Bringing your kids to the golf course Cancel The title field is required!

1. Jamie Downton

   

   0 posts
   
   2/20/2014 11:02 AM

   I am curious as to how many of you have had issues in the past, or push back on bringing your kids in to work with you. I two young kids, who absolutely adore coming to the course with me, whether it be a quick ride around at night, or jumping in the truck to plow snow, they couldn't be more happy. However, recently I have received some criticism of the fact, (not management), for fear of health and safety issues, etc.
   
   I'm especially curious if anyone has had any issues with workplace safety policies, or inspectors requiring policy, etc.
   
   Any feedback would be appreciated!
   
   Thanks,
   
   Jamie Downton

   
   
   
   
2. McDonagh Patrick

   
   2/20/2014 12:02 PM

   Jamie,
   I have been fortunate to be able to bring my kids and the dog to the course in the evening for a ride around and never had an issue. I have heard where other facilities have said no to this for liability reasons. Glad it hasn't happened here as my kids have loved coming back for a ride.
   
   Pat McDonagh
   RedTail Golf Club

   
   
   
   
3. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   2/20/2014 12:02 PM

   Jamie,
   
   I work for a city/country system and never had an issue with bringing my son back to work with me. When he got older I even let him drive the cart. (Maybe that is why is driving a car now is not the best)? I could see the liability issues, possibly but knew I wouldn't hold anyone but us accountable. Also since I'm an hourly employee, I wouldn't count our time out checking irrigation boxes and the pump station on my time card.
   
   The only reason I would see not allowing it is if it interfered in your performance of your job, (might be where others have an issue, you can perform your job while someone mowing or working the pro shop counter might not), or that liability issue.
   
   I'm grateful that when I was young, I spent much time at the golf course when my mom and dad were working there, since finding day care back in those days; (mid 70's in a retirement community) was a little tough early on in the small community.
   
   Of course if it would have ever been an issue, I would have followed our employers rules.
   
   There was a thread probably over a year ago about this same issue, you might try the archives.
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
4. Jonathan Pokrzywinski

   

   0 posts
   
   2/20/2014 2:02 PM

   Jamie,
   You're a great parent and I wouldn't change a thing unless I was told to do so. I have 3 children myself and bring 1 or more to the course at least once a week. They love to drive the course and enjoy seeing what we do and progress we make, specifically if we're in a project. I also feel like it gives them an understanding of what we're responsible for and shows why we're late for dinner sometimes or miss a ballgame or two now and then.
   Jonathan A. Pokrzywinski
   Country Club of Decatur
   Decatur, IL

   
   
   
   
5. Hardy Andrew

   
   2/21/2014 6:02 AM

   Hey Jamie,
   
   Seeing how I know you and your situation. Do these people actually think your kids are driving the plow? I bring my 3 boys to work every weekend. The alternative is that my ownership need to allow me to hire another full-time employee with the eye to detail and how things can go so badly because I can't be there unless I bring my boys. I work days, and my wife works nights. This is just the new reality of raising 3 kids in today's society. Mom staying at home with the kids will have us homeless pretty quick.
   
   Sadly most people don't get why you just can't "get a babysitter". I guess they have forgotten how difficult and expensive that can be, and how there is no "set schedule" to our jobs. Communication is the only thing you have, and perhaps some support from your GM and Owner would go a long way as well.
   
   Let me know how you make out and if there is anything I can do to help. Keep in touch.

   
   
   
   
6. Paul Double

   

   37 posts
   
   2/21/2014 6:02 AM

   Jamie,
   I bring my daughters out to the golf course with me from almost weekly during the growing season. My 17 year old mostly likes to come out and drive a cart or Workman, and see if we can see some deer. My 4 year old loves coming out with daddy to ride around the course, check the pumps, and especially seeding and watering flower seedlings in our greenhouse...trying to groom her early. When we are out and about, the members stop us frequently or wave us over just to say hi and see my girls. Most of all, management and the owners have no problem and they enjoy seeing them out there with me.
   Now, if I was putting them on a fairway mower, that might be a different story...even though they could probably mow a straighter line then some people. As long as your management and owners do not have an issue with it, then you should be fine.
   
   Good Luck
   
   Paul L Double
   Director of Turfgrass Management
   Sugar Valley Golf Club
   Bellbrook, Ohio

   
   
   
   
7. Gary Carls

   

   19 posts
   
   2/21/2014 8:02 AM

   Jamie,
   
   We have allowed employees to bring their kids out for a "tour" in the past but not while they are doing any actual work. Our Risk and Insurance folks even require us to get signed waivers from various contractors that might need access to the courses. As much fun as it can be for kids to be out on the course there could be all kinds of liability issues if something were to happen.
   
   My best suggestion would be if the kids are old enough to play golf bring them out to play a few holes and explain to them what you do.

   
   Gary K. Carls, CGCS, President - Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative
   
   
8. Brian Nettz

   

   0 posts
   
   2/21/2014 10:02 AM

   Gary Carls, CGCS said: Jamie,
   
   We have allowed employees to bring their kids out for a "tour" in the past but not while they are doing any actual work. Our Risk and Insurance folks even require us to get signed waivers from various contractors that might need access to the courses. As much fun as it can be for kids to be out on the course there could be all kinds of liability issues if something were to happen.
   
   My best suggestion would be if the kids are old enough to play golf bring them out to play a few holes and explain to them what you do.

   
   
   This is a sad state of affairs in this country when this legal BS precludes one from bringing their kids in to work at a reasonable level. Odds of getting killed in the car on the way to work far outweigh the odds of something happening in the golf cart with dad. Shame on America...

   
   
   
   
9. Jason Knuutila

   

   0 posts
   
   2/22/2014 4:02 PM

   Nothing makes me prouder than the kids begging to go to work with me. They know I get there early and jump right out of bed. I use common sense, if I know it's going to be busy then it's not an option. If it's going to be more of a check on things, then they are always welcome. Unfortunately, I know the way the insurance/risk advisors see it.

   
   
   
   
10. Ronald Conard

    

    4 posts
    
    2/24/2014 8:02 AM

    Brian Nettz, CGCS said:

    Gary Carls, CGCS said: Jamie,
    
    We have allowed employees to bring their kids out for a "tour" in the past but not while they are doing any actual work. Our Risk and Insurance folks even require us to get signed waivers from various contractors that might need access to the courses. As much fun as it can be for kids to be out on the course there could be all kinds of liability issues if something were to happen.
    
    My best suggestion would be if the kids are old enough to play golf bring them out to play a few holes and explain to them what you do.

    
    
    This is a sad state of affairs in this country when this legal BS precludes one from bringing their kids in to work at a reasonable level. Odds of getting killed in the car on the way to work far outweigh the odds of something happening in the golf cart with dad. Shame on America...

    
    
    I could not agree more. It seems everyone these days has some scenario were the most innocuous endeavor is deemed unsafe and the kibosh is put to it. Deep down there is probably some selfish reason behind it all, like envy.

    
    
    
    
11. Michael Rogers

    

    2 posts
    
    2/24/2014 10:02 AM

    There are definitely liability issues. A couple of weeks ago there were several couples playing who brought a child ( not playing ) with them sitting 3 in a buggy. I don´t like it. We are not a day care center. Last Thursday a fourball left their 8 to 10 year old boys to terrorize the putting green and clubhouse, 4 or 5 of them. I didn´t realize to afterwards that the fathers just gave them spending money to beat up the putting green and run around the clubhouse. Better for them I didn´t know until after they left.
    
    No matter how you shape it, you need to be careful especially in law suit crazy USA.
    
    You need to be 15 to drive a buggy at my course. Sometimes people have 8 and 10 year old kids ( playing ) driving. I tell them nicely, 15 or older please.
    
    Our insurance bills and claims are huge each year. The whacky weather has done us 2 or 3 times over last two years. WE had huge forest fires with 2 deaths nearby. A flood 6 months later that deposited 1500 cubic meters of gravel in a riverbed and signature hole lake. Our tennis courts and parking canopies blown apart from high winds.
    
    Liability is a serious issue, sorry but true. I try to minimize it for my owner.
    
    Saludos
    
    Michael Rogers
    Director of Golf Operations
    Marbella Golf & CC

    
    
    
    
12. Ronald Conard

    

    4 posts
    
    2/24/2014 10:02 AM

    Michael Rogers said: There are definitely liability issues. A couple of weeks ago there were several couples playing who brought a child ( not playing ) with them sitting 3 in a buggy. I don´t like it. We are not a day care center. Last Thursday a fourball left their 8 to 10 year old boys to terrorize the putting green and clubhouse, 4 or 5 of them. I didn´t realize to afterwards that the fathers just gave them spending money to beat up the putting green and run around the clubhouse. Better for them I didn´t know until after they left.
    
    No matter how you shape it, you need to be careful especially in law suit crazy USA.
    
    You need to be 15 to drive a buggy at my course. Sometimes people have 8 and 10 year old kids ( playing ) driving. I tell them nicely, 15 or older please.
    
    Our insurance bills and claims are huge each year. The whacky weather has done us 2 or 3 times over last two years. WE had huge forest fires with 2 deaths nearby. A flood 6 months later that deposited 1500 cubic meters of gravel in a riverbed and signature hole lake. Our tennis courts and parking canopies blown apart from high winds.
    
    Liability is a serious issue, sorry but true. I try to minimize it for my owner.
    
    Saludos
    
    Michael Rogers
    Director of Golf Operations
    Marbella Golf & CC

    
    
    What happened to the kid in the buggy?

    
    
    
    
13. Corey Eastwood

    

    80 posts
    
    2/24/2014 11:02 AM

    Michael
    
    I supervised the construction of Marbella and do to the elevation changes carts were not allowed off of the paths. Obviously this has changed but I would shudder about 15 or less year old's driving a cart there. Even had equipment turning slow 360's sliding down number 18 fairway. Yeah i planted the willows in the creek by order of the county.

    
    Corey Eastwood CGCS, Stockton Golf & CC, Retired
    
    
14. Smith Tim

    
    2/28/2014 1:02 PM

    My kids have come out on the course with me since they could understand basic golf etiquette. I keep them busy helping me with some easy tasks. If it is not appropriate or to busy they stay back at the shop or my office watching TV or playing computer games.

    
    
    
    
15. Peter Bowman

    

    11 posts
    
    2/28/2014 2:02 PM

    Corey Eastwood, CGCS said: Michael
    
    I supervised the construction of Marbella and do to the elevation changes carts were not allowed off of the paths. Obviously this has changed but I would shudder about 15 or less year old's driving a cart there. Even had equipment turning slow 360's sliding down number 18 fairway. Yeah i planted the willows in the creek by order of the county.

    
    
    Hey Corey, I hope youre staying dry. I think it's a different Marbella in this case.

    
    
    
    
16. Michael Rogers

    

    2 posts
    
    3/1/2014 8:03 AM

    Hey Pete,
    
    You are always on the ball. We are on Costa del Sol, Trent Jones Sr design, www.marbellagolf.com in the south of Spain looking at Gibraltar and the Gates of Hercules.
    
    We do have very serious slopes on front nine with awesome views of Africa and Med.
    
    You can see on website.
    
    Saludos Michael

    
    
    
    
17. Corey Eastwood

    

    80 posts
    
    3/3/2014 11:03 AM

    Peter Bowman, CGCS said:

    Corey Eastwood, CGCS said: Michael
    
    I supervised the construction of Marbella and do to the elevation changes carts were not allowed off of the paths. Obviously this has changed but I would shudder about 15 or less year old's driving a cart there. Even had equipment turning slow 360's sliding down number 18 fairway. Yeah i planted the willows in the creek by order of the county.

    
    
    Hey Corey, I hope youre staying dry. I think it's a different Marbella in this case.

    
    
    I see that now. Here is a story. The developer of the soon to be Marbella Spain course came by while we were under construction. Susi suggested to him that he name it San Juan Capistrano GC.

    
    Corey Eastwood CGCS, Stockton Golf & CC, Retired