Player Handicapped Flags Cancel The title field is required!

1. Mark Novotny

   

   0 posts
   
   12/14/2011 1:12 PM

   I am not sure this is the correct board for this so please forgive me if my guess is incorrect.
   
   The past few years (this year especially with all of the rain) golfers have been requesting handicapped flags so they can drive closer to the greens and tees as they have a handicap. Now, the rangers are complaining that they are having trouble with these golfers and the others in their group driving to the same locations (between the bunkers and the green or even on the collars) claiming they did not get their flag and they are also handicapped.
   
   The two unquestionably legitimate golfers I have talked with (One has no legs below the knees, the other has an artificial leg.) basically tell me they stay on the cartpath around the tees and greens. Or at a minimum 30 feet off of the green. I have watched this so it is not just a story to please me. From what I have observed is that they only really exercise the handicapped flag use when it is very hot or toward the end of a round when they are getting tired.
   
   My question is what kind of policies do you have in place for the "handicapped player"?
   
   Do they have to provide some kind of proof they need special consideration?
   
   Are you seeing the same increase in requests as we are? Are we an isolated course with players who want to drive their carts on the tees and greens?
   
   We are a public facility. Wall to wall cartpaths. 7200 yards in length with 6.2 miles of cartpath. Minimal walkers because of the considerable length from greens to the next tee from housing development. Natural (Tall grass) surround most holes to deter carts from driving into the neighbors back yards.
   
   Our GM asked me to see what other courses are doing around the country.
   
   Thanks in advance...
   
   Mark Novotny CGCS

   
   
   
   
2. Wahlin Scott B

   
   12/14/2011 2:12 PM

   Our Golf Operations Manager has done a wonderful job with our Rangers. This is the first place I have worked where the duty of the Rangers was taken seriously. The cart numbers of people who are obviously in need of driving closer and people who ask for consideration are given to the Rangers who monitor the course continuously. We do not have flags. In return we ask them to approach greens from the rear, never drive in between bunkers and greens and try to stick to areas that are not showing wear. For the most part they do very well.
   
   We are a municipal golf course.

   
   
   
   
3. Mark Novotny

   

   0 posts
   
   12/15/2011 7:12 AM

   Thanks, that is a great start. I wonder if anyone else has anything to add?

   
   
   
   
4. Mark Van Lienden

   

   14 posts
   
   12/15/2011 7:12 AM

   I have found that many people think a red flag means drive anywhere.If it is too wet for everyone I feel it ius too wet for anyone.I try to get them off the path at any chance as we all like to drive to our ball.Too wet is too wet.