Someday, we might get invited to a Private Golf Club to play a round of golf.  Playing at a private club is a bit different than playing at your local public course.  Most private clubs take etiquette and rules seriously, they also enforce dress codes.  Here are 10 tips to make your round enjoyable.  Remember, your behavior and manners are a reflection of the person who invited you.  Be honored and respectful.

One: Know the Dress Code.  You do not want to show up for a round of golf in shorts, no matter how fashionable, if they are not allowed.  Make sure your clothes are cleaned and pressed, and your shoes are polished.

Two: Be on time.  When I say “Be on time”, I mean “Be Early”.  Remember, a private club is not as lenient with their tee times as a public course.  If a member is issued a tee time of 10:17am you can bet that you will be teeing off at 10:17am, if you are late, you are at the back of the line, not a very good first impression.  Show up early, introduce yourself to the pro-shop and tell them who you are meeting and where you will be.  I suggest you hit the putting green and not the bar.

Three: Be prepared to gamble, be prepared to lose.  I am not saying “Expect” to gamble or expect to lose,  just be prepared.  Have cash in your pocket in all denominations.  You do not want to lose a wager on who gets closest to the pin on a par 3 and then have to ask for change.  Pay quick and don’t ask for what is owed to you.

Four: Buy lunch.  You have been invited to a nice morning or afternoon of golf.  There is no better way to show your gratitude than to buy lunch for your foursome.

Five: Be prepared to walk.  You may be used to riding every time you play golf, but, the person who invited you to play might like to walk.  You can’t interact if you are riding and waiting while the walkers catch up to you.  You probably need the exercise anyway.

Six: Don’t get drunk.  After the round you might be invited into the bar for a cocktail before lunch.  Know your limitations.  A sure way to NOT get invited back to a private golf club is to be dancing around with a lampshade on your head.

Seven: Walk the course.  Most private golf courses have pretty friendly people working there.  Show up some late afternoon and introduce yourself to the clubs Pro.  Tell him you were invited to play a round by one of the members, tell them which member, and ask if you could familiarize yourself with the course.  Tell him you will not get in anyone’s way and you will respect the course.  More than likely they will allow you to do that.  Make notes and mark yardages, this will help on holes where there is a dogleg, or a hill that you can’t see over.  Remember, the folks you are playing with are very familiar with the course and will take it for granted.  You will not hold anyone up.

Eight: Be ready to tip.  You might have a caddy, so be ready with a tip for them.  Discretely ask the pro-shop what you should tip.  Don’t forget a snack at the turn or the beverage cart.  Most private clubs have teenagers that get your clubs from your car and when the round is done will clean your clubs, these kids need a nice tip.

Nine: Maintain the course.  You should take extra care fixing your divots, raking the bunkers, and fixing your ball marks on the green.  As I said earlier, private club members have a great degree of pride in their club, you should feel special that you were invited.  When you show great care for their course they will be extremely grateful and this will go a long way for future invites or possible sponsorship if you are interested in joining.  When you walk onto the green fix a few ball marks, not just your own.

Ten: Tune up your equipment.  Make sure your golf clubs are in good repair and don’t look like garage sale used golf clubs.  Clean your bag.  Buy a new glove.  Buy a couple new boxes of balls, don’t show up with an onion bag full of seconds.  Make your purchases in the pro-shop.

Bonus Tip: Take a lesson.  If you read posts in this blog you will notice I tell people this all the time.  Being a guest at a private club is not place to get frustrated and have a bad time.  A lesson at any time will take strokes off your game, and better than that, you will gain confidence in your ability.

Above all else.  Have Fun.