I’m not a pro, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. So I pretty much know everything there is to know about everything, even how to act, tip, dress and arrive in style at a country club. And what I don’t know, Chuck Bombard does. Chuck is the General Manager/Director of Golf at Tournament Players Club at Summerlin, one of Las Vegas’ premiere private clubs, and a host course for the PGA Tour’s FRYS.com Open played this year October 12-15.

The course was in the rotation in 1996 when Tiger Woods collected his first PGA Tour trophy, and has been the host course since 1992 when John Cook won. One of the world’s best players, Jim Furyk, has won on the course three times. Most likely, all of those guys know how to show up and act at the club. But there are intricacies and details that even golf studs like them may not know.

We’ve all been there. You receive an invite to play as a guest at a private club, and you’re thrilled. Even for seasoned golfers, there is some question as to what the best etiquette is once you’re behind the gates. Do I tip everyone? Do I ask for a locker? Where do I put on my shoes? Do I offer to pay for anything as the guest? Do I use my real handicap or fudge it to combat the home course advantage of my host?

Well, the last one is probably a moral issue, but don’t think it doesn’t cross the mind of a few players. Anyway, the list of questions goes on and on.

“First of all, I urge guests to let the staff of the club do what they are trained to do,” says Bombard, a longtime PGA of America professional. “We are here to provide extraordinary service, so let the outside service guys carry your clubs, the locker room attendants shine your shoes or help you in other ways, and any other staff members do their jobs. Providing good service is what we live and die on so enjoy your day and soak up every moment of your experience.”

To look like and act like a pro at the club, take Chuck’s advice, and pretend the club is your home away from home and you are a member for the day. Show up well in advance of your tee time, use the bag drop and allow the staff to carry your clubs, and have them direct you to the pro shop. Make sure you have a nice shoe bag for your golf shoes, and carry that with you to the locker room. DON’T carry your clubs in from the parking lot or put your shoes on out there. That’s a pet peeve for most country club pros and managers.

Once at the pro shop, identify who you are playing with and ask where you should meet them, and also request the use of a locker (most clubs provide complimentary service). Then leisurely head to the locker room to prepare for your round. If you wore dress shoes, leave them outside of your locker because at most clubs the attendant will clean them up and shine them while you play. After the round, they’ll shine up your Footjoys while you eat or grab a beverage with your group.

Before you tee off, the pro will be very happy to offer up some local course knowledge. Most courses have certain nuances that are good to know about before you tee off. Remember that the club staff and management are there to help and answer any questions you may have. Their priority is to make you feel relaxed and welcome.

Once you find your host, thank him or her for the invite and quietly inquire as to if you can help pay for anything. This is a nice gesture and allows you to enjoy the rest of the day without worrying about any details. When and if a guest pays varies depending on the relationship, but never take the arrangement for granted, one way or the other.

After the round, be sure to use the amenities such as the shower, steam room or restaurant. Bombard says this is perfectly acceptable and welcomed. And when leaving it is customary to thank those that helped you and/or provide a tip, but, Bombard says, only if the service provided was extraordinary, and don’t feel obligated to tip everyone.

For the most part, pros and managers don’t expect tips, but any hands-on service person relies on gratuities to make a living. Any amount will do, but don’t be stingy if people went out of the way to make your day wonderful. Any feedback—positive or negative--is also welcomed by most managers.

Sometimes it’s uncomfortable to allow people to help carry our clubs or handle details that we can easily do. But the next time you play at a country club, appreciate the staff and be confident in the fact that they are proud of the service they provide. I know I will.

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