| I don't know how strong your "network" is, but Royal Melbourne is
probably the best course in the world (West course), and Kerry Packer's
"The Australian," as well as the New South Wales course are supposed to
be superb. I'd write the secretary of each club in advance to request
permission to play, and get a letter of introduction from your golf
club secretary (addressed to "Mr. Secretary"). Present this to the
secretary of the club you made arrangements with, and don't show up in
sneakers or a t-shirt (a jacket is a good start. Besides, you won't
have to play in the jacket, it's just considered proper behavior...).
Hope this helps...
--Jack
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| <<< Note 981.1 by ASABET::VARLEY >>>
-< Try These... >-
Jack,
Is that how you got on some of those marvelous courses you've played?
Is there any chance you might pass on some of the lessons you've
learned over time on how to get your request for playing privileges
honored? Writing to the secretary is certainly one lesson--I would
have thought the club president or the pro. Not being familiar with
the decorum of such communications--what to ask and how to ask it--a
sample letter would be very instructive.
A lot to ask, I know...but any further guidance you could lend would
be greatly appreciated.
Tom
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| There are plenty of quite nice municipal courses to be found in both
Australia and New Zealand.
If you want to play at some of the more salubrious clubs (like the Australian
or Royal Melbourne) then you'll need to write to the club secretary first
and take a letter of introduction from your club secretary with you, as well
as your handicap card. This might get you a game, I've never tried it.
2 courses in New Zealand where you would need to take this approach are:
Titirangi Golf Club (Auckland) and Paraparaumu Beach (near Wellington).
Paraparaumu Beach (pronounce every vowel separately - para-para-u-mu) is listed
by Golf Digest (or one of those magazines) in their top 100 of courses of the
world. Titirangi is where the N.Z. Open is held at times.
However, there's plenty of golf to be had on Municipal courses at this time
of year. Winter in Australia and New Zealand doesn't stop golf. It's just a bit
damp in NZ (sometimes you'll have to carry your bag to avoid damaging the course
with your buggy wheels), and in parts of Australia it's a good deal more
pleasant to play in winter as the heat can be a problem in the middle of summer.
A lot of clubs have an open day each week where members of other clubs
(overseas clubs would fall into this category) with proof of their handicap
can play in a competition there. Just phone and book, then you have a chance
of taking away a prize if you win, and you'll have at least 2 or 3 blokes to
have a drink with afterwards.
In short if you're coming, bring your bats. And send some letters off, you never
know, you might get to try some awesome courses. And bring your drinking arm,
golf clubs here are pretty friendly towards visitors (well the regular clubs
like Lane Cove where I'm a member are). Don't forget your handicap card.
Lindsay
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| Clubs overseas seem to be a little better organized than in the U.S.,
and most of 'em are receptive to guests. Writing to the Secretary of
the club you wish to play, stating your handicap, club affiliation and
desired dates is the start. If you get confirmed, you'll need to bring
the aforementioned letter from your club secretary attesting to your
membership, character etc. Basically it says you're a good guy,
gentleman and competent player who abides by the letter and spirit of
the rules of golf. It also alludes to the fact that you have made it a
practice to travel and play premier courses (they LOVE "premier"),
which will tell 'em you're not a bozo making his debut who'll show up
in a tank top. The letter should also mention your willingness to abide
by the conventions of the club you want to play (if you're going to
Garden City, Burning Tree or Bob O' Link, don't bring your wife. If you
get to a club and greens fees are $100 without a member and carts are
required, pay the cash and thank 'em, even though it hurts. The letter
should NOT mention money).
As far as what I do in the States, I just rely on a network of golfing
pals, salesmen, pros and architechts I've befriended over the years,
but the letter approach would probably work occasionally.
Hope this helps.
--Jack (who'll be at Merion 8/1 and Pine Valley 8/2. LOVE that
network!).
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