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GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group => Topic started by: Frank M on February 22, 2025, 02:50:50 AM

Title: Walking Companions in the UK
Post by: Frank M on February 22, 2025, 02:50:50 AM

I will likely be in Wales in June and would very much like to golf, but I will have a companion with me who does not golf that I also cannot leave alone. Does anyone have any insights/experiences on how welcome a walking only companion would be?


Thank you

Title: Re: Walking Companions in the UK
Post by: Joe_Tucholski on February 22, 2025, 03:06:19 AM

Quote from: Frank M on February 22, 2025, 02:50:50 AM

I will likely be in Wales in June and would very much like to golf, but I will have a companion with me who does not golf that I also cannot leave alone. Does anyone have any insights/experiences on how welcome a walking only companion would be?


Thank you

My experience has been very welcoming.  My wife rarely plays but regularly walks.  I'm not sure if it's because golf courses in the UK were regularly built on historically common lands which requires them to comply with right of way/right to roam laws.  Some courses will have public walking paths through them which can be a bit troublesome at times.  Shoot the old course is a public park on Sundays...

Title: Re: Walking Companions in the UK
Post by: Niall C on February 22, 2025, 06:35:01 AM

Frank


If you know where you are playing just email ahead and explain the situation and I'd be very very surprised if any clubs come back and say that your companion is less than welcome, both on the course and in the clubhouse. Just make sure they wear appropriate clothes for both.


Niall

Title: Re: Walking Companions in the UK
Post by: Greg Hohman on February 22, 2025, 06:55:34 AM

I don’t want to hijack the thread. Has the DG covered walking companions in the States?

Title: Re: Walking Companions in the UK
Post by: Richard Fisher on February 22, 2025, 10:18:06 AM

I think you’ll be absolutely fine in 99% of cases but as Niall says just check with the host club beforehand and dress appropriately. It’s a pretty relaxed and welcoming place in which to play, especially by the seaside…anyway, good luck!

Title: Re: Walking Companions in the UK
Post by: Frank M on February 22, 2025, 11:26:09 AM

Thank you everyone for the insights. I will definitely email/call to ensure when booking.

Title: Re: Walking Companions in the UK
Post by: Jeff Schley on February 22, 2025, 11:52:17 AM

My friend's wife, walked with us at Ballybunion and Lahinch, no issue.
I was thinking you originally meant dogs walking with you.  Haha.

Title: Re: Walking Companions in the UK
Post by: Adam Lawrence on February 22, 2025, 11:56:49 AM

I suspect any club over here would see such a companion as a likely consumer of some food and drink and therefore to be welcomed :)

Title: Re: Walking Companions in the UK
Post by: Frank M on February 22, 2025, 02:09:38 PM

Thanks again everyone. Very helpful and hopeful information.

Title: Re: Walking Companions in the UK
Post by: Thomas Dai on February 22, 2025, 03:48:18 PM

I can’t imagine it being an issue. Some positives for the clubs concerned are as mentioned above. I suspect a few enjoyable conversations may likely happen too.
And the U.K. even Wales has progressed a touch over the years. Some clubs may even have access to something called the interwebthingamejig!!!:)
Enjoy your trip.
Atb

Title: Re: Walking Companions in the UK
Post by: Wayne_Kozun on February 23, 2025, 05:09:26 PM

Quote from: Adam Lawrence on February 22, 2025, 11:56:49 AM

I suspect any club over here would see such a companion as a likely consumer of some food and drink and therefore to be welcomed :)

Unlike in the US where they would be seen as a legal liability.