Q&A: How to Get Invited Back at a Country Club
Reader Q&A:
"BENJAMIN GOLF, My friends keep playing as a threesome at their country club and never invite me as the fourth. Did I do something wrong?"
Great question. Let's get into it.
First things first, if you've never been invited to begin with, the answer may be that you're not good enough. Don’t take that personally, skill is objective, and you do not meet the criteria. Either your friends play at a level where a big handicap gap kills the round, or you're a liability (broken windshields, slow play, angry members). Yes, I understand this sounds snobby, however that is the reality. Fix your game first, then worry about the invite.
Now if you have been invited before and the follow-up never came, that's a different problem. You broke a rule. Here's the list. You can usually survive breaking one. Break two or more and don't hold your breath.
Always offer to pay your guest and cart fee. Drinks are usually on the host, but don't make them feel like they're funding your entire day. When in doubt, offer.
Do not take range balls onto the course. Hand up, I did this at a Top 100 course. I have not been back. Deservedly so.
Keep the volume down. Golf is supposed to be relaxing. Nobody wants to play with the guy who's screaming all day. If you’re going to swear, don’t be loud enough for other groups to hear.
No speaker without permission. Just ask first.
Keep pace without looking frantic. Walk with purpose. One practice swing, max.
Take care of the course. Fix ball marks, replace divots, rake the bunker. Every time.
Cart or walk… that's the host's call, not yours.
Dress the part. Golf shoes, collared shirt, proper shorts. Don’t even think about wearing a backwards hat.
Screen time to a minimum, if any.
Don’t be an angry golfer. Nobody wants to spend four hours with someone who's miserable every time they miss a shot.
Follow these and you'll get a lot more country club golf in your future.