Dogs on Golf Courses

[AC168]

Upscale CC near San Diego allows dogs. Lots of issues with the club but allowing dogs is a huge plus in my book. Bear in mind it's a fairly low round club.

[Shakester]

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.

 

I absolutely agree with that. I'm no fan of ill-behaved dogs on or off a golf course. I'm not saying its a policy that will work to everyone's advantage, but how many times have we've been paired with someone that just rubs us the wrong way or has no etiquette whatsoever that completely ruins a round?

[Openwater22]

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.

What if, there is a club that allows members to walk with, or have their dogs in the riding cart.

What if, this same club is populated with a membership blessed with 100% of the membership possessing a high degree of common sense.

What if, because of the sensibilities of the membership, those with dogs not suited to a golf course environment, don't bring them.

What if, this same club allows a husband and wife, to walk with the family dog, while sharing the joy of pushing a baby in a buggy, while their 5 year old tags along carrying a putter.

What if, this same club is top 5 in the state, top 75 in America, or thereabouts, depending on who is doing the ranking.

What if, this same club pipes in music to the practice tee.

What if, the world were a more tolerant place.

What if, the "all about me" mentality took a breather for awhile.

[umassgolfer]

Openwater....That would be great. Although to me your argument can end after the first sentence. If the club formally allows dogs, end of story. If you don't like it, don't join. Just like any other club policy.

 

For what it's worth, I am a public golfer so my opinions are firmly rooted in those experiences.

[Openwater22]

Openwater....That would be great. Although to me your argument can end after the first sentence. If the club formally allows dogs, end of story. If you don't like it, don't join. Just like any other club policy.

 

For what it's worth, I am a public golfer so my opinions are firmly rooted in those experiences.

Did not intend to direct my rant at you by quoting your post. Merely, piggybacking on the "what if".

[swizbeatz]

This discussion is like many others on here, everyone's opinion is shaped by experience. Not an insult in the slightest bit but we all are privy to different experiences when it comes to golf. I've been where OW plays and they may do 20-30 rounds a day tops during the week. Where else can that happen at such a good place? Of course the rules are more relaxed in that environment.

 

One of my home courses used to do 10-20 rounds a day sometimes, it's the one where I know dogs are allowed. We went semi private last year because of the low rounds and now it's way more packed. Now that I think about it the member doesn't bring his lab out for late night 3-6 hole strolls as often. It's 100% dependent on the course and many people are just very limited in which courses they've experienced, nothing wrong with that.

[Matt J]

I wish more courses in the States followed the British example about dogs. I'd definitely leash him and pick up after him. That would be heaven. Living on a course, walking my pup, playing 9, awesome.

[Ryan VC]

I agree with the post about everyone being shaped by their experiences. I've been chased on the course by someone's dog, and they were nowhere around. Just the same old "my dog is normally an angel." So, go ahead let's hear the "my dog would never do that, he's...." Yeah, spare me the crap. I just don't really like when people try to mix everything else in the world with golf. How about just golf? Anyway, I live in the a community where everyone has dogs and they bark constantly. I can't stand it, and I don't want to hear it on the course, too. By the way, I have 2 dogs myself, to please my kids. Part of the joy of golf is getting away from the dogs.

[Shakester]

I agree with the post about everyone being shaped by their experiences. I've been chased on the course by someone's dog, and they were nowhere around. Just the same old "my dog is normally an angel." So, go ahead let's hear the "my dog would never do that, he's...." Yeah, spare me the crap. I just don't really like when people try to mix everything else in the world with golf. How about just golf? Anyway, I live in the a community where everyone has dogs and they bark constantly. I can't stand it, and I don't want to hear it on the course, too. By the way, I have 2 dogs myself, to please my kids. Part of the joy of golf is getting away from the dogs.

 

I love how you keep judging people that you don't even know based on a few personal, negative experiences and jump to conclusions about everyone else's dog with your "spare me the crap" comment. I feel sorry for those 2 dogs that you do have. No person that "doesn't like dogs", as you have admitted, should be a dog owner no matter the reason and I don't care that its because your kids wanted them.

[Matt J]

We all want to blame social media, and I can't figure out the exact ramifications, but folks seem to have lost their ability to empathize with each other. With common sense being oh so un-common, it sure seems hard to find middle ground.

 

I'm obviously a huge dog lover, but I also play golf anywhere from 2 to 6 times a week. I wouldn't want Fido in tow on every outing, but it would be nice to take him on occasion. Seems there could be a niche in a bigger market, for a low maintenance, inexpensive, walking only, dog-friendly golf course.

 

I played one of the Sunriver Oregon courses last summer and there were dogs everywhere. Mostly from the houses that line the fairways, but also some being walked by their owners. It was unusual. Took some getting used to. But, it didn't bother me. I actually found it refreshing to see a lot of people and dogs out on a wonderful afternoon enjoying being outside even if it detracted from the "seriousness" of my golf round.

[Shakester]

We all want to blame social media, and I can't figure out the exact ramifications, but folks seem to have lost their ability to empathize with each other. With common sense being oh so un-common, it sure seems hard to find middle ground.

 

I'm obviously a huge dog lover, but I also play golf anywhere from 2 to 6 times a week. I wouldn't want Fido in tow on every outing, but it would be nice to take him on occasion. Seems there could be a niche in a bigger market, for a low maintenance, inexpensive, walking only, dog-friendly golf course.

 

I played one of the Sunriver Oregon courses last summer and there were dogs everywhere. Mostly from the houses that line the fairways, but also some being walked by their owners. It was unusual. Took some getting used to. But, it didn't bother me. I actually found it refreshing to see a lot of people and dogs out on a wonderful afternoon enjoying being outside even if it detracted from the "seriousness" of my golf round.

 

Many courses I play have houses close by and I hear all the dogs barking. Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Old Course) basically weaves through a neighborhood so you get a lot of that, especially if you get close to the fences which sometimes, you have to.

[terrell75]

Let the big dog eat

[marmooskapaul]

My gosh...if I brought my two aus shepard\ lab mix to the course....there wouldn't be any course left to play...lol.

[Pepperturbo]

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.

 

Again, I am a dog / animal person and understand. But dogs or pets of any kind do not belong on golf course, unless they are identified as already well trained service dogs with the person that needs them by their side.

 

If I have a dog and leave him at home, even though he's trained on and off lead and hand commands, I made that choice out of consideration for others. If after that I happen to be teed up with you and your dog, I am not sharing the cart with him and you. Also, I am over the ball and your dog barks in my back-swing I will NOT be happy with you and your dog from then on, thinking it could happen again.

 

Most pet dogs are NOT as trained as their owners like to believe. For that matter, their owners might not be socially trained either, just thinking what doesn't bother them shouldn't bother anyone else.

[Matt J]

I wasn't visualizing riding around with my dog in the cart. I'm guessing I'd rig up a stake I could step on and attach his leash. I generally walk and push a trolley, but I wouldn't want him to pull my clubs over if he saw a rabbit or something. I have a Rotteweiller and he doesn't bark on a walk, so I don't think he'd bark on a golf course.

 

It will never happen here in the US, but it's a great way to improve quality of life. Another classic example of how much smarter and more intuitive Europeans are compared to Americans.

[Golf31]

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.

 

First, let me say that we recently lost our family Lab to cancer. The family has been very upset by our loss. She was a very good dog. I would take her to the course in winter when there was snow on the ground. In the summer I would find a wooded area and let her run like the wind. We miss her very much. One of the hardest things I have ever done was take her to the vet's office that last time. You can say that I don't like dogs but you would be wrong and very inconsiderate (not a shock considering your desire to do what you want, when you want, for the reasons you want). There are a number of things I could say at this moment but realize that you didn't know...just like you don't get why many people don't want dogs running around at a place intended for a sport called golf. I'm guessing you're one of those guys that drive their car with their dog in their lap. The kind that doesn't care if it is dangerous for everyone else on the road, just as long as you are having fun. Maybe you are that guy that lets their dog bark in the back yard forever because you believe the dog has rights just like humans. Dogs can be unpredictable. Many people have been bitten by someone's family dog just like my son was when he was 9. We were walking down the street and out of the backyard comes this dog. For no reason, the dog bit my son on the leg. The family swore up and down that the dog had never done anything like that in the past. We were on the sidewalk and didn't even know a dog lived at the house. A couple stitches later and we no longer trust dogs...especially your dog. I assure you I will take care of business if a dog comes running at me or my family. I do not want to think about anything on the course except playing golf. I don't want to think about your dog running up to me, my family or my friends while I'm playing golf. It is a golf course intended for golf, with people paying to play golf...why can't your respect that fact. Find somewhere else to take your dog but make sure you aren't infringing on someone else's hobby.

 

By the way, idiotic (I believe that is how you put it) is what you look like with a dog in your lap while you drive.

[The Pearl]

I think the first step in this debate would be to establish the requirements of a dog's behavior that would be necessary to properly accompany a golfer on the course.

 

I suspect once these requirements are laid out, it would apply to less than 5% of the dogs/dog owners. The overwhelmingly majority of dog's aren't even trained enough to be a well behaved house pet, yet their owner's either put up with the behavior or over estimate their dog's level of behavior and training.

 

I would guess that maybe 2% of the dog population are properly trained to be on the golf course.

[GDB02]

During busy times with a packed course it doesn't make sense to me to bring a dog....but for an afternoon round at a semi empty course where the owner is responsible, who cares? just like there are dog friendly restaurants there should be dog friendly courses. The dog haters can stay away and everyone else could enjoy it.