[bF8CCmmr]

I just want the course to be playable. If I hit the ball in a bunker, I shouldn't be the first person in the last 30 days who knows how to operate a rake; nor should I still see that the walls of the bunker have eroded due to heavy rain (and it hasn't rained in weeks). It does bother me if the greens are recently aerated or if they've lost greens due to excessive weather conditions and they do not tell you at all or reduce the fees. Nothing like making it to hole #3 and realizing that you're putting through giant dead patches and crabgrass.....

I just feel its common courtesy to inform the customer if they're getting a reduced quality product, regardless of who's at fault.

[AgindyMinnife]

I am one that always tries to stay under $50 for a round. The cheaper the better. I do like to have some good course conditions for what I pay. My thoughts go like this.

Under $30, I don't really expect much. I would like to have some greens that roll decently and grass on the fairways.
$30-$40, I would like the greens to be a bit nicer and the carts to not seem run down.
$40-$50, Really nice greens and lush fairways. I would also like to have a nice staff, plus good pace of play.

Over $50, This will be a special event for me, so I want it to feel special. I want stuff at these courses that I regularly don't get. GPS in the carts, towels, etc.

I really have gotten over the money vs pace of play aspect. I have played at very expensive golf courses that are super slow and cheap courses that are faster. I think if you pick your right time of the day, you can have a quicker round.

Edit- One other thing I hate is when you call a nice course and ask about their greens. They say they are in perfect shape and they really aren't. Just tell the truth!

[Chito]

I agree with all I have read here. Expectations should adjust to the cost of play relative to other courses in the area.

As suggested in a couple of notes, you should be able to make a better decision by asking a few questions when you make your tee time.

In addition to green fees you might inquire as to whether the greens or fairways have been recently aerated, sanded or fertilized: are carts included: what is the dress code: what is the typical time to play 18 holes: are there a lot of blind shots or forced carries: is a course guide available: is lunch available at the turn.

You may not always get accurate info (shame on them) but if you do not ask, shame on you.

Clean carts, clean and strategic restrooms should be provided regardless of the green fee.

[bertanu]

I agree with others in that your expectations should be relative to the price. I think it's been pretty well covered in here by several others about friendly service, playable conditions, on course marshall, etc.

One thing that I fail to get that have happened to be numerous times is: paying a premium (in my location that is pretty much $40-$50 or more to play) and then showing up to find greens punched the day prior. When I make a tee time, I expect to be told of things like that, but it fails to happen most of the time. Now I remember to ask upfront.

[BaselBimbooooo]

I agree with alot of the comments I've read so far.... For me avg price for weekend where I live is about $50-$60 per round. With that price I expect decent course conditions, working carts, & friendly service, that's all. The higher end courses where I live are about $80 and up. For those I expect prime course conditions, free range balls, gps or detailed mapped course, and friendly service at the least. I've been to a few of the higher prices courses in my area and most of them don't live up to my expectations.

[XqrkN4a0]

I agree with others in that your expectations should be relative to the price. I think it's been pretty well covered in here by several others about friendly service, playable conditions, on course marshall, etc.

One thing that I fail to get that have happened to be numerous times is: paying a premium (in my location that is pretty much $40-$50 or more to play) and then showing up to find greens punched the day prior. When I make a tee time, I expect to be told of things like that, but it fails to happen most of the time. Now I remember to ask upfront.

That drives me madd dude, I hate when they lie just to get me there. Don't they realize the truth will get me back and a lie wont?

[Lyikmcmb]

I must pretty spoiled where I play. 3 of the places I play are under 20 bucks to walk and are in really great shape. Nice fairways, soft greens that roll pretty good, tee boxes aren't junked up or dead, but the rough is more hard pan than rough. The other place lost a green to disease, but was upfront about it when I checked in and the rough is deep and lush.

I just want a playable course and good conditions around the greens.

[Gometesstem]

I do expect the conditions and quality of the course to be commensurate to the fees.
I have to admit, that I am really spoiled when it comes to good courses and greens fees.
Most of the courses around my area are usually in very good shape and almost all of them charge less than $35 for 18 holes.
There are a couple of exceptions where the fees are higher, but they are resort type courses so I expect to pay more.

The punched greens and no notice about that when the tee time is made just infuriates me.
It's only happened a couple of times to me locally and I really let the pro shops know how angry I was.

[wonceinee]

Give me good conditions, great greens and good test of golf. The rest of it relative. At a fee for play facility you get what you pay for. Keep up the pace of play and be friendly.

[orerviche]

Here's what I expect, and seem to never get. If I am on a course that I have never played before, and it is full of blind tee shots (can't see landing area), I expect either GPS to tell me how far to landing areas, or a plaque/sign to tell me how far to the landing area. Nothing I hate worse than never knowing where to aim or what club to hit just because I can't see past 150 yards.

Unfortunately, it seems to happen way too much that I'm left out there guessing.
~Rock

Yeah I agree. Course map could be more informative on such. Just earlier this summer I found myself hitting to a different green on one hole and a different fairway on another in the same round. They were both good shots too, until I realized what the heck was going on. Sun comming up in your eyes and reflecting off the dew on the fairways and first time on the unfarmiliar course. Was a real bummer not knowing. and that was the day I shot 90. Could have ben my long awaited return to the 80's. I'll never know.

Other things I expect for the money
-good conditions
-to pay less for a cart = I usually walk for that reason more than any, just makes it all that much more less affordable
-freindly employees without atitudes = wether its at a golf course or anyplace, at some peoples place of employment it is the only place they are or will ever be important and it just goes to thier head. Rather than help you or be respectfully friendly about what they nead to do, they feel the nead to dictate and police you instead or try to make you feel you are less than them. Think it might actually be cases of sexual frustrations . LOL