For Immediate Release:
03/17/10
Addressing pets and non-golfers on RCSC golf courses
The wide open fairways just seem like the perfect spot to see Spot run. Nobody’s out there, so what’s the harm if my four-legged friend and I hit the links for some exercise? RCSC understands the appeal of the empty fairways for pet owners. We love animals, too. But just because the course is empty doesn’t mean you can play fetch with Fido on the back 9. Although golf courses may seem like a great place to run around for pets and people alike, they are intended for the game of golf. Unless your pooch is a certified service animal, cardholders and Sun City residents cannot bring their household pets on to RCSC property, including the golf courses, at any time.
But what about those folks who don’t have a pet but enjoy jogging or walking? They can get some exercise, but only when the golf course is closed and no golfers are playing. This means, in the mornings before the first tee time of the day and at dusk. First tee times change with the seasons. From the first Monday in November through the first Monday in April, tee times start at 7:30am, from the first Monday in May through the first Monday in October tee times start at 6:30am, and in April and October tee times start at 7am.
For those people wondering why joggers and walkers can’t exercise while golfers golf, it’s a matter of safety and common sense. Non-golfing walkers and joggers could get hit by a renegade golf ball or club while passing from one hole to the next. Also, golf courses are designed and intended to play golf. It would be like roller skating on a tennis court. Sure, nobody may be playing tennis at the time, but roller skating is not the intended use for the court.
Pets are not allowed on the courses for the safety of golfers, cardholders and the animals themselves. Coyotes could catch an animal’s scent and trace it back to your home. And, not to dog on Rover, but excitable dogs could tear up golf greens and cause unnecessary damage to the course grounds, or leave little hazards (dog poop) golfers definitely won’t want to play out of, let alone find on their golf balls or in their spiked golf shoes. Plus, golfers might find it difficult to sink a putt if Rover were barking at a bird nearby.
We know everybody needs exercise, even man’s best friend, but the golf course is not the place for it. We hope all of Sun City understands, and will keep their canine companions off the golf courses while getting some exercise. Also, we realize some cardholders enjoy jogging or walking on the golf courses, but they just can’t do it while golfers are playing their game. If you are one of those who enjoy a brisk jog or a leisurely walk along our golf courses, remember: Only before the day’s first tee time or after dusk.