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