Admin, done decently

Tee times: the phone call that decides whether Saturday is golf or a story about golf

Pro shops · Guests · Showing up ready

A course you reserved a time on — The sheet is full of names. Be one of the names that arrives early.

Online booking is lovely when it exists. Many clubs still live on a starter’s book and a human. If you message “u got 4 balls sat?” you will get what you deserve. If you offer a name, a number, a preferred window, and flexibility of 40 minutes, you sound like someone they can place.

What to have in your pocket before you ask

Date, second-choice date, morning or afternoon.
How many players, names if they want them.
Whether you need a member host.
Handicaps if they ask — some visitor policies care.
Carts or walkers, caddies or not.

Arrive 30–40 minutes early if you want a few putts. Traffic in Nairobi is a character in this story. I would rather you take an earlier slot than sprint to the first tee with a cold back and a hot temper.

Confirm the day before. Tee sheets change. Pride does not get you a replay time.

This is part of my concierge work. You tell me the window; I talk to the shop; you bring a collared shirt. Ask me to book the time and, if you want, to stand on the first tee with you.