I’ve been compelled to write this opinion for a long time and finally have the nerve to actually do it.
First, I want to say how appreciative we all should be to have seven golf courses to play, in addition to Briarwood Country Club and Hillcrest. The seven rec center courses are very well maintained and offer very reasonable greens fees and practice facilities.
That being said, I can’t understand why certain players think it is their “right” to not follow the rules and etiquette set forth by our golfing commission. At most clubhouses, there are signs stating to follow the 90-degree rule, sand any divots taken and stay on the cart path as much as possible. There are signs at every green saying to stay 30 feet away and other directional signs directing carts to the side. In a lot of cases, the starter even announces these same rules when he calls players to the first tee.
So will someone please explain to me why we still see people (primarily men) doing everything they can to ignore these rules? Driving between a cart path and tee box, between the green and cart path, in the desert, going around rope or staked barriers.
The thing these guys aren’t considering is that when they drive around the green, they’re packing the grass down. In some cases it will make ruts if the ground is soft. They would be the first to complain of a bad lie or poor maintenance if they landed in these areas themselves. Also, driving over the mounds on the course wears the grass out so much quicker. Common sense tells you that the top of the mound is the first to dry out.
I know we’ve had an exceptionally hot summer. That still doesn’t excuse the inconsiderate players from following common decency guidelines. Until there are consequences for these deplorable actions, the bad behavior will continue.
I’m sure I’ve “stepped” on a few toes, but I’m quite sure I’m not the only one in Sun City West offended by these actions. With the additional wear and tear on the courses due to everyone in their own cart (which is also a privilege in itself), why not take better care of our courses and just follow the dang rules?
Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion.
