Playing private golf clubs in Europe: a visitor's guide
Many of Europe's finest courses belong to private clubs that still welcome visitors, on their own terms. How to get a tee time and how to behave once you have one.
Getting a tee time
Write to the club secretary well in advance, by email, with your preferred dates, your home club and your handicap. Many clubs accept visitors only on certain weekdays, and some only as the guest of a member. Muirfield, for example, opens to visitors on set days only, and the Old Course at St Andrews allocates many tee times through a daily ballot.
Bring your handicap certificate
Most clubs ask for an official handicap and set a maximum, often between 24 and 36 for men. Carry proof from your home club or federation, on paper or on your phone.
Dress
Collared shirt, tailored trousers or shorts, golf shoes. No denim, ever. In the clubhouse, many British and Irish clubs expect a jacket and tie in the dining room after golf.
On the course
- Arrive at least thirty minutes early and report to the starter.
- Keep pace with the group ahead, not ahead of the group behind.
- Repair your pitch marks, rake bunkers and replace divots.
- Mobile phones on silent, and used only away from other players.
Caddies
At the great links courses a caddie is part of the experience. Book one with your tee time, and tip in cash at the end of the round.
