Originally Posted by Pairadocs
(Post 2272621)
Yes, exactly. Two times I had a tee time in the past and did not get to play. I chose to return home. The time had 2 openings. I chose a time, that made a threesome. When I checked it I was directed to get into the cart of a man sitting in the driver's seat smoking a cigar. I have no problem with that in general, but I personally don't want to sit next to that in a golf cart. I was very careful to discretely tell the starter I had no objections to playing with two gentlemen, but would be more comfortable just taking my own car. Told that was impossible and was told to put my things on the cart next to the cigar smoker. I asked if perhaps one of the gentlemen could just be told to bring their clubs and put on my cart so I could decline someone asking to smoke in the cart. Answer was "no", that is up to the starter to assign how these things are settled and the twosome checked in first. So, got my bag and proceeded to the 2nd man's cart. As I approached they were having the most vulgar conversation you can imagine. I am no Victorian prude but this was just too much (discussing one man's ex-wife in really shocking terms). I quietly went back and told the starter "This is just not going to workout, is there any other option, maybe be assigned to a group going off after my time ?". Looked at his sheet and told me no openings, so my choice was to get on one the carts of the two individuals, or, go home. I went home, thought it over, and decided to go have a calm, UN-argumentative talk with the golf admin. office about how such things are regulated as to civil language and smoking, etc. At public courses I found the marshals are on top of such things, but having no course marshals here (years ago I was shocked to find they only have "ambassadors" but didn't give it much thought really), I never expected to run into such situations of having no right to ride alone due to the 2 cart rule. Also surprised to fine he who checks in first has the choice to be the driver and not have to move his/her clubs to another cart. I have only had two instances of this in all these years so, while annoying to have plans and be given the choice of riding with a smoker or a person with a habit of fowl language, I consider it fortunate. When my husband could no longer play, I found most golfers to be warm, welcoming, polite and willing to ride in my cart or theirs. However, when it changed to being able to ride alone if you wished, I was so hopeful that it would not revert to the "old" two cart rule. I realize on exec courses anyone always has the choice of renting a walking cart to avoid unpleasant circumstances such as smoking, etc. so I am not furious, or angry, just sorry to see this return because most times it is a pleasant way to meet new friends. I do think the ability to check gender of players if you pay for the one line reservation system is a great feature, but never thought it was critical until I had the two "experiences".
|
