OT. Making the case for pull/push carts.

[mike_malone]

I need examples of clubs in the US that have policies, details of the policies--- times allowed and charges, for example, and the benefits that come from the policy.

[David_Tepper]

Mike -

Have you reviewed this thread?

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,62971.0.html

As far as I know, in Northern California the Cal Club, Lake Merced, Sonoma and Monterey Peninsula all provide 3-wheel trolleys at no charge at all times. The Olympic Club allows 3-wheelers on both courses but does charge a usage fee. 

DT

[Jason Thurman]

Or this one... http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49662.0.html

[mike_malone]

Thanks. I'll check them and if I need more info will come back

[mike_malone]

The second thread was great,thanks

[Jason Topp]

Our club offers them free of charge at all times.  The interesting trend recently is that people are starting to be encouraged to push them across greens when they are firm.  It avoids excessive wear around the edges of greens and is consistent with standard practice in Australia.

The practice makes perfect sense but I still do a double take when I see someone doing it. 

[John Kavanaugh]

Have a long term plan for remote control push carts. Mine has literally changed my golfing life.

[BCowan]

Have a long term plan for remote control push carts. Mine has literally changed my golfing life.

I think you are getting the Mrs acclimated to Scottish culture.  I think I see the genius of ur plan. 

[Sean_A]

Have a long term plan for remote control push carts. Mine has literally changed my golfing life.

I saw a plan in action.  The guy with the remote control trolley hassled a golfer one time too many with his sheenanigans in the back swing.  Three holes later...remote control chucked in the water!  You seem just the sort of bloke that would have a bit of fun with his toy...beware.


Ciao

[John Kavanaugh]

Have a long term plan for remote control push carts. Mine has literally changed my golfing life.

Sean,

I agree. It is best used when playing alone. I have only played in a group once and my remote died so I was manual mode mostly throughout.


I saw a plan in action.  The guy with the remote control trolley hassled a golfer one time too many with his sheenanigans in the back swing.  Three holes later...remote control chucked in the water!  You seem just the sort of bloke that would have a bit of fun with his toy...beware.


Ciao

[Terry Lavin]

Just do whatever you can to help the cheapskate over the member who might hire the kid who might carry and make 50 bucks.

[mike_malone]

Terry,


I think it makes most sense to allow only  during the times that one can walk and carry.


I think the biggest challenge to a caddy program is those who take carts not those who want to walk.

[Ronald Montesano]

The Country Club of Buffalo has the most solid caddie program in Buffalo-Niagara, and does not allow push carts ever. This includes members and guests, seniors, middles and youth. I admire their dedication to their caddie program. I don't have metrics on carts vs. caddie vs. carry.

[BCowan]

Mayday,


I'll email u a letter I co wrote from The walking golfers society in an attempt to get trolleys passed at a Detroit club with caddies. It was for non caddie times.  Although we lost this battle, it might help you in ur quest for reason in a world where people live in bubbles.


2 biggies, image "looks muni" and GM scared of loss of revenue.  They need cart revenue to make up for all the red the clubhouse consumes.


Our wealthiest club in Detroit let's their members use them for free in non summer or caddie times.  Another high end club charges $20 for trolley and $30 for a cart.  Trolleys can be used only when caddie isn't available. 

[Carl Nichols]

The Country Club of Buffalo has the most solid caddie program in Buffalo-Niagara, and does not allow push carts ever. This includes members and guests, seniors, middles and youth. I admire their dedication to their caddie program. I don't have metrics on carts vs. caddie vs. carry.

Do they allow riding at all times?

[Carl Nichols]

Just do whatever you can to help the cheapskate over the member who might hire the kid who might carry and make 50 bucks.

Terry-
What percentage of rounds do you play where you pay $50 to a kid caddie?  At every course I know in DC, at least, that's basically never an option. 

[Greg Clark]

What percentage of clubs in the US even have a caddie program?  It has to be way less than 50% does it not?

[Tim Martin]

What percentage of clubs in the US even have a caddie program?  It has to be way less than 50% does it not?

It is very small as a percentage based on just north of 15,000 US courses. I would be surprised if there were 750 caddie programs which is less than 5% of the total.

[A.G._Crockett]

Making the case for pull/push carts...

More options for play equals more golfers playing more golf.  More golfers playing more golf equals more food and beverage sales, more pro shop sales, and more guest fees.

Can be made revenue-neutral vs requiring a cart on weekend mornings by simply charging a "trail fee" based on the approximated profit margin on a cart rental. 

[Rob Marshall]

The Country Club of Buffalo has the most solid caddie program in Buffalo-Niagara, and does not allow push carts ever. This includes members and guests, seniors, middles and youth. I admire their dedication to their caddie program. I don't have metrics on carts vs. caddie vs. carry.

This IMO just increases the perspective that golf is a game for the wealthy and elite. Every round you play is going to cost an additional $80. Makes no sense to me. Aronamink was the same when I played there a few times. I enjoy taking a caddie but wouldn't want to be paying for it every round.

[SL_Solow]

We have a strong caddy program; Chicago area.  Majority of rounds are walk with caddy.  If no caddies are available we allow pull/push carts provided by club or walk and carry.  Carts allowed at all times, course conditions permitting, but never required.

[Carl Nichols]

We have a strong caddy program; Chicago area.  Majority of rounds are walk with caddy.  If no caddies are available we allow pull/push carts provided by club or walk and carry.  Carts allowed at all times, course conditions permitting, but never required.

If you don't mind my asking, what's the typical caddie fee? 

[SL_Solow]

Depends on age and experience.  35 - 80 range.

[Michael Whitaker]

The Country Club of Buffalo has the most solid caddie program in Buffalo-Niagara, and does not allow push carts ever. This includes members and guests, seniors, middles and youth. I admire their dedication to their caddie program. I don't have metrics on carts vs. caddie vs. carry.

And, some wonder why golf is starving for a new generation of players. 

[Bill_McBride]

What percentage of clubs in the US even have a caddie program?  It has to be way less than 50% does it not?

I would think 1%, and that's who they are for.