Pilots who play golf

[janitor]

Any commercial pilots out there who are also avid golfers? I realize this may differ between corporate, 121, etc... but does anyone get a chance to play on layovers, and is it hard to lug golf bags around (since the TSA won't let you bring one in the terminal)?

 

[T-Gates]

Golf

I wish we had layovers thaaaaaat long. But off the job, I'm a golfing fool. It is the only thing that keeps me semi-sane.

--03M

 

[Be200pilot]

i get to play about 1 time every 2 weeks when im working. only on the trips where we have more than 7-8 hrs on the ground. you be suprised how many tiny towns have nice courses that nobody plays.

 

[banned username 2]

We have a couple of guys who religiously bring their golf clubs with them on trips... We usually have plenty of time on layovers for them to get 9 or 18 in...

 

[typhoonpilot]

In the States it is quite difficult because of the short layovers and TSA rules. Outside of the States, or more specifically at my own airline we do it all the time. I just played 36 holes in Jakarta a couple of weeks ago while on a 75 hour layover. The golf course is just across the street from the hotel. Nairobi is reportedly another good one.

Typhoonpilot

 

[jon210]

I was palying every day on my layover until I got a part time job. I thing I will go back to playing golf cause the job sux.

 

[wildbill]

Just took my clubs for the first time and played Hobble Creek just outside of Provo, Ut..Great course and what a view. Well spent time on a layover...

 

[2000flyer]

I've been fortunate enough to play some great courses in Palm Springs CA, Rifle CO, and other places around the country. Most if not all have been "show and play" as someone in the company has a membership at one of the courses and we're invited guests. Wish I were able to do it more often. This year with my schedule I've been lucky to get out once every 4-6 weeks and my game shows it.

BE200Pilot is correct. Many small towns have absolutely fantastic courses at very LOW prices. In my hometown, the cheapest you'll get out on the course on the weekend with a cart will be $39. There are a few public courses around here that will set you back a cool $75 for a round on the weekend. However, I've played public country clubs in Podunk Nowhere and the course is equal to, if not better than a high priced local course. Top that off with a green fee of $24 for 18 and a cart and you can't go wrong!

Always ask at the FBO your using for local golf course info. Many might even have free or discounted prices. It never hurts to ask!

Regards,
2000Flyer

 

[TriStar_drvr]

I used to play on layovers at Champaign IL, and Lexington KY when I worked at Trans States. Had the hotel van drop me off at the University course on the way from the airport. In Lexington we stayed in an old hotel that had it's own golf course. Just walk out the back door and you were there. Carried my clubs in the baggage pod of the J32.

I play some on layovers now, some times on the military bases we fly into. I rent clubs though, because it's so inconvenient to try to carry my own with me.

When I was a reserve FO based in Santa Barbara, I hardly ever flew, so I played all afternoon on my reserve days at a course next to the airport. I play some at a course just south of the runways in Seattle. Last time I played there, I met an Alaska pilot (the ALPA bag tag gave him away) on reserve who said it beats sitting around the crash pad.

 

[HAZ-MAT]

tiger tiger woods ya'll
tiger woods 2003 is a good golf game

 

[njcapt]

I play some at a course just south of the runways in Seattle. Last time I played there, I met an Alaska pilot (the ALPA bag tag gave him away) on reserve who said it beats sitting around the crash pad.

I just saw that course for the first time this week. It looked like you could walk there from the Wyndham, but I wasn't sure. Do they rent decent clubs and have reasonable green fees? I'm stuck there over labor day for 32 hours and would love to get in a good, beer soaked round.

I flew with a Captain who wanted to play on one night of a five day trip, so he went to the ticket counter and checked his clubs to our overnight destination each morning. On day four when he was going to play it was 45 degrees and raining in DFW so no golf. I couldn't believe the clubs actually showed up each night. Definitely not worth it.

I did get the chance to play a bizarre 18 hole course just short of the 28L approach lights at PIT on the fourth of July. No sand, little water, but unfreakin believable hills (mountains?). This Bonaire course had a par 3 205 yards that went 100 yards down and 175 yards up to the green. I got about half the way up the hill on my drive (yeah, I hit the three wood) and was left with a 50 yard shot that needed to get 75 yards up. I pretty much had the course to myself, and was able to rent decent clubs, get a cart and on the course for $63. Played 18 in 2 1/2 hours and had the hotel van pick me up just as the t-storms moved in. Nice round all the way.

 

[corp_da20_guy]

Golfing

Although we usually don't sit very long in one place (arrive late afternoon then depart next morning) at least once or twice a month a trip comes along that I can bring the clubs along and get in either 9 or 18. Works out great! Sure beats sitting in the hotel! Happy flying!

 

[acrobaticals]

I've never golfed, kinda hard with CFI pay and all!