Golf Things That Make Me Happy: Courtesy Paths

Golf Things That Make Me Happy: Courtesy Paths

Courtesy paths may seem small in the grand scheme of things, but to walking golfers, they are a blessing. (That’s a courtesy path above at Washtenaw Golf Club).

A courtesy path is a closely mowed walking path cut through the rough between tee and fairway. While they make walking a little bit less of a slog throughout the day, courtesy paths are especially welcome for morning golfers.

Until midday, a golf course’s rough holds a lot of dew that will quickly soak shoes and socks — even shoes billed as “waterproof.” Courtesy paths can help to keep early morning golfers’ feet dry.

Frankly, there are few things in golf worse than walking eighteen with squishy feet. When I play morning rounds at a new golf course, I will put a couple extra pair of socks in the bag in case they don’t have couresy paths. There have been morning rounds where I’ve had to change shoes at the turn.

Some of the best courtesy paths cut significant distance off the driving cart paths for walkers, such a few of the ones at Rogers City Country Club (pictured above). I particularly love the courtesy paths that offer a bit of beautiful nature to take in while walking (such as the wildflowers along the courtesy paths at Rogers City as below).

A quick plea to driving golfers: please stay off the courtesy paths. Using them as cart paths will very quickly run them down and create ruts.

When I see courtesy paths, I know that the superintendent is aware of, and cares for, the course’s walking golfers. They’re a small thing that can make a big difference.

So thanks to Mark, Harold and the crew at Washtenaw for their courtesy paths. And thanks to superintendents everywhere who do the same.