Aside from the golf course, what do you love about your club?

[Tim Fitz]

Great mix of older and younger members, terrific Men's grillroom where its like Las Vegas- you lose track of time, bartender who makes a great mix called a Rey Rey, outstanding GM , Pro , ASST Pros, and Caddymaster. Lastly, our tireless support of our caddy program- we provide meaningful employment to so many area high school and college kids which translates into some winning the Evans Scholarship. We also have another member funded scholarship , The Joe Nolan which helps those who do not get the Evans.  Our motto is : Treat your caddy as you would treat your son or daughter. I never get tired of being at Bev.

Jack, you covered just about everything that makes Beverly such a special place.  However, in addition to the GM, Pro, Asst. Pros, and Caddy Master, the rest of the staff really adds to the charm of Beverly.  From the team that greats you to grab sticks out of your trunk, to a hearty handshake from Pat when you enter the locker room, to the team running the Card Room bar (whether you are ordering a Rey Rey, a simple beer or an entire lunch), and just about anyone else you encounter at Beverly - the entire team hits just the right note.

I would also add that the Board at Beverly seems to have a better sense of what Beverly is than Boards at most clubs.  They seem to focus on what makes Beverly special and recognize where money can be saved without negatively impacting anyone's experience too much.  This is a tough act to pull off as any number of us on this DG can attest.  I understand the Board hasn't been without its disagreements, but things are really humming at Beverly.

[Tom Birkert]

The fact we have a second golf course, so can have a quick two ball if time is a factor.


Dog friendly (not that I have a dog, but I love seeing them running around enjoying themselves).


Progressive membership policy making it more affordable for youngsters to join.


Sunday lunches which families are now encouraged to attend.


No tee times, simply turn up. The caddie master will help fix a game if you need it.


A propensity for gambling on (and off) the course.

[Eric Strulowitz]

I've seen "no tee times" mentioned by several people.  I don't really understand the importance of this.

If no tee times are needed because the course is never crowded, then even if there were tee times, couldn't you still just show up and play? 

If you can't have outings or groups because there are no tee times, couldn't you have the same policy and still use tee times for regular play?

On several occasions, I've visited clubs that have no tee times, and seen large numbers of players milling around trying to figure when they can get out.  Yes, everyone gets out. But seems like you have to negotiate and wait - the very thing the tee time helps avoid.  At busier times, seems like unnecessary hassle and stress just to say you have "no tee times."

What am I missing?

Have to agree with this post.  Played at a club a few weeks ago, with no tee times.  We waited over an hour to get off on a Sunday morning, as everyone want to get done before the local team kicked off.  There must have been over 30 golf carts lined up at the first hole, looked like downtown Atlanta during rush hour!

[J_ Crisham]

Great mix of older and younger members, terrific Men's grillroom where its like Las Vegas- you lose track of time, bartender who makes a great mix called a Rey Rey, outstanding GM , Pro , ASST Pros, and Caddymaster. Lastly, our tireless support of our caddy program- we provide meaningful employment to so many area high school and college kids which translates into some winning the Evans Scholarship. We also have another member funded scholarship , The Joe Nolan which helps those who do not get the Evans.  Our motto is : Treat your caddy as you would treat your son or daughter. I never get tired of being at Bev.

Jack, you covered just about everything that makes Beverly such a special place.  However, in addition to the GM, Pro, Asst. Pros, and Caddy Master, the rest of the staff really adds to the charm of Beverly.  From the team that greats you to grab sticks out of your trunk, to a hearty handshake from Pat when you enter the locker room, to the team running the Card Room bar (whether you are ordering a Rey Rey, a simple beer or an entire lunch), and just about anyone else you encounter at Beverly - the entire team hits just the right note.

I would also add that the Board at Beverly seems to have a better sense of what Beverly is than Boards at most clubs.  They seem to focus on what makes Beverly special and recognize where money can be saved without negatively impacting anyone's experience too much.  This is a tough act to pull off as any number of us on this DG can attest.  I understand the Board hasn't been without its disagreements, but things are really humming at Beverly.

Tim,
     I whiffed on failing to mention Pat and the entire grill room staff, etc. When you mention our board it is pretty amazing how they have successfully navigated they both difficult economic times and a changing private club landscape in Chicago. We are blessed with a club president who is stepping up to the plate for a 3rd term. I think someone would be hard pressed to say they don't enjoy a day at The Bev.

[JESII]

No tee times, simply turn up. The caddie master will help fix a game if you need it.

I think this answers well the question of why “no tee times” is a good thing.  The occasional long wait to get out is worth the benefit of making everyone feel like it’s their club.


That feeling of ownership is important in many ways.

[Chris Mavros]

Membership is great; it's been very easy making friends there.  Practice facilities are really enjoyable.  I could and have spent hours there, even going to the indoor heated bays when necessary.  A terrific youth program that I need to get my kids involved in next season.  They mix up the beer selection a lot and have some great local ones.  On-site lodging is great and has come in handy a few times. 


 

[Josh Stevens]

Best reciprocal list in the world.

[Martin Lehmann]

Recently I joined a club without committees, general assembly of members, et cetera. So no people with strong opinions about things they are in fact clueless. Just one owner who makes sure that the club is run well. Not romantic, but very nice for a change!

[Jason Hines]

“Earned” tee times in the morning, put the rabbits out first.  Tee off before 7am, home after walking 18 by 10:05 and have the whole day with the family ahead of me.

Tee times are open - walk ins will get a spot, but all know it is better to call in the morning that day and you will avoid any confusion or wait.

People - the world and the work week disappears at my club, so much so that it is the only place I want to be and play over and over.

[Buddy Aiken]

 Tiny understated civilized clubhouse that hasn’t been altered in any significant way.  Drinks served through a hole in the wall by warm friendly staff.  A stone floor in the bar area that shows the marks and indentations of the bygone era of metal spikes.   Hand-written bill presented at the end of the day happily settled in cash or by check.

In the dead of British winter, you can play 36 holes, have two and half hours for lunch, a drink or more by the warm cozy fireplace; without ever feeling rushed   There may be one better winter course, but I can’t think of a better all-around winter golf experience in a place where I feel like time slows down in every sense. 

[Sean_A]

Tiny understated civilized clubhouse that hasn’t been altered in any significant way.  Drinks served through a hole in the wall by warm friendly staff.  A stone floor in the bar area that shows the marks and indentations of the bygone era of metal spikes.   Hand-written bill presented at the end of the day happily settled in cash or by check.

In the dead of British winter, you can play 36 holes, have two and half hours for lunch, a drink or more by the warm cozy fireplace; without ever feeling rushed   There may be one better winter course, but I can’t think of a better all-around winter golf experience in a place where I feel like time slows down in every sense. 

Sounds like The Sacred 9!


Ciao

[Ian Andrew]

Our Men's Night has 240 players and often has 220 playing nine on a Wednesday.
Scores are posted up to the minute on the TV's (and on the web).
Watching the last scores come in at the Men's Grill at dusk at the end of the year is amazing.

[Adrian_Stiff]

No tee times, simply turn up. The caddie master will help fix a game if you need it.

I think this answers well the question of why “no tee times” is a good thing.  The occasional long wait to get out is worth the benefit of making everyone feel like it’s their club.


That feeling of ownership is important in many ways.

To have NO tee times is totally illogical and IRON AGE mentality, yet so many have grasped that as a plus. Why would you not want to reserve a tee time if you want too, say you have a deadline and have to be somewhere, say you want to bring a friend. How terrible if when he turns up he has to queue, how totally embarrassing. If you arrange to play golf you arrange a time.


I fully accept people want to just pitch up and hook up with others......you still can do that.


With tee time booking you can cater for both.

[jeffwarne]

No tee times, simply turn up. The caddie master will help fix a game if you need it.

I think this answers well the question of why “no tee times” is a good thing.  The occasional long wait to get out is worth the benefit of making everyone feel like it’s their club.


That feeling of ownership is important in many ways.

To have NO tee times is totally illogical and IRON AGE mentality, yet so many have grasped that as a plus. Why would you not want to reserve a tee time if you want too, say you have a deadline and have to be somewhere, say you want to bring a friend. How terrible if when he turns up he has to queue, how totally embarrassing. If you arrange to play golf you arrange a time.


I fully accept people want to just pitch up and hook up with others......you still can do that.


With tee time booking you can cater for both.

so true
tee times do not magically create more prime time golfers.

[Sean_A]

But no tee times does mean more interaction between members...no small matter in clubs.  I can go either way, but I do like the idea of the tee being free some time during the day for private clubs so members do feel like they can just turn up.  Once there are tee times it invariably means less member time at the club.  There are pros and cons either way.  Where tee times are essential is when everybody knows there will be a large crowd turning up which could take a few hours to clear.  They way I look at it is a club can cope with no tee times they are very lucky indeed to have be able to operate with so few members.


Ciao

[Adrian_Stiff]

But no tee times does mean more interaction between members...no small matter in clubs.  I can go either way, but I do like the idea of the tee being free some time during the day for private clubs so members do feel like they can just turn up.  Once there are tee times it invariably means less member time at the club.  There are pros and cons either way.  Where tee times are essential is when everybody knows there will be a large crowd turning up which could take a few hours to clear.  They way I look at it is a club can cope with no tee times they are very lucky indeed to have be able to operate with so few members.


Ciao

Sean - You will and want to join in with other members, but some members at UK clubs want no interaction other than their 4 ball or group they are just comfortable doing their thing that might be 25% of the club, they play Tuesday week after week at 13.00 and that's why you need to be flexible in catering for all sorts and how they like to golf. I have yet to hear of a club that have adopted tee times than then go back to no tee times. We have two hour gaps midweek, weekends its pretty solid obviously. People can pitch up add to a 3 ball, and we have groups that book two or three tee times and roll up, though they can be a pain in the ass when your tee sheet is full and instead of 12 there are only 4 of them.


Certainly from a UK point of view I never found it much fun putting my ball in the shute and then was 8th group in line. Roll ups I like but you can still do that, you really have the best of both worlds.


Financially from the UK stand point you are seriously disadvantaging your club by not having a tee times systems, visitors book on-line every day via the website link, that's worth £1000 per week and the system costs £1000 a year rent. Even if you don't want to book as a member you can view the tee times and seek the quiet spots.

[Tom_Doak]

Adrian:


My home club has no tee times, as do several of the clubs which I have built.


At Crystal Downs the practice is done so that no members can be shown favoritism with early tee times.  To get your position on the list, you've got to get over to the clubhouse and sign in that you are ready to go.  I'm at a disadvantage living 45 minutes away and that's why I tend to play in the afternoons, but I still think it's a good policy.  At some clubs you've got to start speed dialing the club on the morning when they start taking reservations for next weekend, and that's really stupid when there are no-shows.


In general, the professional staff also prefer this approach as being more democratic.  At some of the clubs they do ask members to let them know approximately when they are coming out, so they can be ready with caddies and so they have some advance warning when there will be a crunch ... but there is no "official" time and it's still first come, first served.

[Sean_A]

But no tee times does mean more interaction between members...no small matter in clubs.  I can go either way, but I do like the idea of the tee being free some time during the day for private clubs so members do feel like they can just turn up.  Once there are tee times it invariably means less member time at the club.  There are pros and cons either way.  Where tee times are essential is when everybody knows there will be a large crowd turning up which could take a few hours to clear.  They way I look at it is a club can cope with no tee times they are very lucky indeed to have be able to operate with so few members.


Ciao

Sean - You will and want to join in with other members, but some members at UK clubs want no interaction other than their 4 ball or group they are just comfortable doing their thing that might be 25% of the club, they play Tuesday week after week at 13.00 and that's why you need to be flexible in catering for all sorts and how they like to golf. I have yet to hear of a club that have adopted tee times than then go back to no tee times. We have two hour gaps midweek, weekends its pretty solid obviously. People can pitch up add to a 3 ball, and we have groups that book two or three tee times and roll up, though they can be a pain in the ass when your tee sheet is full and instead of 12 there are only 4 of them.


Certainly from a UK point of view I never found it much fun putting my ball in the shute and then was 8th group in line. Roll ups I like but you can still do that, you really have the best of both worlds.


Financially from the UK stand point you are seriously disadvantaging your club by not having a tee times systems, visitors book on-line every day via the website link, that's worth £1000 per week and the system costs £1000 a year rent. Even if you don't want to book as a member you can view the tee times and seek the quiet spots.

As I say Adrian, I can see both sides of the coin and don't think there is one solution which fits all situations. A lot of clubs aren't interested in maxing out their tee sheets in the way you suggest...your PoV is mostly about money...that isn't necessarily the driving reason for many clubs.  Regardless, if tee times are used for private clubs, I think it is wise to leave some open slots for walk up members.  All that said, I am glad my club has online booking because I am never just gonna rock up.  The bad thing about the online system is the weekend comp fills up in a matter of minutes...as soon as the sheet opens. 


Ciao

[Adrian_Stiff]

Well all I can say is I have never been a fan of standing in a queue.


If I kept pitching up and had to wait I would join another club regardless of proximity or course quality.


Money is not the main reason at all it is about playing at a given time, plus the pro can create better gaps between groups and spread play, when you have a group of 20 guys roll up it can be slow and yet you only got 20 guys with 15 holes clear.


I am still looking for a good reason to have no tee times because I can't accept any of those given as anything other than iron age.

[Scott Warren]

If I kept pitching up and had to wait I would join another club regardless of proximity or course quality.

I don’t quite get the “no tee times” thing, Adrian, but to be fair to those espousing its benefits, I gather they don’t “keep pitching up and having to wait” or their club would probably institute tee times.


The main lesson I have learned playing golf around the world is that the culture of the game varies greatly as you move around and often traditions or policies that seem daft from afar make complete sense when experienced in the local culture and traditions of the game in that location.


For me, I love that our membership respects pace of a play and even on a 7000-yard course with a ton of tough shots and lost ball opportunities, plus a large handful of moments where you want to stop and smell the flowers, we still play competition rounds in 4h20 including a compulsory stop at half-way.

[Adrian_Stiff]

Adrian:


My home club has no tee times, as do several of the clubs which I have built.


At Crystal Downs the practice is done so that no members can be shown favoritism with early tee times.  To get your position on the list, you've got to get over to the clubhouse and sign in that you are ready to go.  I'm at a disadvantage living 45 minutes away and that's why I tend to play in the afternoons, but I still think it's a good policy.  At some clubs you've got to start speed dialing the club on the morning when they start taking reservations for next weekend, and that's really stupid when there are no-shows.


In general, the professional staff also prefer this approach as being more democratic.  At some of the clubs they do ask members to let them know approximately when they are coming out, so they can be ready with caddies and so they have some advance warning when there will be a crunch ... but there is no "official" time and it's still first come, first served.

I think that's really bad and would be the reason for me not to join. I don't understand the speed dialling bit, you just go to the internet booking and book it gives you the nearest time option. The democratic bit makes no sense, what your saying is like what we used to laugh about in the UK at the 1975 munis where someone from the 4 ball would take his turn to get up at sparrows fart get the ball in the shute then kip in the car for two hours till sun up......its no different racing to the course early to get the slot or clicking a button democratically. With tee time systems midweek its quite normal for just one group to go out in an hour, plenty of time for roll ups...you can cater for both...if people want a quiet nine the internet booking shows you the quiet times so you don't get behind a group or groups...its just win win with tee time booking there is nothing to be frightened about

[Tommy Williamsen]

My club has tee times but I've never made one and I've never waited to play either. If I did I'd just go to an open hole. Most of the members are low maintenance. Last month I brought a few kids from the local high school golf team. They were not slow but still were caught by a few twosomes, who just went around us. No fuss no bother.
The food is excellent and the staff attentive and welcoming to friends that I bring. It is everything you would want in a golf club.

[Jack Carney]

Ditto most posts on no Tee Times. My club had no tee times for 40 years. On the weekends members went up to get their names on the list at 5 or 5:30 in the AM! Unhuman and Stupid. Kinda like Bethpage Black with $1000 dues. We changed to internet times two days in advance on weekends and a week on other days. Everyone is happy except for two members that resigned rather than change!!! Outside of busy times you can walk up and play. Definitely the way to geaux.

[Thomas Dai]

Out of interest, at a club where you aren’t paying each time you book to play, how are “book but don’t turn up” members dealt with?
Atb

[Matt Dawson]

To have NO tee times is totally illogical and IRON AGE mentality, yet so many have grasped that as a plus. Why would you not want to reserve a tee time if you want too, say you have a deadline and have to be somewhere, say you want to bring a friend. How terrible if when he turns up he has to queue, how totally embarrassing. If you arrange to play golf you arrange a time.



Adrian

Pebble Beach has to have tee times, because it's busy and it's a pay & play business model. The recently deceased chap who built Wolf Point for his own private usage probably didn't bother with tee times, I would guess.

The smaller and more exclusive the club, the less you need tee times. I like the feeling of being able to pitch up when I want to play, without having to wait. And I pay for that privilege.

If you are turning up at your club and finding 8 balls in the chute ahead of you, then it's too busy and yes I can see that tee times would be needed to regulate demand. Or double the subs.

And as Sean says, the point about disadvantaging your club by not having a tee-time booking system to maximise visitors revenue, is simply irrelevant to a proper members club.