rules quiz’s, explanations and a few even have past or present European Tour or PGA officials attend to bring the stories and rules to life so why not offer a etiquette and ethics course?

It is of course expected that new players, especially juniors will be offered advice on rules, club etiquette and expectations from fellow players and coaches but having experienced three players who have played golf for over 40 years between them fail to rake a bunker or offer assistance to search for a fellow players ball I wonder what more clubs can do to address this issue?

Many occasions its one persons word versus the other, sometimes a golf club feels there is no evidence to support any claim and on occasion players just allow it as they don’t want to disrupt the harmony of the game between other players.

Clubs continue to evolve and bringing in new blood to the club can often help to develop new revenue. However, dealing with club etiquette and traditional expectations of existing members in the modern, fast paced, time sensitive world can often be overlooked to other more pressing Club Management issues.

I would be interested to know your thoughts, how you have addressed these etiquette issues and why do you believe it occurred in the first place?

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By Chris Duffy (CM Dip)