First off, I have 3 dogs.

A couple that I play with recently got a Puppy and started bringing it to the Golf Course. It rode in the cart the first time and it was "cute."

Now, it runs around, chases the ball when they Putt, tries to pick up the flagstick when it's laying on the ground. Runs around while you're trying to line up a Putt... it's getting worse with each round.

One of them will hold the dog while the other one Putts and then take turns. Slows play up dramatically. VERY distracting.

I don't get why they can't understand that you don't bring a dog to the golf course!!!!

I had a comapart in the clubhouse yesterday with the guy behind the desk. He mentioned that he had told them that they couldn't bring the dog anymore but they still do.

I don't want to lose "friends" over this but I can't take it anymore.

What do I say to them??? How would you handle it??

Try "Don't bring your dog to the golf course."

Keep bugging the club to impose rule.

It blows my mind that people cannot leave their dog at home to play golf. I suppose some people arn't worried about anyone but themselves.

I agree with bugging the clubhouse to enforce the rules. If they were enforcing the rules in the first place, you wouldn't be in this awkward situation.

It's so simple, it just might work!

Huh?!? Seriously? Who does that?

Wow, yeh, no dogs! What's it do to the green prancing around?

what about the dog in Harvey Penick's book, where he didn't do anything but sit by the owner? I think if a dog did that, it would be okay.

Big difference between a dog and a puppy.

I'd bring an adult dog on the course if it were not during a peak time and said dog was accustomed to being on the golf course. Playing a quick twilight nine with my faithful old Scottish Terrier is a lot of fun and doesn't disturb anyone.

That said, puppies are a whole different story - no WAY would I bring a puppy onto a golf course.

The only dog that should be allowed on any golf course is the Superintendent's.

If this person truly is a friend, you should be able to say, "Hey, I love the dog but it's kinda distracting. Would you mind not bringing it next time?" I see lots of threads on here about people having problems with "friends" doing stuff on the course. It blows my mind that you could not say something to a so-called friend if it's truly bothering you. If they really are your friend, they'll respect your wishes and leave the pup at home next time.

Well, there are a few courses around here that have a dog driving a cart around the course... I think they sell beverages or something!

52 degree wedge.... problem solved...

Very true lol, a good super always has a dog that chills on the golf cart and he cares for the course.

It's sad that you have to ask them to leave their feaking dog at home.

Nice to see Michael Vick on the board

Iif it's a private course and they have a published policy that isn't being enforced, then I would suggest that my initation fee be returned and I'd take my membership elsewhere. It's hard enough getting people to get along much less a dog in the foursome.

Another approach would be to simply ask that they not bring the dog along during the round; if they show up with the dog again, I would ask the starter to be re-paired. After all does it work like this - to be friends you must put up with my intolerance for others? I would suggest they arn't friends at all.

I've always thought it strange how seemingly normal people can be so weird when it comes to their dog(s).

I'm a dog owner and regularly take a couple or three of my dogs (I've got five) to the course with me. In several years of doing so, I've never known of a negative aspect to doing so. That said, my dogs are well trained and obedient and I'm not taking them with me when I'm playing in the middle of the day or with others. It's strictly an early morning or evening practice for me, and combines a bit of on-course practice with a bit of exercise for the hounds. I know several other members at my club who also take their dogs with them to the course and, as with my dogs, there are no negative effects upon the course or other golfers whatsoever, since the owners are reasonable and responsible in their handling of the animals concerned. Properly trained and controlled, dogs don't damage the course, aren't a nuisance or distraction and don't hold up play or disturb anyone else. There are also several public rights of way on our course where members of the public are free to walk their dogs on public footpaths or bridleways. Again, the fact is that it's possible for dogs and responsible owners come into close proximity with golfers and cause little in the way of problems; nor has it been a problem for the past several decades that the footpaths and golf course have both been there.

For the anti-dog brigade, why should one person (or two in this case), who clearly take things a bit far ruin the enjoyment of others who are more responsible and result in a 'No Dogs' rule that stops many people from doing something that's convenient and which they enjoy?

As regards the OP's dilemma, I can't see why a quiet word wouldn't make a difference and potentially sort the problem. A dog running wild as I played would certainly distract and annoy me, but my beef would be with the owners and their lack of responsibilty and control of the animal than it would be with the dog.

I'm surprised the course hasn't told them to leave the dog at home or your not going to be allowed out on the course again until they do. I'm sure other people at the golf course would feel the same way.

I was actually asked to bring my dog on the course for some time now, reason being too many Geese messing on the course and greens. The other golfers love King and if he was a drinker he would have a open tab in the club house. But again he is a well trained 4 year old Chocolate Lab.

I wish I could find a course that would allow my dog to walk with me. A 4 mile walk is good for the dog and a well trained animal can be leashed to the bag.

Obviously, it won't work for all dogs, as some are not as disciplined as others.

Two courses in the area have dogs that stay in the groundskeeper's sheds at night. One's a Golden Retriever, and the other is a yellow Lab. They generally stay near the mowers or marshalls and are great ambassadors for the course.

I can't beleive you guys are saying its ok for a dog to be on the course!!!!!! A DOG HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH GOLF. Can I bring a snake with me to the course, maybe a goat or a horse? I could mount my golf bag on a mule and he could be my caddie. I mean he is very tamed so it should be ok, right? Animals on the course = INSANE!!!

As is often the case in arguments such as this one, Reductio ad absurdum rears its head.

Llama Caddy Program

^^ Nice!

Dogs being allowed on the golf course is a common occurence in GB, Ireland and much of Europe. It is seen alot the time on many courses, and I am not sure that a well behaved dog does any more damage to a course than a well behaved golfer does. I wouldn't assume that a dog would tear a green up any more than a person would, dogs are generally lighter than humans, and dogs don't drg their feet any worse than people do!

That being said, rules are rules, and if a course or club has a 'no dogs' rule it should be enforced if and until until the rule is changed. One worry in the US would be legal...dog bites seem to be much more of an issue here than in the rest of the world, I would thinkt he club would be at legal risk for allowing a dog onto the course if the dog bit someone.

Yea I think there are a few courses around that use Lamas as caddies, one course is Talamore in Pinehurst. I got that picture off their site.

all good points Packerfan, and i agree with everything you said, plus the Legal issues are a big worry, too many people looking to sue someone for something.

I know my boy King loves it, he is worn out after chaseing Geese all day.

I know that people like the idea of having a dog on the course but what purpose does it serve? It just seems selfish on the part of the owner.

Technically, sheep should be allowed on the course. They were there when the game was founded.

If I was playing with them and it was distracting, I would ask them to leave it at home. On another hand if this was a well controlled dog I think it would be great exercise. I have never done so with my dog, but he is glued to my side when I go out. I take my lab mountain biking with me, makes me want to try the course however I have enough problems there already.

It sounds like they use a cart when playing. If paired with them again maybe you could politely ask that they attach the leash/dog to the golf cart around the green and tee box.

Now thats funny!

+1
It seems that the two ideas would fit nicely together but Ive never heard of such a course- certainly not in this area. I know that with the 6-7 other guys that I regularly play with at my club it would be a bit of a sight, seeing as that we all own at least one...

I seemed to have read a few years back that a few clubs over in the United Kingdom do indeed allow this- anybody know how prevalent this is?

Animals on the golf course are not uncommon. Anyone who has played Royal St. Davids GC will have encountered the odd sheep or two and certainly anyone who has played in Ireland will have seen the odd horse nibbling the fairways too. Whilst these animals are not usually under the direct control of someone you're playing with, dogs however can be. If the dog has been properly trained and the owner is not in the habit of letting his pooch run riot through greens and bunkers, then I don't have a problem with it, unless dogs are strictly forbidden from that particular course. If it bothers you, ask politely if they would mind playing without the canine caddy. If they decline, then you have the same option to decline playing. To be honest, some dogs have better ettiquette than some people I've played with - really.

From my own experience, it's not all that common over here, but at a lot of private courses, particularly traditional ones, the idea of allowing dogs on the course is pretty well established. Most courses of that type have at least a few members who can regularly be seen on a summers eve with a hound in tow - black and chocolate Labs being the traditional favourites. Whether it's something that's formally allowed is arguable in most cases. It's often simply the case that it's not something that specifically isn't allowed and largely remains that way in the absence of any dramas involving dog-owning members coming to the attention of the committee.

Most people don't habitually take the dogs out with them. It's generally a small minority of members who - as in my own case - occasionally do so in a morning or late afternoon when the course is largely deserted. With well trained dogs that are properly controlled and an owner that's appropriately equipped with leads and refuse bags, there's no reason that there should be any particular drama and my club and many others recognise this.

My dogs don't run riot on the course, don't gallop into and out of bunkers, don't make lots of noise or cause distraction to anyone else. They basically fall into line astern behind me as I walk the course and occasionally have a ferret in the gorse. When I'm hitting, they keep out of the way and sit patiently whilst I hit the ball - as they do when someone else is hitting. They're not making lots of noise, damaging parts of the course with trolleys or carts or holding up play by displaying scant regard for their fellow golfers. All the latter qualities are displayed on a regular basis at my club by humans.

Many nay sayers seem to have ideas of players turning up for a Scratch Medal with 101 Dalmatians in tow and the course being turned into a golfing equivalent of Crufts. As with all things, there's a sensible way to go about it, that's largely reasonable, and then there's the realms of silliness.

Jaskanski and mat- fine points from both of you and I echo those sentiments. I certainly wasn't under the impression that the practice would involve more than one or two throughout the week, to be clear...

Although I dont see it happening any time soon, I have a feeling my pup(and me) would enjoy the day immensely. Suffice to say, at seven months he has a bit of training ahead of him if it was to ever progress to such a time.

First, thanks to everybody for the reply's.

I would love to take my dog(s) to the course. They are German Shepherds and are voice command trained. Quite frankly they listen better than any human I know....

BUT, at this course, dogs are not allowed. This dog/puppy is not trained and runs here, there and everywhere.

I also agree with jaskanski (believe it or not ) that some dogs have better etiquette than some people do.

Unfortunately this is not the case here.

Well... let's see how they take it next time we play when I ask them to please not bring the dog when we play together. I'm hoping the folks in the club house have approached them, again, and let them know they simply can not bring the Dog. Takes the pressure off of me by not having to worry about offending anyone.

At least in this discussion either a lot of people are as you say INSANE or you are just overreacting just a bit it seems.

You have every right to make that request, and they should honor it, and if they get offended, then they don’t have your best interests at hart as a playing partner.

Epon AFTours 3(22*)-PW(48*) w/KBS Tours (S)



On a side note, how are those Epon Blades, they look very slick.

Or,

Drop a deuce in the 18th cup and blame it on the dogs.

They'll definitely not be allowed back after that!

Maybe they are afraid this will happen to the dog:

http://www.witn.com/watercooler/headlines/44589687.html

This thread is similar to the "little kids on the golf course" thread.

I am amazed that anyone would bring an un-trained dog or puppy onto the course during a peak time. I'm also amazed that anyone would bring their four-year-old son or daughter along for the Saturday, 8AM, June 24th match.

In the same vein, I cannot see where bringing one's trained, adult dog along for a 4:45 twilight tee time would bother anyone any more than exposing your four-year-old son to going along with Dad for five holes (or as long as the four-year-old is willing to stay out there) would be an issue.

There are some clear differences that those who want to rant about these topics don't understand:

Someone's aging dog who walks along with Master and sits next to the bag while shots are being played is a whole lot different than the same dog was when he was 10 months old and into everything - barking, chasing, chewing, and digging.

Late afternoon golf is different than mornings on peak days.

It's really weird that this topic came up, the course i play at on a regular basis lets the retired PGA pro that ran the golf course play golf there almost every day with labrador reciever in tow , he's not on a leash and wonders aimlessly on the greens while all the players in his group putt out , he really doesnt get in the way but he's there , i dont think the others mind and even if they did they dont say anything and i can say for sure that the pro's attitude is if you want to play with me then you had better be used to the dog

Listen, you gotta tell this guy to leave that dog at home....as for the puppy, maybe we can make an exception when he proves its trained....

I wonder if anybody has trained their dog to find their errant golf balls. That could actually be useful.

I grew up in the country and had my own driving range, I could hit full 9 irons from behind the shed to the front lawn. I would take the shag bag and my golden retriever would follow. I could stand there and hit 100's of shots and the dog would run and get them and bring them back. Only problem was if I hit a balata ball the dog would stop to chew, so I had to hit surlyn only or there would be rubber bands exlploding int the dogs mouth. Good times!!

Well, I feel your pain. Good golfing friends are hard to find. I would also talk to the clubhouse. Are you talking to someone at the counter or are u talking to THE MAN in charge. Head pro or owner. If u are and not getting anywhere than play golf with someone else or at another course. Or ask them to leave the dog at home. Hope this helps.

BRILLIANT!