The tee-booking debate
The pandemic triggered a lot of change at golf clubs – some good, some bad, some temporary, some permanent. One thing that changed significantly at some clubs was the introduction of teebooking systems for the first time, as Covid stipulations sought to limit the number of people around the club at the same time. For some clubs accustomed to a ‘turn up and play’ culture, this has proved a revolution and many will not be going back.
This, to me, makes perfect sense. Most people lead busy lives and knowing they can turn up five minutes before their time is important, however unwise from a preparation perspective!
However, I’m also hearing tales of clubs abandoning tee bookings after coming under pressure from certain elements of the membership. Yes, there may be arguments about long-standing roll-ups, but surely at most clubs, tee bookings suit far more members than they don’t?
A recent sarcasm-tinged tweet from a member of a Yorkshire club showing a 1st tee queue caught my eye. It read, “Removal of the online booking system working a real treat this morning. As many in the queue behind as in front here…”
One south-east golf club general manager who I know well replied: “Seems a retrograde step. Members argue that tee bookings curtail the freedom and ‘benefit’ of just turning up and strolling to the tee, but queuing has to be worse than pre-booking.” I’m very much with him, but some clearly disagree. Let us know where you stand.