Author: Jordan Fuller
Golf as a sport and recreational activity has witnessed a massive growth in this pandemic. Thanks to its socially-distanced nature, many people have learned to embrace the sport of golf.
As more and more people become interested in the sport, many dog parents wonder if they can bring their four-legged companion on the links. The answer is yes; you can bring your dogs to specific golf courses!
Having a pet dog provides many benefits, both in and out of the house, including the golf course. They can keep animals such as waterfowls and flock of geese for you, provide support by your side, and make golfing more fun and exciting for you.
If you want to bring your furry companion with you on the links, here are some pointers you should keep in mind for an enjoyable golfing experience!
Choosing the right golf course
Unfortunately, not all golf courses welcome furry friends inside their vicinity for some reason. However, there are a few dog-friendly that allow canine caddies to join the fun inside, but most of which are private clubs. Some dog-friendly golf courses include Discovery Bay Golf Course in Port Townsend in Washington, Belgrade Lakes Golf Course in Maine, and Agate Beach Golf Course in Newport, Oregon.
Inform the golf course ahead of your schedule
Before you hit some golf balls on the course, make sure to call your golf destination and confirm if they allow dogs inside and what are the places where your pup can and cannot go. Since not every golfer is a dog person, consider playing in the early morning or late evening, when fewer people are on the course.
Don’t forget to leash up
Your golf bag should not only include your best clubs but your dog’s leash too. You may have an obedient dog, but it doesn’t mean it can’t distract other players in the course. Leashing your furry friend can save you from stress and distractions from your game. You can simply tie the opposite end to your golf bag to demonstrate control or a nearby tree to keep them still.
Bring a distraction
With a lot of balls flying in the air, golfers passing by, and other people enjoying their stay in the course, your pup can quickly get excited or overwhelmed. Therefore, it’s always wise to bring some kind of distraction, such as a tennis ball, sling toy, or a frisbee. A simple fetch game can earn you a peaceful moment to ace your shot. Ideally, your pre-shot process should look like this:
Tee up your golf ball, analyze your shot, grab the appropriate club for your shot, toss your pup’s distraction ball, hit a golf shot, and then pet your pup for being cooperative!
Pack some water and treats
Entice and reward your dogs with some treats! For instance, if you notice they’re running towards a prohibited area, call them over and offer some yummy treats. Keep yourself and your dog hydrated, too, so bring a lot of water, especially if you’re playing during hot hours!
Scoop your pup’s waste
It’s not the best part of being a dog owner, but it’s your responsibility to clean after your puppy’s poop. That being said, don’t forget to pack dog poop bags!
Play and enjoy!
Hopefully, our list will help you gear up for a fantastic tee time with your pup! With a little bit of planning, best believe you and your dog will have an unforgettable golfing experience!
About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a passionate golfer and dog parent from Nebraska. He provides accessible professional golf advice, equipment reviews, and other golf information on his website, Golf Influence.
