Dogs on Golf Courses

[Maton12]

Would love to bring my dog to the course, he's pretty good 90% of the time, but he'd take off if tempted by whatever wildlife other dogs were around and be pretty hard to stop

 

So best left at home and taken to the dog park

[OBbogey5]

My buddy lives on a course, a private club that he's not a member of. Recently, he took down his iron rod fence between his backyard and the course. While he and his wife are at work, and the kids at school, this dog of his, a 110 pound chocolate lab with a head shaped like a T-Rex, roams and runs all over the golf course. This isn't a rural area either. It's in the middle of Southern California. In the evening, he takes it for "walks", without a leash, around the course as well. I tell him and I tell him, but that's the way it is. It's bad.

 

But hey, at least it's not quite as bad as when his recently deceased, a golden retriever, hopped their tiny wall (previous house), went through a neighbor's doggy door, and jumped into bed with them at 6:30 in the morning.

 

Your dog may be the best dog in the whole world, but I agree with not making a golf course more than it is.

[Browns71213]

I would never take my dog to a golf course with me while golfing. However, we live in a golf course community with lots of trails and some of them share short stretches with the cart paths. So we walk on the golf course all the time and are just respectful of golfers teeing off or hitting to a green. It also helps to own a barkless dog.

[youfromjoisey]

What the hey is a backless dog?

[herdman]

Yehh, can't wait to step in dog shi* on the course.

 

Let's all bring our little kids as well. They are well behaved. I am sure people won't care. I love dogs, but they don't need to go and be everywhere.

[Openwater22]

One of my courses is fine with it. We have a member who lives nearby that carries 6-7 clubs for a quick 9 with his dog all the time. I've seen dogs on Kingsley as well which would be a hell of a place to walk your dog at!

I've walked Kingsley many times with our Lab. Two other members have a regular Sunday/Wednesday walk with their dogs. Usually a doggie water bowl out front under the tree. Dogs are welcome in the cottages. Music is piped into the practice area as well. Those of you with your shorts all in a bunch should avoid this place at all costs.

[Hateto3Putt]

Hey, I'm a dog guy. I love my dog.

 

Over the past 14 years (her birthday was Sunday) she's helped my short game dramatically as we play chip and fetch all the time.

 

She's smart, sweet, very well behaved, hasn't been on a leash in 12 years and never leaves the yard unless we're walking.

 

She even wins the hearts of cat people.

 

She would love to join me on the golf course.

 

Never gonna happen.

[Browns71213]

What the hey is a backless dog?

 

Obviously you took the short bus to school, its a dog without a back of course! Damn spell check. Barkless.

[@_the_crook]

Our course is bordered by residences. The walk from 14 to 15 , about 300 feet, passes by two homes where the families always seem to leave their large pooches outdoors from dawn til dusk. The yards have chain link fences so there's no way to get past without being spotted by their pets.

Let's leave out the thought that these dogs must be lonely as heck being cast out all the time.

 

Bark, bark, bark....every round, every passing group. Cannot imagine if course policy was BYOD.

[soregongolfer]

My buddy lives on a course, a private club that he's not a member of. Recently, he took down his iron rod fence between his backyard and the course. While he and his wife are at work, and the kids at school, this dog of his, a 110 pound chocolate lab with a head shaped like a T-Rex, roams and runs all over the golf course. This isn't a rural area either. It's in the middle of Southern California. In the evening, he takes it for "walks", without a leash, around the course as well. I tell him and I tell him, but that's the way it is. It's bad.

 

But hey, at least it's not quite as bad as when his recently deceased, a golden retriever, hopped their tiny wall (previous house), went through a neighbor's doggy door, and jumped into bed with them at 6:30 in the morning.

 

Your dog may be the best dog in the whole world, but I agree with not making a golf course more than it is.

 

I would laugh my a** off if my neighbor's dog jumped into my bed with me.

[Wren]

A good friend of mine trains service dogs, and he brings the dog he is currently training to our facility. It's amazing how well they behave, and I have yet to see one walk on a green, or even bark. He doesn't bring them to other courses though, just the one we belong to.

 

Service dogs are the best. I've got a retired seeing eye dog and I know that she would be great on the course (never barked the entire time I have owned her, she is absolutely reliable with the "stay" command, and she doesn't ever run off after anything), but having a good dog has made me more aware of how bad so many people's dogs are. I would love to do even more things with her, but I think that the reality is that it would be a disaster in execution.

[OBbogey5]

My buddy lives on a course, a private club that he's not a member of. Recently, he took down his iron rod fence between his backyard and the course. While he and his wife are at work, and the kids at school, this dog of his, a 110 pound chocolate lab with a head shaped like a T-Rex, roams and runs all over the golf course. This isn't a rural area either. It's in the middle of Southern California. In the evening, he takes it for "walks", without a leash, around the course as well. I tell him and I tell him, but that's the way it is. It's bad.

 

But hey, at least it's not quite as bad as when his recently deceased, a golden retriever, hopped their tiny wall (previous house), went through a neighbor's doggy door, and jumped into bed with them at 6:30 in the morning.

 

Your dog may be the best dog in the whole world, but I agree with not making a golf course more than it is.

 

I would laugh my a** off if my neighbor's dog jumped into my bed with me.

 

Hahaha, can you believe that?! Sweetest dog too - a fantastically obedient Golden Retriever/Lab. But when nobody was home, he'd hop the fence and roam neighborhood. They had to pick him up from the pound several times (and pay for it). Once, he got hit with by a slow moving car, no injuries. He didn't roam ever again after that....so the neighbor's bed was finally safe again :)

[bigchucksr]

In the 25 years I have been a member of our local CC I cannot recall a problem with a dog or dogs on the course. Many of the residents of the homes on the course have dogs, some of our members have dogs in their carts, and two of the grounds crew had dogs as company as they mowed or moved irrigation equipment and as Canada Goose wranglers and I don't remember an issue with any of them over the years. While I am sure some golfers might not attend to their canines in a proper manner, I see no reason why a well behaved dog(s) would create a problem for their owners and others during a round.

[golfortennis]

In the 25 years I have been a member of our local CC I cannot recall a problem with a dog or dogs on the course. Many of the residents of the homes on the course have dogs, some of our members have dogs in their carts, and two of the grounds crew had dogs as company as they mowed or moved irrigation equipment and as Canada Goose wranglers and I don't remember an issue with any of them over the years. While I am sure some golfers might not attend to their canines in a proper manner, I see no reason why a well behaved dog(s) would create a problem for their owners and others during a round.

 

Just like golfers won't arrive at a green without fixing ballmarks, will always replace divots... reality is much different than the fantasy land.

[CHARGERS]

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=13300950

[FairwayFred]

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=13300950

 

Was at Sunningdale recently and saw quite a few members with their dogs. They don't seem to have any issues.

[Shakester]

This has to be a joke. However, I read San Francisco and get a better understanding. I do not mean to be completely disrespectful but if you don't understand I'm afraid only straight forward talk will do. A golf course is for golfing...please respect that even if you don't understand. A great number of us are playing golf to escape from the world. We play to relax, have fun, and not worry about kids, pets, and bad drivers while at a golf course. The name on the entrance or building has "golf" in it, not "dog park". Just because it is open space does not mean it is a dog park. I love dogs, just not yours or my neighbors. We have a guy at our club that brings his dogs out in the evening occasionally. He thinks the dogs running around fighting with each other is cute. He thinks everyone is fine with it because he is one of those people. You know, the type, the kind that doesn't get the hint. He looks for approval and finds it even when there is none. Please don't be that type of person. We may love dogs, just not your and especially not at a place with very specific intentions. You made a choice when you got the dog. Don't make me and others suffer because of your commitment.

 

Just because you've had a bad experience with your club guy with his dog running around, doesn't mean you should judge all dog owners and dogs in the same light. This may come as a complete shock to you, but people take their dogs to places that aren't labeled "dog park" all the time, everywhere around the world. People that say "I love dogs, just not yours" are the people that say it to sound kind, but in reality, they really don't like dogs. I LOVE dogs whether its mine, my neighbors or that dog that is just walking down the street. Why not just be honest and say that you don't like dogs and I would have gotten your point because not everyone loves dogs. Not everyone loves spaghetti or pizza. Its a preference and I'd respect that. But to say it that way you said just sounds idiotic.

[kekoa]

There is a guy that likes to bring two of his cocker spaniels to the range at night. These dogs run everywhere and are un-leashed. It's just a matter of time until one of the dogs gets in the way of someone's shanked ball and is seriously injured. Not only that, but I've seen one of the dogs try to piss on a guy's bag. Not cool.

[Shakester]

I think people here are getting the wrong image in their heads when I talk about a dog on a golf course. If it was a person's dog running around causing havoc, then its not something I would enjoy on a golf course either. I'm talking about a dog that is leashed to either your bag or the golf cart. When you're on the move, the dog is in the golf cart with you. I'm not saying to treat a golf course like a dog park and have dogs playing, barking and chasing birds or rodents around.

[OBbogey5]

I think people here are getting the wrong image in their heads when I talk about a dog on a golf course. If it was a person's dog running around causing havoc, then its not something I would enjoy on a golf course either. I'm talking about a dog that is leashed to either your bag or the golf cart. When you're on the move, the dog is in the golf cart with you. I'm not saying to treat a golf course like a dog park and have dogs playing, barking and chasing birds or rodents around.

 

You're right. You draw a nice image, but...some dope is going to see you do it, think they can do it, and your nice thought gets bit right in the arse. It's a shame, but If All Men Were Angels...well, you know. I'll :stop: now

[Ryan VC]

I think people here are getting the wrong image in their heads when I talk about a dog on a golf course. If it was a person's dog running around causing havoc, then its not something I would enjoy on a golf course either. I'm talking about a dog that is leashed to either your bag or the golf cart. When you're on the move, the dog is in the golf cart with you. I'm not saying to treat a golf course like a dog park and have dogs playing, barking and chasing birds or rodents around.

 

See, I think this is what everyone is talking about. I believe the majority has spoken that they don't want your dog on the course, and you still feel like they are talking about everyone else's dog. I'll say it if you want. I don't like dogs. There are members at my club who bring their dogs, and it makes me want to scream. I am polite, because I know our club allows it, but I don't pet, talk to, or acknowledge their dogs, and they still don't get it. They still there while their dogs run over and jump on my cart, and I want to punt the little rodents. Please don't make people resort to being mean when they are trying to nicely answer your question. Your dog is not welcome by everyone, so it is not welcome.

[Shakester]

 

See, I think this is what everyone is talking about. I believe the majority has spoken that they don't want your dog on the course, and you still feel like they are talking about everyone else's dog. I'll say it if you want. I don't like dogs. There are members at my club who bring their dogs, and it makes me want to scream. I am polite, because I know our club allows it, but I don't pet, talk to, or acknowledge their dogs, and they still don't get it. They still there while their dogs run over and jump on my cart, and I want to punt the little rodents. Please don't make people resort to being mean when they are trying to nicely answer your question. Your dog is not welcome by everyone, so it is not welcome.

 

Since you're speaking your mind, then I will too. If a course allows dogs, then they're welcomed. There's nothing really to debate. And if someone really doesn't like it then they can go to one of the many others that don't allow them since I only know of one in my area. I don't see a problem with it but it's obvious you do. If it bothers you that much you may thinking about changing clubs to one that doesn't allow dogs.

[Jerksen]

Dogs are great, it's the owners that suck. Clean up your dog's sh*t!

 

I'm all for pups on the course.

[toddnt]

Played last month in Palm Springs and couple brought their Pug out... I thought the dog was gonna evaporate out there (114 outside) and he was running onto everyone's backyard patio.. Cant say Im a fan of it!

[Ryan VC]

See, I think this is what everyone is talking about. I believe the majority has spoken that they don't want your dog on the course, and you still feel like they are talking about everyone else's dog. I'll say it if you want. I don't like dogs. There are members at my club who bring their dogs, and it makes me want to scream. I am polite, because I know our club allows it, but I don't pet, talk to, or acknowledge their dogs, and they still don't get it. They still there while their dogs run over and jump on my cart, and I want to punt the little rodents. Please don't make people resort to being mean when they are trying to nicely answer your question. Your dog is not welcome by everyone, so it is not welcome.

 

Since you're speaking your mind, then I will too. If a course allows dogs, then they're welcomed. There's nothing really to debate. And if someone really doesn't like it then they can go to one of the many others that don't allow them since I only know of one in my area. I don't see a problem with it but it's obvious you do. If it bothers you that much you may thinking about changing clubs to one that doesn't allow dogs.

 

Look man, you started this discussion. I think you just did it because you wanted everyone to tell you how much we all want your dog out there on the course. When someone says they don't like dogs, you do exactly what they all said you would, and say "you must be thinking of other dogs, because my dog is perfect!" I like the club I'm at, and luckily, there are only a few people that bring their dogs. Everyone else is respectful. I'm not going to change clubs because of a few people. Just like I won't change because some people don't know to fix pitch marks and divots. Anyway, you can say you were asking an innocent question, but you could have just called around and asked what courses allow dogs, and you just mentioned above that you know of the one course that does. Seems like you are trying to recruit people to rally around your cause. Do whatever you want, but just please don't expect everyone to love you dog like you do.

[Openwater22]

See, I think this is what everyone is talking about. I believe the majority has spoken that they don't want your dog on the course, and you still feel like they are talking about everyone else's dog. I'll say it if you want. I don't like dogs. There are members at my club who bring their dogs, and it makes me want to scream. I am polite, because I know our club allows it, but I don't pet, talk to, or acknowledge their dogs, and they still don't get it. They still there while their dogs run over and jump on my cart, and I want to punt the little rodents. Please don't make people resort to being mean when they are trying to nicely answer your question. Your dog is not welcome by everyone, so it is not welcome.

 

Since you're speaking your mind, then I will too. If a course allows dogs, then they're welcomed. There's nothing really to debate. And if someone really doesn't like it then they can go to one of the many others that don't allow them since I only know of one in my area. I don't see a problem with it but it's obvious you do. If it bothers you that much you may thinking about changing clubs to one that doesn't allow dogs.

 

Look man, you started this discussion. I think you just did it because you wanted everyone to tell you how much we all want your dog out there on the course. When someone says they don't like dogs, you do exactly what they all said you would, and say "you must be thinking of other dogs, because my dog is perfect!" I like the club I'm at, and luckily, there are only a few people that bring their dogs. Everyone else is respectful. I'm not going to change clubs because of a few people. Just like I won't change because some people don't know to fix pitch marks and divots. Anyway, you can say you were asking an innocent question, but you could have just called around and asked what courses allow dogs, and you just mentioned above that you know of the one course that does. Seems like you are trying to recruit people to rally around your cause. Do whatever you want, but just please don't expect everyone to love you dog like you do.

So, I occasionally walk with my black lab at the club i belong to, and somehow this makes me disrespectful? Sorry, you're wrong. I'm very respectful of the grounds, fellow golfers, staff, rules, etiquette every time I play. Regardless of the companion, human or canine.

[cristphoto]

I've played golf for over 50 years and can't recall any Course allowing dogs. At our club we had one attorney take his dog out on the course (no leash) in the late afternoon. He was given a warning to stop so he got all "attorney-like" and told the board there was nothing in the bylaws about a no dog policy. The club responded there was a catch/all phrase about the club being able to institute any policy deemed necessary. The member persisted and kept bringing out his dog. The was suspended for one month. The dog never came out again, however I think being sort of shunned by the members had a lot to do with it.

[Shakester]

See, I think this is what everyone is talking about. I believe the majority has spoken that they don't want your dog on the course, and you still feel like they are talking about everyone else's dog. I'll say it if you want. I don't like dogs. There are members at my club who bring their dogs, and it makes me want to scream. I am polite, because I know our club allows it, but I don't pet, talk to, or acknowledge their dogs, and they still don't get it. They still there while their dogs run over and jump on my cart, and I want to punt the little rodents. Please don't make people resort to being mean when they are trying to nicely answer your question. Your dog is not welcome by everyone, so it is not welcome.

 

Since you're speaking your mind, then I will too. If a course allows dogs, then they're welcomed. There's nothing really to debate. And if someone really doesn't like it then they can go to one of the many others that don't allow them since I only know of one in my area. I don't see a problem with it but it's obvious you do. If it bothers you that much you may thinking about changing clubs to one that doesn't allow dogs.

 

Look man, you started this discussion. I think you just did it because you wanted everyone to tell you how much we all want your dog out there on the course. When someone says they don't like dogs, you do exactly what they all said you would, and say "you must be thinking of other dogs, because my dog is perfect!" I like the club I'm at, and luckily, there are only a few people that bring their dogs. Everyone else is respectful. I'm not going to change clubs because of a few people. Just like I won't change because some people don't know to fix pitch marks and divots. Anyway, you can say you were asking an innocent question, but you could have just called around and asked what courses allow dogs, and you just mentioned above that you know of the one course that does. Seems like you are trying to recruit people to rally around your cause. Do whatever you want, but just please don't expect everyone to love you dog like you do.

 

My post was to see if how many courses actually allowed dogs, not to debate whether you would like it or not. If a golf course allows dogs, then I wouldn't need a stranger's approval to take my dog there and can really care less on what someone like you would think. This is a forum for discussion so telling me to call around to different courses to find out myself is just ridiculous. Next time someone asks about a putter in the club forum, why don't you go there and tell them to call their local golf shop instead? Next time someone starts a discussion on a pair of shoes, why don't you go tell them to go try it on themselves? Sounds like you're trying to get people to rally behind your cause. Its obvious this subject has hit a nerve with you enough to come here and call people you don't even know "disrespectful."

[big_z]

I don't think my local muni allows it, but even if they did, your dog better be big enough to defend itself against the coyotes that roam the course. I never thought I'd see coyotes in the middle of midwestern suburbia, but I guess they're attracted to the deer that are attracted to the tall grassy areas on the course.

 

Regardless, count me amongst the dog haters (unless they're there to chase away geese). My ex wife and I divorced in part because she couldn't get our/her dogs to stop crapping in the house by day and pissing in our bed at night. Dachshunds are the worst.

[umassgolfer]

I love dogs. Grew up with them, can't wait to move out of my 550 sq ft apartment so I can get one again. If a course has a policy to allow dogs, then that's their policy. I just don't think courses should have policies to allow dogs.

 

BUT...Looking at it from the course's POV...lots of risk, very little reward. Not saying you, or anyone on this board would EVER do something like this but,

- What if the dog got hit/somehow injured or worse and an owner tried to sue the course?

- What if the dog somehow caused a player to get injured and they tried to sue the course?

- etc...

 

The tough thing with these policies is if you allow any dog, you're allowing all dogs. Your dog may be quiet and well behaved and a perfect angel, but by allowing your dog, the policy also allows the rambunctious, ill-behaved barker in the foursome behind you.