Punched Greens-how do you handle them?

[Mikey5e]

Just played a course with freshly aerated greens, and walked off the course after nine holes. It was Saturday, the course was very slow, very hot out, and the greens had just been aerated. There was not much enjoyable going on, as there was really too much against the effort to have a positive outlook to this round. There were two foursomes in front of us with no business playing from the back tees. The weather was in the upper 80s with hardly a breeze, and the greens were basically unputtable in my opinion. I can't remember walking off the course before, but this round I felt it had to be done. Why waste my time on an unenjoyable around? How have aerated greens affected your play and outlook before? Have you ever walked off because of it?

[larrybud]

Never walked off, but you have to go in with the mentality that you will miss a bunch of putts, and that that's not your fault. My cap always go up 2 shots or so this time of year. Nothing you can do about it except not play, or ask when the course aerated so you can avoid them for a couple of weeks.

[jdl]

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

[daniel gibson]

I play at a course that has very good greens, in order to keep them in that condition they stamp and sand them a lot! I tend not to worry about score on these days and practice shot making and approaches, Might not even putt out.

 

Unfortunately these things have to be done in order to keep the course in good condition.

[bluefishercat]

It's a good excuse for bad putting

[sdandrea]

Hit it and hope........................it's going to be a bad putting day, just go with it.

[third-times-a-charm]

If its a pretty good line that would have gone in without being on a plinko board, I just call it a one putt. During large aeration cycles we just play 2-putts maximum on all holes.

[Ferguson]

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

 

 

So what you're saying is that the course should (via your proposal to institute "variable rates") charge more for greens fees when playing conditions are excellent?

[me05501]

It depends. Sometimes you can see the holes, but the greens roll fine. Other times it's hopeless.

 

If you're just out to have a good time or a fun match outside the Rules of Golf, you can come to an agreement within your foursome to award automatic two putts outside the distance of the flagstick and auto one-putts inside the length of the flagstick. I agree with anyone who says that "isn't golf," but it can still be a fun game and a competitive match.

[jdl]

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

 

 

So what you're saying is that the course should (via your proposal to institute "variable rates") charge more for greens fees when playing conditions are excellent?

 

Yes, they have their regular rate, discount it when the greens have been punched. The course where we play our 9 hole league does that, more courses should follow their lead. Similarly, most have early/late season rates vs prime season rates, i.e. charging less before May 1 and after Oct 1 or thereabouts.

[Ferguson]

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

 

 

So what you're saying is that the course should (via your proposal to institute "variable rates") charge more for greens fees when playing conditions are excellent?

 

Yes, they have their regular rate, discount it when the greens have been punched. The course where we play our 9 hole league does that, more courses should follow their lead. Similarly, most have early/late season rates vs prime season rates, i.e. charging less before May 1 and after Oct 1 or thereabouts.

 

 

Why the discount? It's maintenance - just like fixing a sprinkler head, re-sodding part of a fairway or rebuilding a bunker (sand trap).

[deadsolid...shank]

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

 

 

So what you're saying is that the course should (via your proposal to institute "variable rates") charge more for greens fees when playing conditions are excellent?

 

Yes, they have their regular rate, discount it when the greens have been punched. The course where we play our 9 hole league does that, more courses should follow their lead. Similarly, most have early/late season rates vs prime season rates, i.e. charging less before May 1 and after Oct 1 or thereabouts.

 

 

Why the discount? It's maintenance - just like fixing a sprinkler head, re-sodding part of a fairway or rebuilding a bunker (sand trap).

 

Sorry Fergie but I have to disagree with you here. None of those examples you mentioned are in any way comparable to punched greens. Those are likely to impact you (and the impact is negligible becasue you are going to get relief) maybe once a round, if even that much. The greens are in play on every hole.

 

Depending on the severity of the punch I do think rates should be adjusted.

[Scooterboy59]

I just go in with the mindset that some will go in that should have not and some that should won't. Has to be done so I roll with it. Just know that you can fly it all the way to the stick.

[Ferguson]

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

 

 

So what you're saying is that the course should (via your proposal to institute "variable rates") charge more for greens fees when playing conditions are excellent?

 

Yes, they have their regular rate, discount it when the greens have been punched. The course where we play our 9 hole league does that, more courses should follow their lead. Similarly, most have early/late season rates vs prime season rates, i.e. charging less before May 1 and after Oct 1 or thereabouts.

 

 

Why the discount? It's maintenance - just like fixing a sprinkler head, re-sodding part of a fairway or rebuilding a bunker (sand trap).

 

Sorry Fergie but I have to disagree with you here. None of those examples you mentioned are in any way comparable to punched greens. Those are likely to impact you (and the impact is negligible becasue you are going to get relief) maybe once a round, if even that much. The greens are in play on every hole.

 

Depending on the severity of the punch I do think rates should be adjusted.

 

 

Have you ever asked the GM of your course for a discount?

[deadsolid...shank]

I just go in with the mindset that some will go in that should have not and some that should won't. Has to be done so I roll with it. Just know that you can fly it all the way to the stick.

 

It helps to be able to have that attitude if you know prior about the greens.

 

When you reach the first green and find out then it’s tough to stay even keel about it.

[deadsolid...shank]

 

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

 

 

So what you're saying is that the course should (via your proposal to institute "variable rates") charge more for greens fees when playing conditions are excellent?

 

 

Yes, they have their regular rate, discount it when the greens have been punched. The course where we play our 9 hole league does that, more courses should follow their lead. Similarly, most have early/late season rates vs prime season rates, i.e. charging less before May 1 and after Oct 1 or thereabouts.

 

 

Why the discount? It's maintenance - just like fixing a sprinkler head, re-sodding part of a fairway or rebuilding a bunker (sand trap).

 

Sorry Fergie but I have to disagree with you here. None of those examples you mentioned are in any way comparable to punched greens. Those are likely to impact you (and the impact is negligible becasue you are going to get relief) maybe once a round, if even that much. The greens are in play on every hole.

 

Depending on the severity of the punch I do think rates should be adjusted.

 

 

Have you ever asked the GM of your course for a discount?

 

I’m a member at my two courses, so not really a situation that warrants it. But when I’m playing somewhere else this time of year I’ll ask when making the tee time about aeration, if it’s fresh I’ll ask about discounted fees. If they do great, if they say no, then it’s up to me to decide (I usually go somewhere else though).

[Scooterboy59]

I would rather putt on punched greens than soft greens that have had a lot of traffic. To me that is a lot worse. As far as discount, I would say no. You should be told up front about the greens so that gives you the option to go somewhere else. Members of clubs don't get discounted dues when this happens. It's part of a process to keep greens healthy.

[Ferguson]

Not applicable to me, as I belong to a club as well.

 

However, I would bet that most people that want a discount on a public course never ask for it.

[deadsolid...shank]

I would rather putt on punched greens than soft greens that have had a lot of traffic. To me that is a lot worse. As far as discount, I would say no. You should be told up front about the greens so that gives you the option to go somewhere else. Members of clubs don't get discounted dues when this happens. It's part of a process to keep greens healthy.

 

That’s because members don’t pay a green fee each time (most anyway, I know some memberships still require a lesser fee each time). They pay a season fee and play through all the maintenance issues that occur throughout the year.

 

This is talking about the walkup daily fee. I do agree 100% though that they should tell you upfront, even if they don’t offer a discounted rate. But the reality is, most don’t do that. They’ll collect the fee and then deal with the complaint later. Becasue the reality is most, just like OP, are simply going to walk away without sayin anything.

[deadsolid...shank]

Not applicable to me, as I belong to a club as well.

 

However, I would bet that most people that want a discount on a public course never ask for it.

 

We’re fortunate in that both places keep us informed of the schedule so we know when it’s coming. We were unfortunate this year in that both places did them at the same time!

 

I really wonder how many people know beforehand on a public track that’s it been done.

[BlackDiamondPar5]

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

 

 

So what you're saying is that the course should (via your proposal to institute "variable rates") charge more for greens fees when playing conditions are excellent?

 

Yes, they have their regular rate, discount it when the greens have been punched. The course where we play our 9 hole league does that, more courses should follow their lead. Similarly, most have early/late season rates vs prime season rates, i.e. charging less before May 1 and after Oct 1 or thereabouts.

 

 

Why the discount? It's maintenance - just like fixing a sprinkler head, re-sodding part of a fairway or rebuilding a bunker (sand trap).

 

Sorry Fergie but I have to disagree with you here. None of those examples you mentioned are in any way comparable to punched greens. Those are likely to impact you (and the impact is negligible becasue you are going to get relief) maybe once a round, if even that much. The greens are in play on every hole.

 

Depending on the severity of the punch I do think rates should be adjusted.

I can't think of a single course in my region that doesn't have summer rates and reduced spring/fall rates.

[deadsolid...shank]

 

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

 

 

So what you're saying is that the course should (via your proposal to institute "variable rates") charge more for greens fees when playing conditions are excellent?

 

 

Yes, they have their regular rate, discount it when the greens have been punched. The course where we play our 9 hole league does that, more courses should follow their lead. Similarly, most have early/late season rates vs prime season rates, i.e. charging less before May 1 and after Oct 1 or thereabouts.

 

 

Why the discount? It's maintenance - just like fixing a sprinkler head, re-sodding part of a fairway or rebuilding a bunker (sand trap).

 

Sorry Fergie but I have to disagree with you here. None of those examples you mentioned are in any way comparable to punched greens. Those are likely to impact you (and the impact is negligible becasue you are going to get relief) maybe once a round, if even that much. The greens are in play on every hole.

 

Depending on the severity of the punch I do think rates should be adjusted.

I can't think of a single course in my region that doesn't have summer rates and reduced spring/fall rates.

 

I’m trying to think if any of the public’s do that here, but I can’t think of any.

[golfgirlrobin]

I don’t really mind punched greens; it’s just part of the deal. Hit it a little harder and aim for the middle.

 

I do mind not being told when I make the tee time. It’s really short term thinking by the course. Sure, you’re going to get my green fee this time, but I’m going to feel a little screwed and you aren’t going to see me for awhile.

[VNutz]

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

 

 

So what you're saying is that the course should (via your proposal to institute "variable rates") charge more for greens fees when playing conditions are excellent?

 

Yes, they have their regular rate, discount it when the greens have been punched. The course where we play our 9 hole league does that, more courses should follow their lead. Similarly, most have early/late season rates vs prime season rates, i.e. charging less before May 1 and after Oct 1 or thereabouts.

 

 

Why the discount? It's maintenance - just like fixing a sprinkler head, re-sodding part of a fairway or rebuilding a bunker (sand trap).

 

Because the green conditions IMO are a more important factor in playing the course than a fairway re-sod or bunker rebuild. You can't avoid them and they're integral to finishing each and every hole, and are purposely done by the course. Yes it's general maintenance and necessary but you cannot argue that the quality of golf doesn't suffer as a result for a short period of time. Lowering the price offers an incentive for people who either don't care or are looking for a discount to come out and deal with the conditions. Back when I used to use GolfNow, there were some courses that would indicate they recently aerated, and often times the prices would reflect that in being lower than normal. I never ask for a discount at a golf course, or for most things in general, but if I knew about the situation ahead of time I most certainly would avoid it.

[Ferguson]

Re: I can't think of a single course in my region that doesn't have summer rates and reduced spring/fall rates.

 

 

This is something different. Someone wanted a special discount for having to play on punched greens.

[jdl]

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

 

 

So what you're saying is that the course should (via your proposal to institute "variable rates") charge more for greens fees when playing conditions are excellent?

 

Yes, they have their regular rate, discount it when the greens have been punched. The course where we play our 9 hole league does that, more courses should follow their lead. Similarly, most have early/late season rates vs prime season rates, i.e. charging less before May 1 and after Oct 1 or thereabouts.

 

 

Why the discount? It's maintenance - just like fixing a sprinkler head, re-sodding part of a fairway or rebuilding a bunker (sand trap).

 

No, it really isn't since it affects the most important part of every hole on the course. Why do almost all courses discount for early/late season play? Probably because they know conditions are far from where they should be and they need to charge less as a result in order to get people to play their course.

 

Re: I can't think of a single course in my region that doesn't have summer rates and reduced spring/fall rates.

 

 

This is something different. Someone wanted a special discount for having to play on punched greens.

 

It really isn't any different.

 

I mentioned the course where my league play does this when they punched their greens in August. Also had it happen a few weekends ago when my group was playing one of our favorite local courses. The guy making the time forgot to ask about the greens and we were pretty disappointed to find out they were punched when we arrived. Fortunately the course was smart about it and charged us $10 less. That's why I'll keep going back there.

[Ferguson]

This time of year you have to ask when making a tee time. If they've been punched in the last 2 weeks, I'll just go somewhere else. What ticks me off is courses charging full rates, that's just not right.

 

 

So what you're saying is that the course should (via your proposal to institute "variable rates") charge more for greens fees when playing conditions are excellent?

 

Yes, they have their regular rate, discount it when the greens have been punched. The course where we play our 9 hole league does that, more courses should follow their lead. Similarly, most have early/late season rates vs prime season rates, i.e. charging less before May 1 and after Oct 1 or thereabouts.

 

 

Why the discount? It's maintenance - just like fixing a sprinkler head, re-sodding part of a fairway or rebuilding a bunker (sand trap).

 

No, it really isn't since it affects the most important part of every hole on the course. Why do almost all courses discount for early/late season play? Probably because they know conditions are far from where they should be and they need to charge less as a result in order to get people to play their course.

 

 

It's temporary and they do it two times a year, every year. It's nothing new. It's not like they sneak in there with the equipment and wait for you to tee off to start punching. Most of the better courses publish the week(s) they punch. Just avoid those courses for a two-three weeks post punching.

[OffTheDole]

I try to avoid punched/sanded greens at all costs. Playing once a week, my preference is to have good conditions every time I tee it up.

 

There have been a few times at some of the older courses around here where they've neglected to tell me and I find out on the first green. That's dirty pool. I'll suffer through but it makes the round pointless for scoring (IMO) and it certainly darkens my mood.

 

Unfortunately certain points in the year it's like playing Russian roulette. The hope is to find a course that's at least two weeks past its latest punch. What stinks is when a lot of my go-to courses do it around the same time.

 

GolfNow started adding a "Course maintenance alert" that will let you know whether maintenance has been done, which is very helpful.

[Bonneville85308]

If i's a public course I generally avoid the first 2 weeks after aeration and go elsewhere.

Otherwise, I find that the aerated greens being soft and very receptive of approach shots makes up for any missed short putts due to the holes. If you can stick your approach closer without fear of it rolling way past the hole, you end up with shorter/fewer putts. On the long putts I just hit them harder and get them about as close as normal for me. Overall I don't score much differently on a round with recently aerated greens vs. no aeration.

I'd rather play aerated greens if it means fewer people on the course but I've never found that to be the case.

[OffTheDole]

This is something different. Someone wanted a special discount for having to play on punched greens.

 

There are some courses here (Northeast Florida) that lower their rates when they punch, which is why the GolfNow alert is helpful. Experience tells me when I see a great deal for the World Golf Village courses I automatically call over to see what they've been doing maintenance-wise. 99% of the time it's because they just punched.