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My neighbor,we will call him Jim, has invited me to his private club and I havea few questonsI was hoping the experts could chime in on.

Little background:
He is somewhat older, 10 years or so. I have known him for a few years and we have played together before at his club, we do the usual neighborly **, cocktails and BBQ, hanging out with wives at my pool, I have taken him to a few sporting events, etc..

It seems like I will be getting the invite more frequently this summer and I am looking for a way to pay my way. I assume members have to pay for their guests. I know I can't walk up and hand over cash for the round(s) at the club. I can't even buy post round drinks.

I know he isn't looking for anything but what is the best way to not come across as a free loader?
dozen balls of whatever he hits?
case of beer or some wine?

What would you expect?

Thanks in adbance.

I got a friend like this, and I ussally buy a round or 2 afterwards.. or pay the beer girl when she comes through..

I have taken my buddy golfing to a good/special muni or pick up lunch/dinner and drinks. That can be tough at the club as well because they often just charge everyting to an account.

You can also invite him to dinner at your place, make it a nice one with some wine or good drinks and tell im thanks for taking you up to the club. Its the thought that counts. When I take my buddies to my club I usually don't look for something in return, I just like that they tip the kids well at the club and have fun. My friends will often pick up other things outside of golf etc.

Thanks.

What would you consider appropriate tipping at the course for different services, and i should probably tip them out fo rboth of us, right?

Thats what I do even if he dropped a tip. Depends on the club. Caddies I always give $50 to $100 tip. For the kids like at my club that get the bag from the car, load it, clean it and are helpful at least $10 sometimes $20 if its a really nice club and they were very friendly.

I am also careful to drop tips (a few dollars) at the snackbar or cart person as well as shoe shine or wait staff (even if tip built in).

Its a nice gesture and shows you value the experience.

Birdie...Can i come caddie for ya?.lol..jp...But if he is inviting you to his club and you say you have carried him places before...had him over..etc etc...maybe HE feels like hes returning the favor to you..But i agree with the over for dinner idea..I know anytime someone invites me over for dinner..it shows they are atleast thinking about ya..or they want something ;)..lol...but just use your judgement...but i dont see anything bad that can happen from it :)
-Adam

Does he have a pool or just you? Do they use it? Just repay him in other ways like a box of golfballs, drinks, etc.

Tell him you insist on paying your way and you appreciate being invited and since you don't have your own club it is not possible to do a home and home. If he refuses to take your money, then insist on making a tee time at another course and inviting him as your guest. He'll get the message that you are not free loading !! And whatever you do..... don't show up with iron head covers !!

Your friend sounds generous and he's probably not looking for anything in return b/c you two do things together off the course, etc. I think a nice gesture, on top of taking care of some tips, is to bring him a dozen of his brand of golf ball whenever he invites you play.

$20 bucks for cleaning my clubs? Maybe I should get a job at one of these pvt clubs

I think the easiest thing to do would be to ask him. Just as your opening entry to this topic said - tell him you appreciate his asking, that you enjoy the rounds of golf with him, you want to reciprocate in some way, and what would be appropriate?

Even if he defers and says he wants nothing, keep pushing and tell him he's going to get some sort of reciprocation, so it should be something he will enjoy. Eventually you'll work something out with him.

ps - I'm also available to caddy/clean clubs/carry clubs to car for Birdie 3. lol

you may be able to pay for yourself as a guest. the private club i work at guests can pay with cash or credit cards only for anything in the golf shop. (green fees, equipment, etc..) however they can't pay for anything outside of the golf shop beer, food, whatever. just show up a little early next time and ask the golf shop staff.

It's quite possible that he has a guest passes and does not pay outright for your green fees. Some clubs have these as amenities that are included in their yearly club dues. For your good cheer, a dozen of his favorite golf balls and/or a nice bottle of wine to share back at your place would be a nice gesture. Don't be afraid or embarrased to ask questions. Invite him and his wife over for a barbeque or an afternoon swim. Break out a six pack or a bottle of wine and talk it over with him. I'm sure he will tell you everything you need to know. That's what friends do.

Sounds like he is a good guy. You are doing most of the right things and all of the advice has been very good. If he has played any of these courses a shirt or a hat wouldn't be a bad idea.

Nice product placement!!!