So here's the deal. I'm doing a hotel evaluation for Coyle at a hotel that's close to Atlantic city (mostly because it pays well, but also because I'm treating my mother to a trip, since she likes Atlantic city). Thing is, it's got a golf course, a real golf course, not putt-put mini golf.

I'm a twentysomething guy who wouldn't look out of place in a mosh pit, and while I own professional clothing that I can wear to dress up for a fancy dinner, I don't really have much in my wardrobe beyond "black jeans and a t-shirt" and "suit to wear to a funeral". It's kind of an old stereotype that golf is the domain of middle aged men wearing pastel colored argyle, and I'm worried that I would be outed as a mystery shopper for trying to golf in my casual wear, not to mention just totally not fitting the demographic. Does anyone, especially someone who doesn't fit the demo, have experience with doing golf mystery shops and can tell me a bit about what they require?

Bonus points: do I usually have to play a full eighteen holes? Cuz if I just need to rent some clubs and I can then chill out on my phone for an hour before returning them, I'm totally down with that.

I started golfing at 16. The dad of a family I babysat for took me, and taught me how to golf. He was like a dad to me, and it was bonding time.

I still golf now, at least 2-3 times a month, no matter the season.

I normally just wear linen shorts and a polo or tank top.

First of all sorry there is no stereo typical golfer they range from 9 to 90 years old. They also wear everything but that funeral suit you mentioned. Second it takes now I don't golf so someone correct me if I am wrong but 2-3 hours to complete a round. If you don't golf I would not do a regular golf shop. But if its Coyle maybe you just have to evaluate the clubhouse restaurant.

I can't imagine taking on an experience shop and not partaking in the experience. I mean, you can play with your phone anytime. Why do it at a probably really nice golf course?

I'd also say to go enjoy the experience unless you are somehow opposed to golfing. You can call the clubhouse and ask about dress codes for the golf course if you are unsure what is acceptable to wear. Your look, or ability to golf, will most likely not make you suspected as a shopper in my experience.

I have done a number of interesting things in the course of shopping hotels and some have actually turned out to be a lot of fun in the end. My last resort shop had me taking croquet lessons. It had a very specific requirement that players wear all white, so I took another shop that allowed me to purchase a pair of white shorts and cobbled together an acceptable outfit. Now I'm better prepared in case that requirement comes up again!…and I have mad croquet skills as well.

That said, did the shop description mention golf? I had one where they sprung the golf requirement on me at the very last minute and I was recovering from a shoulder injury that would not have allowed me to play. We worked it out in the end, but they need to be made aware that specialty requirements like golfing and such should be disclosed in the shop description.

I think I know which resort you'll be going to. You will need a collared shirt and knee length shorts or long pants for this shop. Docker's would work and golf shoes would be good. Did it not state in the shop information that golf would be required? Do not try to golf in jeans and a tee shirt. This place is an upscale golf resort and jeans are frowned upon in most golf resorts (at least here in NJ) including in the clubhouse. They may pair you up with others for golfing. I have no idea how you can pull off golfing if you're not a golfer. Serious golfers do not enjoy paying (a lot) for a round of golf and being paired with someone who is out for the first time or goofing around. You'd better find out if it's a requirement before you go. Good luck with this one.

I've done golf course shops and they require a lot of observations and full 18 holes of play including; Pro Shop, driving range, beverage cart, course conditions, starter, bag person etc. However, I've not done one for Coyle, so I can't speak to what their requirements would be. I do know that Coyle lists "Golf required" in their application information for the resorts, and has even requested handicap information, so maybe if they did not ask this, you are not required to play. You'd better check with them.

Edited to add: Cell phone use is a faux pas on the course, so be sure to turn it off or to vibrate. Also, be sure to know that if you do play, do not talk while someone is teeing off or putting. Do not stand in or walk in their line on the green. You'd better read up on some golf course etiquette before you go.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/09/2014 12:10PM by MsJudi.

Tank tops, t-shirts, shorts would work fine for a golf shop. I wear a tank top and capris.. sometimes I wear band shirts. A lot of the other female "golfers" do as well (maybe not so much band shirts).

I think it depends on where you're playing. At upscale resorts they won't let you on the course in a tee shirt or tank top. There are even some that still require men to wear long pants. Short should be fine at this place, however.

^ Yes, that's an excellent point (upscale establishments vs regular)! Do your research on the resort itself before you go.

The description did say it included golf, and it did pay well. I figured the editors at Coyle know me by now and the demographics I fit into, and they assigned the shop to me lickety-split after I requested it, so at first I figured it wouldn't be so bad. I did research the place (and, to be perfectly honest, their golf course doesn't look all that great, but then again I don't know how to identify a 'good' golf course that lacks a windmill and a pirate ship, but this place has also hosted some tournaments so the jury's out) but after actually booking the damn place I started to get some second thoughts.


I had no idea I'd be paired up with others and there were so many unspoken rules about what goes on on a golf course. I'll wait until I get the actual shop requirements and go over things with my editor and hopefully smooth things out. While it said something about golf being involved or required, I wasn't sure this was a "golf resort" until after I applied, and when looking up their website the golf aspect was mentioned but not focused on.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/10/2014 10:11AM by Misanthrope.

I am a golfer and I highly doubt a club that is doing mystery shopping would allow t-shirts and tank tops on the course. Most clubs will require a collared shirt and appropriate length shorts. Very upscale clubs sometimes do not allow shorts at all. No denim at all at most clubs as well.

If the shop is worth doing for you, go to Target or wherever and pick up a golf shirt and a pair of dressier shorts. Kohl's probably has some good sales going on now. You may or may not stand out in your normal attire as a mystery shopper but you probably will not be allowed to play if you show up in jeans and a t-shirt.

dixiewhiskey Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Tank tops, t-shirts, shorts would work fine for a
> golf shop. I wear a tank top and capris..
> sometimes I wear band shirts. A lot of the other
> female "golfers" do as well (maybe not so much
> band shirts).

I'll just add that a round of golf takes 4 to 5 hours. You will likely be paired up with 2 or 3 other people, and it will be immediately obvious if you haven't played before. Don't talk any time someone else is hitting. I don't think it will be very fun if you don't know what you're doing. You'll also have to buy some golf balls. They're not part of the fee.

I think I missed the part about the resort.. sounds very upscale so yeah maybe don't wear a t-shirt. I assumed we were talking about the "everyday" golf course

Misanthrope, I would definitely talk this over with your scheduler and get it clarified, ASAP. I used to golf in high school but it has been so many years since I've been on a course, I wouldn't even attempt it now, mainly to not embarrass myself. If you've never played and are asked to do a full evaluation and play a full 18 holes, you're going to be way out of your league.

Another analogy to perhaps make it clearer...I've driven the Crown Vic Police Interceptor at 140+ on a closed course. Just because I'm comfortable driving that fast doesn't mean I'm ready to participate in a NASCAR race.

Your most recent post is also showing your possible discomfort with the shop. If the course has hosted tournaments [other than local fundraisers], then you can rest assured that the course will be challenging to people who play the game on a regular basis.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/10/2014 06:34PM by James Bond 007.5.

You need to find out what to wear. I have golfed many times and all of the places I have golfed require proper dress. Jeans are a no, no. Collared shirt for men. If you have no knowledge or little golf experience I wouldn't do it. You might have to play with two or three other golfers who are experienced. You need to know what clubs to use also.

I just received a golf course shop. Based on the length of time it's been since I've played, I turned it down. I did find some of the evaluations interesting: pro shop, bag handling, etc. Assuming those requirements are in your shop, how can you honestly evaluate them when you have no frame of reference?

If you take the shop go to a driving range before, and hit some balls.
When you're playing your round you don't want the best two balls you hit to be when you step on a rake in the sand trap.