Who to call about taking photo's on Golf Courses.
 

I have walked around on a couple golf courses, trying to stay out of the way of anyone playing. And have been told I am not supposed to be on it unless playing golf.

That sounds reasonable.

I know I can walk along the road and photograph the courses if I want to. But, I can't always get the shot I want that way.

Is there someplace/someone I can call to find out about the rules concerning photographing on the courses? What I am thinking of is finding a friend that is going out to play a round and "riding along" with them. BUT. The golf course is private property (unlike the road) and so, it is up to the owners of the course whether or not I can take photo's there.

I have NO desire to take anyones photo's that does not want them taken. If you have seen some of my photo's from on the courses you will notice there is almost no way to recognize anyone that happens to be in the shot. If someone is close enough to recognize, I normally edit them out of the shot. If someone does want a photo, I don't mind taking it and providing it to them.

Suggestions?

Talk to the pro at the golf course.
You are right you don’t belong any course taking pictures………

I see your problem, and I guess your solution is to ride along with a golfer like you wrote.
Just be aware of hearing some golfing lingo out there that you wouldn't find in the dictionary....:clap2:

Have you visited the hiking trails?

Thank you, and yes, I have walked many of the trails both inside and outside of TV.

Thank you. I will talk to them.

Eh?...
 

if they are a guest in the cart they are welcome to take all the photos they want. What they aren't allowed to do is just walk on a golf course to take pictures.

While many people do not understand is that the reason to be precise is so there are no misunderstandings. Saying " you don't belong 'on' any course taking pictures" is false because it doesn't take into account the times you play and carry a camera to take pictures and when you are a guest in a cart(perfectly okay)and taking photos.

I stand corrected………

Thank you, most of the time so far I have been walking outside the "fence" around the course. If no one is around I sometime sneak in to get a closeup at a pond. I will not do that any more.

I have been passed by ambassadors on many occasions and they have not said anything, but I expect they assumed I was playing.

And I expect the reason we aren't supposed to just walk on is the liability of getting hit with a ball, since we don't know what the heck we are doing there - :)

Yes…you can do a ‘ride along’ with a golfer, however, you must check in at the starter’s shack and get a ‘Spectator’ tag/ribbon that you affix to the golfer’s cart.

So many "rules" for a public place.

Where are the hiking trails?
 

Just wondering. Thanks!

not a "Public Place" I have had several encounters with "picture takers" on the playing areas over the past 10 years. They have been completely oblivious to what was going on around them, and several times they were in some risk of injury- especially when I was hitting.

Golf course is not a public place.

If you are not playing golf you should not be on the course.

Last year there were two carts in front of us on the golf course. Six people total and only two playing golf. The others were taking photos and doing lots of photo ops with a gator in the background. Needless to say this took a lot of time and they were at least two holes behind the group in front of them...
:ohdear::ohdear::boom::boom:

All golf courses have rules.

Not saying you would ever do this, but last year I was playing with a man who brought his girlfriend (?) as a ride along. At one point, she got out of their cart, walked onto the fairway and tried arguing with me about the lie of my ball. Luckily this man saw the problem and shooed her back to the cart but it was an uncomfortable intrusion. People who don't play golf are often not aware of golf rules/etiquette, leading to big problems, thus the restrictions.

If not golfing stay off the courses.

I understand completely. Sadly, many people are very self centered and not very considerate of others. I ALWAYS try to be considerate of others when I am someplace they are supposed to be, while at the same time I try to be as "invisible" as possible. It comes from years doing candid street photography and weddings, where the idea is to record not to participate. (I am not always successful - LOL)

Think of how nice the world would be if people would just stop and think, how would I want someone in this situation to treat me, instead of thinking about what do I want. But, that is not life, that is just a fantasy...

Its private property with public access therefore you can take photos all you want of the course and anyone on it

Get a tee time.

The Championship golf courses are private owned businesses.

The Executives are owned by the Districts.

Neither are “public spaces” per se….

Legally, I know I can take photo's of anything and anyone as long as I am on public property at the time I take them. But, I am more interested in doing what is considerate of the people trying to enjoy the golf course.

Agreed. the golf courses are private and hence the reason for my question. Thank you.

strange....
 

everyone who has the ability can know of all the rules here before they move. If you weren't aware many cities and towns have many ordinances most folks don't know about and many of those communities refuse to enforce many of them.

I prefer all the rules and enforcement of them.

Don't know why you would want to take photos of these courses, most of which are built on drainage-area landscape lined by houses. Better off going outside The Villages for more inspiring photos.

If a spouse, child/grandchild wants to ride along and is quiet and respectful of the other players, what's the problem? It's a great way to introduce the young ones to the game...

It's allowed by the golf courses as long as they get a spectator pass...

Plus, they have to pay the $4 trail fee, which helps take care of the cart paths...

I commend you for your patience and consideration throughout this dialogue. You are the adult in the room. I'll bet there is not a PAR golfer or a below PAR shooter in the bunch and certainly no one whose income depends on golf. I would also bet there a lot more disruptive actors on the course (including some who have commented here) than someone being considerate of the golfers who makes every effort not to be seen or heard while making beautiful pictures for us all to enjoy when they are posted. That said, I think the smart move is to do a ride along being respectful of golf course rules (golf cart path, 90 degree rule, avoiding wet areas, and keeping appropriate distance from greens, etc), something many of the golfers themselves ignore. And I would also talk to the Golf Pro at the respective courses and let them know when you are going to do this. Unless there is a reason to do early morning, I'd suggest afternoon when the numbers are much less than in the morning wave. That way, you can get the pictures you want w/o "interfering" with people playing. Lastly, while in many instances "forgiveness is easier than permission" in this case I suggest "permission" is the better choice. Just talk to the PRO. I bet you can get permission and schedule a T Time that will meet both your needs and avoid the "keep off the course" . Enough said

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Thank you for the kind words.

One take away I am finding from this thread is I should go take the "golfing course" offered so I am aware of all the rules.

My wife and I are planning to start golfing sometime (soon?) but the past year has been disruptive...

The golf courses are all private property.

You come across to me as a kind and considerate man trying to enjoy your hobby of photography while working around another popular pass time, golf.

Maybe that's my problem playing golf, I should bring my camera instead of golf clubs, then I would swear less. :shrug:
Enjoy your hobby!

You've made it all these years without torturing yourself... Why start now? :icon_wink:

You know why it's called Golf? Because all of the other 4 letter words were taken...

Language warning!

Robin Williams Live on Broadway: Golf - YouTube

I played golf once, with a cousin, when I was 14. That seemed to be enough to me - :)

Did you watch the video?

Golf courses are for golfers pleasure, your asking them to give up that to take pictures for you pleasure. Sounds like it’s all about you. Plus Championship Courses are PRIVATE PROPERTY!

\\\

Thank you for your comment.

Have a nice life.

Wow... Just wow...:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear: