Dumb golf question

[Anonymous]

My BIL and SIL are avid golfers, and have generously taken on the task of teaching our 2 kids how to play during the pandemic. The kids are very proud of what they've learned but they're very much beginners, and need an experienced player with them. They've been walking the course and not using a golf cart.

The kids are eager to show us what they've learned. My understanding is that most golf courses have a limit of 4 people in a group, because larger groups slow things down for the groups behind. Does that 4 person rule apply if we were to tag along and watch?

I know I could ask my BIL and SIL, but they are very kind people, and hate to say no, so I'd rather not ask if it would be awkward for them.

[Anonymous]

You could pay the cart fee and just ride along. 4 players max, but watching your kids wouldnt be an issue as long as they kept up with pace of play.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could pay the cart fee and just ride along. 4 players max, but watching your kids wouldnt be an issue as long as they kept up with pace of play.

Could we walk along? They’re walking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could pay the cart fee and just ride along. 4 players max, but watching your kids wouldnt be an issue as long as they kept up with pace of play.

This, but it probably depends on where they are playing. A private course might be more lenient to let a cart follow along. A public course which tends to be more crowded might not want another cart on the course.

I think the more standard approach would be to go with them to the driving range and watch them hit balls, and putt on the practice putting green.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could pay the cart fee and just ride along. 4 players max, but watching your kids wouldnt be an issue as long as they kept up with pace of play.

Could we walk along? They’re walking.

The follow along would probably be discouraged in that technically once on the course some people would try to play a bit. Not that you would do this or even want to, but they won't know that at all.

I would just go to the driving range and practice putting green and watch.

[Anonymous]

Yes you can just ask the starter, many golfers around here think they are playing Aguste and think you have to use proper etiquette as if you are at St. Andrews.

Enjoy the walk, enjoy watching your kids play.

[Anonymous]

Courses almost always are happy to accommodate this unless there is a pace of play problem. My father walks with my son and I all the time. Rarely do we encounter an issue. Sometimes courses have a walking rate but most don’t charge anything when a parent or grandparent is just walking watching a kid, especially in the afternoon

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on the age of your kids. I think most clubs would allow you to watch/"supervise" your kids without paying, but may not allow your kids to play on their own without another adult since that may really slow the pace of play.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it depends on the age of your kids. I think most clubs would allow you to watch/"supervise" your kids without paying, but may not allow your kids to play on their own without another adult since that may really slow the pace of play.

I'm not worried about the paying. But I know i need an adult there who knows how to play. So, I want my BIL there, which means we have more than 4 people.

[Anonymous]

Many courses won’t allow more than 4 people in the group, players or not. Some also won’t allow spectators at all. You should call and ask the pro shop or starter.

[Anonymous]

I have taken DC to golf courses and know virtually nothing about golf. If the players behind us catch up we just either ask if they want to play first or move ahead to the next hole to not hold things up for others.

[Anonymous]

It is not an issue -- why? Because you will not bring clubs and will not be hitting any balls. Honestly, you will help the pace of play by helping to find balls that roll off the fairway. It is no big deal.

Walking great if the course is set up for it -- most older courses are. Newer courses can be built with golf carts in mind which means there can be long walks between the green and the next tee. But -- if your BIL/SIL know the course and walk it regularly they presumably are okay with any green to tee walks.

[Anonymous]

what about planning two trips, one when mom watches one when dad watches. Bonus is that mom or dad gets alone time on the opposite day.

[Anonymous]

One option would be to find a course with practice holes that can be rented. East Potomac has them in DC. You pay by the hour, so no issue with the number of people. You would not get to see them play a full round, but close enough, I imagine.

[Anonymous]

Just tell the starter you are caddying for your kids.