The gang’s all here

Group golf outings work when someone owns the boring jobs

Societies · Charity · Friends who swear they will be on time

A course hosting a large group — Twenty-four players is a joy. Twenty-four players with no start list is a swamp.

A society day dies in the WhatsApp thread. “Are we playing off yellows?” “Who has cards?” “James is bringing his neighbour.” I like these days when one person (or one hired person) owns the list, the format, and the “we are rolling at 8:10 even if James is not here.”

Decisions to make in writing, once

Tee colour. Format. Handicap allowance. Maximum score per hole so the field does not grow moss. Whether nearest-the-pin is on a short hole that a beginner can reach. Whether caddies are included. Payment deadline so the club is not chasing you while you are trying to enjoy soup.

Charity extras — longest drive, silent auction — need a table that is not in the doorway and a volunteer who can count. Do not make the club starter do your fundraising maths.

Be kind to beginners in the notices. If the culture is mockery, they will pay once and disappear.

I do scorekeeping, rules help, and bags for group days. Hire me as the boring-jobs person so you can be a player again.