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HomeGolfAt a non-public membership, am I obligated to get my footwear cleaned?

At a non-public membership, am I obligated to get my footwear cleaned?

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A pair of clean golf shoes alongside a golf glove and a ball.

At many high-end non-public golf equipment, tipping for companies akin to shoe cleansing will not be allowed.

Getty Photos

Dan from Maine asks:

As a visitor at a high-end non-public course, ought to I really feel obligated to let the clubhouse attendant clear my footwear? On the one hand, I don’t need to add to their workload. However I additionally don’t need to offend them by not permitting them to do their job. Personally, I’d be high-quality not having my footwear cleaned. However I need to ensure I’m not, um, stepping on any toes.

Expensive Dan:

Simply as nice energy comes with nice duty, taking part in as a visitor at a flowery non-public membership comes with all types of pesky questions, akin to how it is best to gown (psst, skip the cargo shorts!); what sort of thank-you reward it is best to get your host (how a couple of good bottle of wine?); and whether or not you shoulder order the membership sandwich or the crab bisque (trace: the membership sandwich is the safer wager). 

Thankfully, your shoe-cleaning query shouldn’t add to your stress.

Earlier than we get to the reply, a little bit of context. Most non-public golf equipment provide an array of an extras, from membership storage and luxury stations to valet parking, and, sure, shoe shines. Fairly often, the prices of those companies are folded into month-to-month membership dues. At many of those similar golf equipment, tipping for these companies is forbidden. The perks are a part of the swanky package deal, there to be loved by members and their company.

Must you really feel obligated to make use of them?

Obligated is a humorous phrase. The Etiquetteist wouldn’t go as far as to say that you just’re required to get your footwear cleaned. However he’d advocate it. You would possibly as effectively. In any case, what’s the hurt? The worst that would occur is that you just’ll go away the membership wanting spiffier than you probably did while you arrived. In the most effective case situation, you’ll be allowed to tip the attendant for his or her effort. Handing out a pleasant gratuity creates good emotions throughout. 

As for feeling dangerous about including to their workload, that’s ridiculous. It’s, as you notice, their job, and there’s nothing undignified about it.

In the event you nonetheless end up waffling over the choice, an excellent rule of thumb is to comply with your host’s lead. To wash or to not clear? No matter they go for, you’ll be able to comfortably do the identical.

Past that, there’s no want to present your footwear a second thought.

To be protected, although, you in all probability shouldn’t change them within the parking zone.

Josh Sens

Golf.com Editor

A golf, meals and journey author, Josh Sens has been a GOLF Journal contributor since 2004 and now contributes throughout all of GOLF’s platforms. His work has been anthologized in The Greatest American Sportswriting. He’s additionally the co-author, with Sammy Hagar, of Are We Having Any Enjoyable But: the Cooking and Partying Handbook.

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