Let's Use Dogs to Grow The Game

Where have all the golf courses that allow dogs gone? We see the superintendent's dog out running and living the dream but that is usually the only dog. In America it seems with each year that passes we are seeing less and less of our furry friends roaming the course with their owners. I personally find this trend saddening. One of my favorite things in life to do is strap the dog leash to my Jones Bag and get an early morning or late afternoon nine in with my dog Khloe. She loves every moment of these two hour adventures where we walk the fairways together chasing the little white ball. Overseas in Europe, from what I understand, it's not all that uncommon to see dogs out on the links everyday. They have a much more relaxed policy when it comes to man's best friend. So is it the barking or droppings keeping dogs off the course in America? I propose that golf industry use allowing dogs to help grow the game and revenue. Dogs are the heart and soul of American outdoor recreation and I believe if the golf industry starts moving into a dog friendly direction, it will open up the game of golf to a larger audience. Maybe golfers will play more if they can take their dogs out for a quick 9 hole walk instead of a lap around their neighborhood.  I understand that there needs to be policies in place to make sure dog owners are keeping dogs on a leash and behaving. Right now, I think it is pretty common knowledge that public golf is suffering and searching for ideas to boost revenue. Allowing dogs on the course may not be the fix all answer but it can definitely be apart of the solution. I love golf and I love dogs, if the industry moved in this direction, I truly believe all it would do is grow the game. Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

— Maxton Reinland
Tagged: Muni Kids, Opinion

Comments (2)

I think a big issue for our culture in general is that we are such a sue happy society. I believe that many golf course owners and municipalities are concerned about the possibility of a ball striking a dog or the seldom case a dog potentially attacking a golfer. They are more than likely playing the game of risk management and covering their own behinds from any sort of a potential lawsuit. Working on multiple grounds crews in my career, I personally love to see dogs on the course. It’s a great tool we use to chase off unwanted pests such as geese and rodents. At my course now, the city currently does not allow dogs on the course except for one of our marshals who is our goose dog. He has helped control our geese and wild turkey problem that was out of control at one point. I for one am all for having dogs on the course. I totally understand where you are coming from as far as getting them out to walk on the course as many people don’t like to leave their dogs at home alone for such an extended period of time. Looking forward to having you in the Bay!

Chippy

I love taking my dog out on the course too… It’s great in theory but I think if it became more prevalent there would be a lot of issues. I think most golfers would be responsible but you’re definitely opening up more possibilities for jack-assery! I’m all for it though…(with harsh penalties for said jack asses)

Cory

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