Designated parking spaces at golf clubs should be a thing of the past says Northern Golfer editor Dean Bailey
The 19th Hole column offers a chance to grind an axe from time to time, and having thought about what should change in golf – and golf clubs – a lot while writing these over the years, I’ve decided on the next best step we can make.
Getting rid of designated parking spaces isn’t solely about the spaces themselves – though we all know the frustration of seeing a line of empty spots on a busy day at the golf club – it’s more about what they represent and the fact we need to move into the 21st Century one small step at a time.
In my experience, having a designated parking space is a stepping stone to the kind of behaviour which I have discussed here before. I find it so odd that volunteering to support a golf club – undoubtedly a vital resource for almost every club in the country – appears to give some people the idea they can then parade around as if they are in some upper echelon of the golfing community. While I have a great deal of respect for anyone who gives up their time to support the game, this does not also convey some kind of higher status which some (in practice a small minority) believe comes with a role and/or title.
From what I’ve seen, the people who take on these roles for the right reasons couldn’t care less about having a special parking space – or parading around in some made up golf club sheriff capacity – they’re more interested in utilising their experience and expertise to help the club and their fellow members.
It is my opinion that removing any kind of differentiation in car parking would help alleviate any such notions for those who happen to have them. I understand how absurd that may sound, but having been a golfer for a long time, I really think it would help take the edge off the behaviour of some people in golf clubs.
While I’m on the subject, I know many club professionals up and down the country also wouldn’t mind if members didn’t know where they were parked. Imagine having to fear buying a new car as you dread one of the least funny people to ever swing a golf club coming over and suggesting you’re making too much money for their liking. It wouldn’t happen in any other line of work, and it certainly shouldn’t happen in a golf club. I’d much rather see a professional making a fortune – it tells me they’re really good at their job!
The benefits are obvious – better parking, fewer pretend golf club sheriffs, and nobody suggesting club pros are making too much money – so let’s free up some space in the car park, remove an opportunity for someone to inflate their ego based on being a few feet closer to the golf course they’re about to walk around for four hours, and bring golf one small step closer to the 21st Century.
