Dogs On the Course

1731 Views 3 Replies 2 Participants Last post by Len the Amateur, 4 mo ago

Danmark

Discussion Starter · 4 mo ago

I don't play golf, but I live on the edge of a course. When I first got my German Shepherd I would only let him on the course at night, so he could get a good run without bothering anyone.

Gradually I took him on the course more and during the day, being careful to avoid golfers. But after talking to the groundsmen and golfers and seeing them all wave at him, I was puzzled that every one seems so friendly to us trespassers.

He chases the geese off the fairways (I understand goose poop is a huge problem for golf courses), does not chase golf balls or bother the golfers, and is emotionally tethered to me so he stays near. I usually don't take him on the course until after he's done his morning business, but even he only poops where there is heavy brush to hide the evidence so I may not matter.
We stick to areas near the creek that runs thru the course and are quiet and still during the rare moments we are near a foursome.

Anyway, I'm writing because I was surprised the only response to our presence has been positive and I wanted to get the perspective of golfers.

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Len the Amateur

· #2 · 4 mo ago

Welcome from Canada.

I can only speak for myself but as long as you don't interfere with play, I imagine that there would be no issue.

HOWEVER, it's not normal for "non-golfers" to roam around a golf course as you've described.

If the marshals didn't say anything, I would guess that they didn't see you nor were you reported by other golfers.

I expect you might be asked to leave in the future though. Just an observation.

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Danmark

Discussion Starter · #3 · 4 mo ago

Len the Amateur said:
Welcome from Canada.

I can only speak for myself but as long as you don't interfere with play, I imagine that there would be no issue.

HOWEVER, it's not normal for "non-golfers" to roam around a golf course as you've described.

If the marshals didn't say anything, I would guess that they didn't see you nor were you reported by other golfers.

I expect you might be asked to leave in the future though. Just an observation.

Thanks,
I've had several conversations with the groundskeepers, including the course superintendent, while on the course with the dog. They are all very cordial and say nothing about our presence being unwanted. I actually wrote the country club about how we could coordinate to keep the geese off the grass. No response. I understand from members who are friends that they used to use a dog for that purpose, but don't know the details.

I assume your reference to 'marshals' refers to tournaments. We'd never even think of going during a tournament. We only go there when the course is relatively vacant, early in the morning or at other slack times.

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Len the Amateur

· #4 · 4 mo ago

IMO, groundskeepers look after the condition of the course (grass, traps, etc)
Marshals are the ones who keep the players moving, telling them to speed up, etc. They are the "police" of the course. Groundskeepers are maintenance.

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