Since the golf season here in the northeast has probably worn down for the most part by now, it’s as good a time as any to reflect on the season past. And by reflect, I mean look back at some of the things I hate about being out on the course.
#1. When there’s no MOFOBETE – On a hot summer day, how can you expect people to play an entire round of golf without a cart girl crossing their path? With temperatures in the 90+ degree range, offering proper hydration, be it water, Gatorade or beer, seems like the right thing to do, no? Or maybe even a small snack to hold you over until either the turn or the 19th hole. Whatever your choice, a Mofobete needs to be on the course, especially one which cost a pretty penny to play.
#2. Not enough water jugs on the course – I can live without a cart girl, especially at a less expensive course, as long as there are plenty of ice cold water jugs on several holes throughout the course. Again, on a hot summer day, it’s a simple, common courtesy to the people who have plunked down their hard earned money to pay your greens fees. The least you could do is offer them some water.
#3. No yardage markers – Sure, you can always estimate based on approximately how far you are from the 100 or 150 markers. But would it hurt to get a sharpie and write down the distance on a sprinkler head? I mean, does ink cost too much to write down a quick “67,” “128” or “231.” Information people…knowledge is power!
#4. Cart paths – Are they necessary? I suppose, maybe. But they are the enemy of a wayward drive. Sure, once in a while you get that lucky bounce off of one and it careens the ball further down the fairway and turns into a personal record drive. However, more often than not, it sends the ball bounding off into some area of the course that hasn’t been seen since the likes of Lewis & Clark. However, you’d have to think that the cart path, along with the gallery or rangers like the pros have to find your ball for you, one should have the opportunity to cite the P.A.F. (Pro Advantage Factor).
#5. No rangers – Again, I’m never really in a hurry to get my round overwith. I don’t mind if the pace is a bit on the slow side. However, when there are backups at every hole or there’s a group who is just taking their time no matter what the backup behind them may be…rangers are needed. I realize that less expensive courses maybe can’t afford to pay rangers, but the higher end courses can. And to keep the game moving, get more groups on the course and keep players coming back, hiring a few rangers could be a wise investment.
Just a few gripes and opinions from an everyday golfer. I’m sure, given the time, I could come up with a few more. However, I don’t want to confuse anyone. I do love playing golf. But I am trying to help a few courses improve the customer experience.
Swing ’til you’re happy!
We here at GolfStinks always joke about some of the characters on the golf course, but because we tend to play together, times are few and far between that we actually get paired up with them. But this past weekend, I went out for a nine-hole round with a fellow stinky golfer. And sure enough, we joined up for a few holes with Mr. Grumpy “Rules-Guru” Golfer. Though it lasted only three holes, it was quite the experience.