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Hey guys i am finally playing an “exclusive club” in the St. Louis area called Westwood country club. Private enough to not have a slope rating… it is a caddy/walking course and i am being hosted by a generous member. I was wondering what should be unofficially expected of me.I already know, no changing of shoes in parking lot, not cell phones, but i was wondering if i should pay for his caddie as well. Also if I should buy a shirt or something in the pro shop to support his club a little 😉 any additional input would be appreciated. I have played private before, but not this exclusive.

DennisMTZ interesting! I am in the STL area but am only familiar with a couple (just moved here.) Just had to look it up...looks sweet!! I would say you're not obligated to anything! Just go with the flow of the day. Tip generously, offer to pay for something. It could be one of those shops where it only charges back to his account and they don't accept cash, so I don't think you're obligated for anything. Every place is different and as long as you're following the house rules, you're going to be good. Don't feel like you need to buy a shirt unless it's something you really like.

    DennisMTZ you should tipp the caddie for youre host. I always pay caddie fee for the host. it goes a long way and ensures the invite back. you should also offer to host at your club the following week. Please support the pro shop. I typically buy a ball marker coin and a cap. Keep the phone in the car and no pictures. no one wants a guest taking pictures nonstop its a bad look. let me know if you need any other tips

      In that kind of situation, I'll go ahead and find out what the bag rates are, bring cash, pay the caddies half way through the round (assuming all is good), and then prepare a place to go eat post round. So when the round ends, you can let your host know the caddie tips are taken care of (no back and forth etc), and propose being the host for post round activities, assuming that there is time to do so.

      Eddie I'd like to extend an invite to my exclusive club located in my backyard with a beer pong/die table where caddies are required. I live in San Luis Obispo so you can plan a post round drunken eatery. See you in August!

        talked with member, so the caddie fee is added to his monthly dues and there is no tipping at all anywhere in the club.

        Yes, and you may want to find out how their pro shop operates as well. I know some clubs just charge it back to the member and do not allow you to pay from your own pocket.

        Take an incredible gift to the member. Custom headcovers, favorite spirit, take them to a great place for dinner. If they won’t let you pay, find a way to pay them back.

        5 days later

        I was in this situation on Saturday. Told the guy hosting me (wicked awesome dude) to swing by the restaurant for some breakfast tacos. Then brought a restaurant hat with me to give to him. It’s an imperial performance hat so it was perfect in my mind. He loved it. Then proceeded to immediately give me an imperial performance from the club, like he already had it in the cart. It’s like we exchanged jerseys 😂😂. Was pretty awesome. We only got to play six holes, but had a blast.

        I have something in the works for him for sure. Thinking custom divot tool and a couple of SWAG covers that will mean a lot to him hopefully, life stuff.

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