[Picture: LA Times via Getty Images]
Nothing stirs up the Golf Twitter masses quite like a set of rules for guests or members, at a private country club. My stance on these issues has always been that if you’re lucky enough to be invited to one of these places, following every rule to a T is the easiest way to get invited back. And that it’s OK to still have some standards in this world.
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Of course, not everyone shares that sentiment. Rules themselves are antiquated. Cuffed pants are in, slacks are out. Jason Day’s fits are actually fire, bro. And yes, I’ll be keeping my hat on in the clubhouse.
It’s fine to feel that way, but, again, just know that private clubs can close the doors on you just as quickly as they can open them. In the extremely rare instance that you were invited to a club like, say, Cypress Point, host of this past weekend’s Walker Cup, wouldn’t you want to make it to the first tee as opposed to being dragged out in handcuffs?
Well, Cypress Point lays it out for guests as clear as possible, as evidenced by this rules card that was acquired by whoever is behind the main X account for golf clothing brand Holderness & Bourne. No caption was required for this one to dial up the engagement numbers:
— Holderness & Bourne (@hbgolfusa) September 8, 2025
We’re going to break down these rules one by one below, but can we first point out that these are not rules but merely “suggestions”? “We suggest the following.” Brilliant language. It’s inviting. Oooo, suggestions! To ensure my enjoyment! Surely, if I don’t listen to one of these suggestions, I won’t be removed from the premises, right? Yeah, wouldn’t tempt fate, folks. These are rules. And, let’s be honest, if you got invited to Cypress, you’re following them.
OK, let’s dive in.
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“Suggestion” No. 1 – Use of mobile phones, PDA’s or any other electronic devices is not permitted anywhere on Club property other than in your vehicle (cameras are permitted for private use).
Was once the norm at just about any private club, though seems to be reserved now for only the ultra-exclusive. And even at those, I’m not so sure anyone follows this. I see pictures and videos from iPhones taken at Pine Valley (and Cypress!) all the time now. These clubs definitely don’t want you taking a phone call or saying “nothing on my end” during a Zoom meeting on the course, but it seems like they’ve all certainly become more lax on photo and video-taking. Except at Augusta National, where you still have to go buy a disposable camera at Wal-Mart pre-round if you want to take pictures after winning the media lottery (speaking from experience, no big deal).
“Suggestion” No. 2 – Rangefinders, including Garmins, are not permitted on the golf course.
Translation: let the caddie handle it. They are getting paid handsomely to (more on that in a bit).
“Suggestion” No. 3 – An unaccompanied guest is limited to 18 holes in any one day.
Did not realise they even allowed unaccompanied guests at Cypress Point. If you’re somehow so lucky, you won’t be allowed an emergency 9. Oh well. Also, does this mean if you are accompanied you could play 36? 54? An “I played 100 holes at Cypress in ONE DAY” YouTube challenge with a weirdly-edited thumbnail? Ok, too far.
“Suggestion” No. 4 – The use of the driving range or the Clubhouse facilities is for members only.
This was the only one that tripped me up a bit, as well as the Internet. No range? No warmup? No clubhouse stroll just to see what they’ve got going on? That seems like it can’t be right. You get invited to a top three course on the planet and you’re rolling right to the first tee? Personally, I’m not even a huge range guy so I’ll be fine if and when I’m invited, but I know I’m in the minority there.
“Suggestion” No. 5 – Please use the locker room to change your shoes.
You learn this on Day 1 of “Being Invited To A Private Club, 101.” If you screw this up, you should be kicked out. That said, is the locker room attached to the clubhouse? Doesn’t seem to jibe with Suggestion No. 4 if so.
“Suggestion” No. 6 – Appropriate attire:
For men: long trousers with long or short sleeved collared sport shirts.
For ladies: slacks and appropriate tops with sleeves. Skirts, shorts, denim jeans, warm-up suits, yoga pants or tights are not appropriate on Club property.
I’d normally fall in the “pants required” is insane in 2025 camp, but the shorts are getting so short now that most golfers are not to be trusted. Plus, they used the word trousers. You know they mean business. If I’m ever invited, get ready to learn trousers, buddy.
“Suggestion” No. 7 – Please yield to members’ play if requested.
Not sure why anyone would want to speed up their Cypress Point experience but would happily get out of the way for anyone who does. Take your time, I’ll be over here drinking it in.
“Suggestion” No. 8 – Please arrive at the Club between 7:00 and 7:15 a.m. and complete your round in 4 hours or less.
Another one I’m slightly confused by. Is that the only 15-minute time frame you’re allowed to arrive in? What if you’re not playing until the afternoon? Do you just stand around and wait? No range or clubhouse or being on your phone, so it’s going to be a tall task to just kill time. I guess I’ll find out when I’m invited some day.
“Suggestion” No. 9 – Caddies customarily receive at least $US175 ($A265) per bag, including tip, paid directly to the caddie.
Another painful reminder my caddie career started (2007) and ended (2019) way, wayyyy too early. I used to make $120 total for carrying TWO bags uphill in the snow. Now $150-plus is the standard for ONE bag. I obviously didn’t caddie at Cypress, but the caddie fee truly has gotten out of hand at even mid-tier clubs. Thanks for listening to my rant.
“Suggestion” No. 10 – Only players with a single-digit handicap may play the blue tees.
Rate of play, rate of play, rate of play. Nothing wrong with this.
“Suggestion” No. 11 – Please respect all our Cypress Point Staff. They are the best.
I bet they are.
All in all, nothing too out of the ordinary here, and nothing (aside from apparently not being allowed on the range or in the clubhouse) that’s too stuffy for a place everyone who has never been assumes is as stuffy as it gets. Rules are OK. Suggestions are better.