Silly Country Club Rules

I have been fortunate to be a guest at some of the finest Country Clubs in the United States.  Prior to arrival, I am usually briefed upon the "rules," that if broken would cause embarrassment to myself or my host.  Occasionally, I don't receive any such briefing.  Left to my own devices, I default into basic gentlemanly behavior.  This "default" mode proves to be effective, most of the time.  The last few blog posts have been about the great game of golf and what a Country Club contributes to ones life and experience.  With the crazy that surrounds us in society today, just look at the presidential nomination situation, our club stands as a pillar of what is right with society.
My daughter is getting older, soon she will be off to college.  I hope that she will spend the next few years "hanging" at the club.  The club is a college in itself, teaching respect, manners, and social skills.  The one thing that I love about our club is that we don't have many rules.  I was recently asked what the club rule regarding hats was.  I knew immediately where this was going, the member wanted to know what to do with their hat in the clubhouse.   My answer was simple, we don't have a rule, but if you would like to discuss what gentleman do with their hats, well we can discuss that.  The member agreed and told me how he wanted to do the right thing and thought Briar Ridge should have a rule about hats.  We had a great discussion and in the end, we agreed that not having a written rule made Briar Ridge a special place, it was up to the individual to determine his or her standard.  Now, here is the really cool part.  95% of the membership take their hats off in the clubhouse.  At lunchtime, hats will be on a seat or the floor, not on the table.  We don't have a rule, we have a group of excellent gentleman members who understand and appreciate etiquette.  This is the type of club that I want to be in.

Not sure what to do with a headdress indoors.

As the golf season is coming soon, I thought I would include a piece on hat etiquette.

Men

Hats can be left on…

•       Outdoors

•       At athletic events (indoors or out)

•       On public transportation

•       In public buildings such as post offices, airports,  and hotel or office lobbies

•       On elevators

Take hats off, including baseball caps …

• In the presence of women

•       In someone’s home

•       At mealtimes, at the table

•       While being introduced, indoors or out (unless it’s frigid!)

•       In a house of worship, unless a hat or head covering is required

•       Indoors at work, especially in an office (unless required for the job)

•       In public buildings such as a school, library, courthouse, or town hall

•       In restaurants and coffee shops

•       At a movie or any indoor performance

•       When the national anthem is played

•       When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade

Donning my hat,

Turf