The Secret to Better Golf Days? Make Friends with Your Course Operator

April 10, 2025

By Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

You’ve locked in your tee time, cleaned up your clubs, and maybe even planned your post-round drink—but here’s a tip most golfers miss: the real MVP of your golf day might be the person behind the counter. Yep, your course operator. They’re more than just check-ins and scorecards—they could be the key to smoother rounds, better vibes, and a little extra magic on the fairway.

1. Be On Time (or Better Yet, Early)

Nobody likes a logjam at the starter’s shack. Arriving at least 20-30 minutes early helps the course run smoothly and helps the team breathe easier in case there are technical issues, course issues, or weather. The course operator and staff want everything to be smooth sailing for you—and you need time to warm up!

When you show up with time to spare, you’re giving operators space to handle the unexpected (like the foursome ahead of you not keeping pace with play). Trust us, they notice—and remember the golfers who make their day easier.

Bonus: You’ll have time to do a quick run-through of your bag, grab a transfusion, and hit a few soft wedge shots before your round.

2. Greet Them Like a Friend—Not Just Staff

Start simple. A warm hello, eye contact, and using their name if you know it can go a long way. It’s easy to rush through check-in, but slowing down just enough to acknowledge the person on the other side of the counter shows you see them—and appreciate them.

Take Merrick Parker, for example. She began her journey on the beverage cart at Chastain Park Golf Course in Atlanta. Today, she’s the Operations Manager for City of Atlanta Golf Courses—proof that the person handing you a scorecard might one day be leading the entire course operation. Her story highlights something every golfer should remember course operators aren’t just part of the process—they’re passionate players in the game who work hard to make every round better.

When you treat your course operator like part of your golf crew, you’re teeing up good vibes from the very first handshake.

3. Respect the Course (and the Crew Who Maintains It)

Fixing your divot isn’t just about good etiquette — it’s one of the simplest ways you can help keep the course in great shape. Maintaining healthy turf is already a huge challenge for operators, and when golfers do their part, it makes a real difference. A well-repaired divot means less time, labor, and money spent on patching up damage — and over time, that could translate into better conditions, fewer delays, or even cost savings passed back to players.

Want to Level Up Your Golf Days—On and Off the Course?

Course operators aren’t the only ones with a daily rhythm that leads to great golf. From pre-round rituals to post-round recovery, the best players—and people—know that how you approach your day can make all the difference.

Ready to see how top golfers, athletes, and entertainers stay sharp? Watch “My Daily Routine” on GolfPass—a GolfPass Original series where stars share the habits, hacks, and routines that help them stay focused, energized, and ready to go play.