It's only free if you are walking.........

Many times it's beginners and other times just a person or couple wanting to play a few holes to practice their golfing skills.

cart fees? they hit extra balls?

Don't most people who use carts on Exec courses pay semi-annual or annual trail fees?

At any time of day, that is extremely rude if people are waiting.

Don't mean to jump on the guy - sorry. But he did ask if there was an opening or apparent slow time during the day if he could just start playing - that doesn't sound like someone that is aware of how his just jumping in or in my opinion, breaking in line, can affect play. That's just not cool on executive courses or championship courses. Now with that said it is obvious to those of us that live here and especially those that live on courses there are times when play is done for the day at executive courses or during the summer the courses close and there is still a bit of daylight - is it cool then - well maybe but you do it at your own risk. Say on a championship course - if they were to catch you the consequences if done repeatedly could mean losing your privileges on an executive course no one there and probably doesn't matter. But let me add - lots of folks that do that think that the executive courses are practice facilities - THEY ARE NOT. I am a seasoned golfer and every time I get to a green whether championship or executive I find tons of ball marks and I fix 3 or 4 every time I get to them. Bunkers not raked - foot prints all over left by the "privileged" which is tiresome - I also rake other foot prints if I get in one. Many don't even know the proper way to fix a ball mark even when they try. Executive courses are treated poorly by the "beginners" and that's being kind. I say this in the spirit of helping the game.

There is a beginner course all that are new to the game or trying to learn how to play better should take. Read the rules of golf and especially the rules of etiquette. It will help the rest of us that play in a timely and considerate fashion.

That's all I'm trying to say.

If we live next to an Exec course, can we just walk on and play?
 

Playing late in the day, particularly during the summer and at some of the more "difficult" courses, can be a very pleasant experience...an almost empty course to play at one's leisure as the sun sets. Doesn't get much better than that imho.

And very well said. I agree with every word. And during regular play except for par fours, golf carts aren't allowed off path on executive courses except with a handicap permit, and those are sometimes abused. I know that many folks do go on the courses after they are closed and the starter has left.


I wasn't trying to be snarky either, but well just read this post above again.

I don't think after hour golf carries the same rules of etiquette. If someone is taking too long you go around them. It's not like you're going to get in 9 holes. This doesn't mean any player is excused from fixing marks or raking traps. I use to think every trap is is re raked by a tractor before play every morning---now I don't.

I very much disagree. The rules of etiquette in golf always apply.

If I am playing when our course is not crowded, I will often hit some practice shots, especially out of the sand. Of course, I carefully rake my footprints and fix all ball marks.

When I am doing this, I will NEVER hold up anyone playing behind me. I can't imagine anyone being that rude.

I very much agree.

If we live next to an Exec course, can we just walk on and play?
 

Disagree wholeheartedly.
During the daylight-savings-time months, I regularly get in 9 holes after the shacks close.

:ohdear: Like Polar Bear and VApeople, I think the rules of etiquette always apply.

Sorry
If you are going too slow I will go around you.
I won't putt out. I won't look for a ball I lost in the fairway. I don't keep score. Hell, I might even ground my club in a sand trap.

Born to be wild.

None of those violate golf etiquette. Grounding your club in a bunker is OK, as long as you rake the bunker afterwards.

This reminds me of the story of a couple who were having sex in the bunker of a private upscale golf club. They were discovered by someone who then told them to leave, especially since they were not members of the club.

As they were leaving, they asked how he knew they were not members. He said, "Because members would have raked the bunker."

Golf etiquette is very important when you are on a golf course, even if you are not playing golf.

Golf is golf....
 

but it is a special place we have here. Even if a machine/people raked the bunkers every morning when a person enters the bunker they should always rake it properly when leaving it. This helps ensure that the next person in gets a proper chance of a good lie.

Just because you and others haven't bothered to learn how to properly execute a bunker shot doesn't mean you should not be giving someone the best lie you can. It's not just etiquette...it's good manners and consideration.

Just as bad...people dragging their feet on the greens...there goes any chance of a semi-smooth surface on which to putt. If you can't lift your feet then wear smooth tennis shoes.