Drinking water policy at a course. Not filling your bottle!

[Greenie]

I am one that carries two 24 oz Hydro Flask bottles in my golf bag when I play golf filled with ice, water and a Nuun tablet in each one. I know some of you are against someone bringing their own drink with them to the course even though I am speaking of water and Nuun. (Nuun similar to Gatorade without the sugar) I have brought my own water for years after some experiences with empty coolers on the course. I use Nuun because I am Diabetic. Usually I go through my two bottles before finishing my round so I still rely on the course for water. I was walking last week and the temps were around 95. I never noticed the water coolers on the front nine because I didn't need any water. I kept going at the turn. While on the back I figured I should refill my bottles. I noticed all the water coolers were gone from their stands. A hole later I noticed the ranger and and several foursomes gathered around the ranger. I saw the ranger handing out little cups of water. I figured the ranger was bringing out fresh water and the guys ahead caught him and grabbed a drink. As the ranger pulled up to me I stopped and pulled out my bottles to refill them. The ranger asks me if I want a drink and I said yea the coolers have been empty for awhile. Then he sees my bottles and says I can give you a drink but you can't fill up your bottles. I said what? He says new course policy. He said the course was tired of people bringing their own bottles and filling them up using up all the water and then when someone wanted a drink they were empty. He said it seemed like all they were doing was filling up the coolers all day. So now the ranger will be riding around slowing up play rationing out drinks of water. I voice my opinion on the matter and he said I was part of the problem. He said we offer a beverage cart or I can give you a cup of water if you choose not to support the cart. I laughed and asked where the cart was since I hadn't seen one ( not that I was paying attention to it anyway) and he said it probably stopped running this late in the day. Am I going have to break out my Growler? Is this a common practice elsewhere? Am I so terrible I want to carry my water and or use the course water. I told a friend about their new policy and he thought if someone passed out from dehydration the course could be held liable. You opinions of the matter.

[Thug Hunter]

Just bring your own cooler with multiple bottles of water. If they have a policy about that, then address their policy about not filling their coolers.

[mandudebro]

What, do you want a free scorecard too?

[Sean2]

Oy vey...they won't fill up a water cooler? I'd find another place to play.

ps: I too use a hydroflask and a similar tablet kind of thing.

[RJRJRJ]

Annoying, but I guess I can see their point. Filling up two 24oz bottles does seem like a bit much. Just bring more water and youll be fine.

[NormG]

This is a joke, right? No course does that and nobody writes that.

Course and location?

[cleanfreak]

This has to be one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard a course doing.

A true W.T.F is due here.

[bruinsPATSirish]

This Is absolutely crazy, not to mention irresponsible and just ignorant. Golfers have to choose between taking a shot of water from a ranger or buying a $4 drink from the bev cart? Give me a break, the rangers can fill up the coolers in the stands just as easily as the ones on their cart. This is coming from someone who has worked outside services for awhile. After voicing my concerns with the head professional or GM, I would either be walking up with a 24 pack of bottled water next time or just finding a course to play elsewhere.

[Ballgofarboy]

So what are we saying, the ranger cannot be bothered to check coolers and refill as needed throughout the day.

Let someone have a heat related illness due to these silly policies and see where the lawyers take them!

[Priceyd]

That is crazy, water should be free especially out of a cooler I take my own water same in hydroflask but will buy a drink off the cart if it is there, in az it's over 100 which means drinking a lot of water I wouldn't be happy if they were rationing it out

[Greenie]

[quote name='Thug Hunter' timestamp='1375232377' post='7572402']
Just bring your own cooler with multiple bottles of water. If they have a policy about that, then address their policy about not filling their coolers.
[/quote]

Kind of like to travel light while walking.
I brought a small cooler once while riding and the course I was playing didn't allow it . It was 105 that day. On the back nine all the coolers were empty and we never saw the cart girl. I made it to 15 before I felt like I was ready to pass out and had to quit. I complained before I left and to upper management on the phone the next day and all I got was sorry. Just another reason I try and rely on myself.

[Greenie]

[quote name='mandudebro' timestamp='1375232490' post='7572408']
What, do you want a free scorecard too?
[/quote]
Nope I carry an electronic score keeper. Anything to speed up play. Like grabbing a water bottlef from my bag as I walk to my ball.

[Big Ben]

I fill two green Gatorate water bottles, one with a squirt of concentrated green tea/honey and another with just plain water. I drink a lot of water and I don't trust the cleanliness of those coolers or the timeliness of the cart girls. I know if I buy something it will probably be a diet Coke and I'm trying to avoid soda so I'm sorry if this offends the course but its just how it shakes out for me...BB

[Greenie]

[quote name='NormG' timestamp='1375232575' post='7572428']
This is a joke, right? No course does that and nobody writes that.

Course and location?
[/quote]

I am not going to call out the course at this time. I am looking for the right person to call. I also posted this to get some opinions on the matter. It could have been a ranger with a bad attitude too. But there were not any coolers on the back nine just the empty stands so this could be a new policy as he said. I have been to lots of courses where the coolers were empty on the back nine. The main reason I now carry my own bottles.

[nuthin but a hacker]

[quote name='Ballgofarboy' timestamp='1375232884' post='7572488']
So what are we saying, the ranger cannot be bothered to check coolers and refill as needed throughout the day.

Let someone have a heat related illness due to these silly policies and see where the lawyers take them!
[/quote]

^^^This^^^

Wait till someone gets sick and turns lawyers loose on them. They'll be pushing free water left and right.

[Greenie]

[quote name='Big Ben' timestamp='1375233238' post='7572556']
I fill two green Gatorate water bottles, one with a squirt of concentrated green tea/honey and another with just plain water. I drink a lot of water and I don't trust the cleanliness of those coolers or the timeliness of the cart girls. I know if I buy something it will probably be a diet Coke and I'm trying to avoid soda so I'm sorry if this offends the course but its just how it shakes out for me...BB
[/quote]

I know what you mean. I use to carry two Gatorade bottles myself but thanks to the great folfs on here I heard about and bought the Hydroflask bottles.

[oldschoolrocker]

Mark that course off my play list.

[Hot Rod 71]

This is absolutely absurd.

I work at a course and we keep 4 water coolers on the course at all times (holes 3, 6, 13, and 16). Players can fill up as many water bottles as they like at any time. On hot days the ranger will check the coolers frequently and fill them as needed. The coolers NEVER go empty. We also have a cart girl that rides the course with tasty beverages.

From a liability standpoint I can't see why a course would not provide water for its players. Its water for God's sake! If a player were to suffer a heat related injury because there was no access to water on the course, a good lawyer would have a field day with this.

[RJRJRJ]

Maybe im misunderstanding something here... I love when courses have lots of free water available, but to say that they legally have to provide it?? How do you figure? If they said you arent allowed to bring your own water, I could understand the litigious response, but it seems like people are simply mad that they arent providing it to you for free.

It just seems like the simple solution is to bring more water with you. Or you can fill it up in the bathroom sink or hose (gross, I know, but you do realize thats what theyre filling those coolers with, right?).

If this is a very nice course, I agree that copious amounts of water should be provided with your substantial green fee... but the fact is that most courses are barely staying in business these days, and the more man power that its takes to keep filling water coolers is just an extra expense that they probably cant afford.

[Spiritomb]

My course has a water dispenser at the clubhouse. So when I go out. Me, and my dad fills up like 4 cups of water, and that is all we need. Maybe you should tell your course to get a water dispenser.

[wingedfoot97]

That sounds like a course trying to make a buck at golfers expense. The ranger giving out cups of water? Is this preschool? That is stupid. I dont blame you for filling up your own bottles as most people do that. Its not hard to put out coolers or even allow you to fill your bottles. Jeez.

If you could I would never play there again.

It is going to be interesting to read some of the replies that this thread is gonna cause. There will be folks defend this course.

[wingedfoot97]

[quote name='RJRJRJ' timestamp='1375235206' post='7572820']
Maybe im misunderstanding something here... I love when courses have lots of free water available, but to say that they legally have to provide it?? How do you figure? If they said you arent allowed to bring your own water, I could understand the litigious response, but it seems like people are simply mad that they arent providing it to you for free.

It just seems like the simple solution is to bring more water with you. Or you can fill it up in the bathroom sink or hose (gross, I know, but you do realize thats what theyre filling those coolers with, right?).

If this is a very nice course, I agree that copious amounts of water should be provided with your substantial green fee... but the fact is that most courses are barely staying in business these days, and the more man power that its takes to keep filling water coolers is just an extra expense that they probably cant afford.
[/quote]

Valid points but in this increasingly "green" world we live in and the fact that not providing water or even letting the guy fill the water bottles will cost them revenue. I dont know about the legality but word of mouth, yelp, and other course review sites will sink them if they dont correct something so asinine as this.

[strokingforscratch]

My home course has multiple water sources open to all players---iced coolers between the other permanent water sources. If the coolers are empty when I get to a hole (extremely rare), I simply call the clubhouse and let 'em know...never takes more than 10-15 minutes before it's full again....about the time it takes to get the ice, the water, and drive it out to the hole. And, of course, if I want something besides water, I can use the cart or the clubhouse.

I simply wouldn't play a course that didn't supply fresh water---and I'd let them know why I didn't play it....

[buckeye2782]

I carry one water bottle. I fill it before I leave. Use 1/4 to wet my club towel. Drink the rest until I get to a cooler to refill. I carry gatorade packets to add flavor and electrolites. This keeps my bag weight down as I usually carry my bag. I will freeze bottles if the course doesn't supply water.

[StarFleetGolfer]

[quote name='nuthin but a hacker' timestamp='1375233628' post='7572616']
[quote name='Ballgofarboy' timestamp='1375232884' post='7572488']
So what are we saying, the ranger cannot be bothered to check coolers and refill as needed throughout the day.

Let someone have a heat related illness due to these silly policies and see where the lawyers take them!
[/quote]

^^^This^^^

Wait till someone gets sick and turns lawyers loose on them. They'll be pushing free water left and right.
[/quote]



I doubt it. I live in Phoenix and there are courses that got rid of their coolers due to someone dying from contaminated water.

[Hot Rod 71]

[quote name='RJRJRJ' timestamp='1375235206' post='7572820']
Maybe im misunderstanding something here... I love when courses have lots of free water available, but to say that they legally have to provide it?? How do you figure? If they said you arent allowed to bring your own water, I could understand the litigious response, but it seems like people are simply mad that they arent providing it to you for free.

It just seems like the simple solution is to bring more water with you. Or you can fill it up in the bathroom sink or hose (gross, I know, but you do realize thats what theyre filling those coolers with, right?).

If this is a very nice course, I agree that copious amounts of water should be provided with your substantial green fee... but the fact is that most courses are barely staying in business these days, and the more man power that its takes to keep filling water coolers is just an extra expense that they probably cant afford.
[/quote]

I'm not saying they legally have to provide it, but by not providing it they are setting themselves up for a lawsuit.

Imagine a player goes out on a 90*+ day. Its not a busy day because of the heat and the cart girl is sent home because its slow. By the time this player reaches the 8th hole he has depleted his own water supply. He begins to feel light-headed, weak, and nauseated, all signs of heat exhaustion. He walks off the green feeling confused, and faints. There is no one around and he eventually starts seizing from the effects of heat stroke. Hopefully, someone will eventually find him before he dies.

If this person is found, and recovers, don't you think he would have a case against the course?

[GHIN n Juice]

Next time you need to tell the water Nazi to follow you around the course so you can get a drink when you wish, one cup at a time. Unless he'd rather the ambulance be called when you pass out.

I don't see the advantage of driving around offering little cups of water when he could drive around and refill the water coolers. Sounds like someone over thinking the problem to me.

Good luck!

[RJRJRJ]

[quote name='Hot Rod 71' timestamp='1375236277' post='7572976']
[quote name='RJRJRJ' timestamp='1375235206' post='7572820']
Maybe im misunderstanding something here... I love when courses have lots of free water available, but to say that they legally have to provide it?? How do you figure? If they said you arent allowed to bring your own water, I could understand the litigious response, but it seems like people are simply mad that they arent providing it to you for free.

It just seems like the simple solution is to bring more water with you. Or you can fill it up in the bathroom sink or hose (gross, I know, but you do realize thats what theyre filling those coolers with, right?).

If this is a very nice course, I agree that copious amounts of water should be provided with your substantial green fee... but the fact is that most courses are barely staying in business these days, and the more man power that its takes to keep filling water coolers is just an extra expense that they probably cant afford.
[/quote]

I'm not saying they legally have to provide it, but by not providing it they are setting themselves up for a lawsuit.

Imagine a player goes out on a 90*+ day. Its not a busy day because of the heat and the cart girl is sent home because its slow. By the time this player reaches the 8th hole he has depleted his own water supply. He begins to feel light-headed, weak, and nauseated, all signs of heat exhaustion. He walks off the green feeling confused, and faints. There is no one around and he eventually starts seizing from the effects of heat stroke. Hopefully, someone will eventually find him before he dies.

If this person is found, and recovers, don't you think he would have a case against the course?
[/quote]

Im not sure where the presumption that he course has to babysit people and make sure they stay hydrated enough comes from. I think we are all responsible for our own well being.

Now, if the course didnt allow you to bring your own water, or didnt allow you to leave the hole you were on to get back to the clubhouse, or locked you inside the gates until you finished your round...fine. But its absolutely the responsibility of each of us to make sure that we adequately hydrate ourselves on hot days.

This is like suing burger king for making you fat. Sure, you can do it, but youre not gonna win.

[LUMA]

I believe that no business can refuse available water. I think it's the law but I may be wrong.

I would make a friggin scene out there over it. I dont care.

Just ask the ranger next time you seem him if it would be ok if you passed out from dehydration and had serious health complications afterwards as well as some incredibly hefty hospital bills from the lack of water on the course and the fact that you did not have $30 to spend on water for 18 holes?

Seriously tho, thats ridiculous. I would bring it up to the owner and or find another place to play. I think the main issue here is the fact that the staff are too g****am lazy do their job. I get seriously pissed when I dont find water here on the course in Florida. And so what if I bring my bottle. I still drink the exact same amount of water wether it's out of the cups that the course buys or my own bottle. Jesus.

Or put up a sign saying "We do not provide on course water coolers. Please make sure you bring enough water with you or please purchase what you need from our staff before you tee off."

Water is no joke here in Florida. To answer your question, no. I have not come across empty coolers unless it is very late in the day. Florida courses tend to make sure there is always water. It's not worth the lawsuit because dehydration happens quick out here!

[mandudebro]

[quote name='Greenie' timestamp='1375233095' post='7572530']
[quote name='mandudebro' timestamp='1375232490' post='7572408']
What, do you want a free scorecard too?
[/quote]
Nope I carry an electronic score keeper. Anything to speed up play. Like grabbing a water bottlef from my bag as I walk to my ball.
[/quote]

Good. And don't expect any free tees either!