Would you like to be Club Captain?

Wichita Lineman

Just wondering would anyone on here would actually like to be Club Captain one day?

slave1

Na, commitment level too much, was Captain of a Dublin based work society once and that took a rake of time organising outings, sponsors etc.
Good luck and thanks to those who take the plunge however...

Kevinmarkham

No, nope, definitely not. As Slave1 says - commitment is huge. I've not been on committees or councils or team management at my home club, so I'd never 'qualify' anyway.

Senecio

Perhaps when I'm retired I'd like to give back to my club. But now I just don't have the time to do the position justice.

slave1

Why have the poll results hidden?

Wichita Lineman

Sorry I didn't realise I had hidden it. Not very good at polls obviously. Can any of the mods unhide it for me I wonder?

Wichita Lineman

In the meantime here's how its going.

Yes, I'd absolutely love it. 3 votes 15.00%
No, never in a million years. 14 votes 70.00%
Maybe, if they asked me nicely. 3 votes 15.00%
Been there, done that, worn the blazer. 0 votes 0%

Dbu

If I was retired ...maybe otherwise no

Senna

No way in hell, I'd offer to do other committee jobs but not captain.

charlieIRL

Wichita Lineman wrote: »

Sorry I didn't realise I had hidden it. Not very good at polls obviously. Can any of the mods unhide it for me I wonder?

Should be visible there again now.

As for club captain, not sure. I'd love to help out more at my club if time permitted but its just not possible at the moment. Something I'd love to do when the kids are older though.

thoscon

I'm currently captain of my club, while it is very time consuming it can also be very rewarding and I've really enjoyed my year
I'm lucky that my job is only 10 mins from the course so I can fly over most days to take care of whatever has to be done
We've about 300 members in total so my job wouldn't be a hectic as say a captain of a club with say 700 members

JIdontknow

thoscon wrote: »

I'm currently captain of my club, while it is very time consuming it can also be very rewarding and I've really enjoyed my year
I'm lucky that my job is only 10 mins from the course so I can fly over most days to take care of whatever has to be done
We've about 300 members in total so my job wouldn't be a hectic as say a captain of a club with say 700 members

Could you give me (Im sure there are others curious too) an idea of what exactly it entails? Do you spend much time behind the scenes during the week sorting and organising things? Have you had to put your hand in your own pocket much towards prizes or other things (With the exception of Captains prize which I presume you have to sort some prizes for)? Any other obligations etc?

Genuinely curious what is involved and the commitment for the year, while it is a big obligation and commitment, I am sure it's also a nice honour to do it, also knowing its just for the year (With the few exceptions).

AGC

No thanks, have been involved in committees before and that was enough!

Norfolk Enchants_

You'd never actually realise it by some of the cynical answers on here, but being a Captain of your club or society is an honour and should be treasured, can never understand how some people view it as anything else.

Kevinmarkham

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

You'd never actually realise it by some of the cynical answers on here, but being a Captain of your club or society is an honour and should be treasured, can never understand how some people view it as anything else.

They're not cynical answers. They're opinions from people who realise what a task it is to be captain, how much time it consumes and the responsibilities involved. It is indeed an honour to be Captain, but that doesn't mean we all want to do it

Norfolk Enchants_

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

They're not cynical answers. They're opinions from people who realise what a task it is to be captain, how much time it consumes and the responsibilities involved. It is indeed an honour to be Captain, but that doesn't mean we all want to do it

Sure, sure, Kev, you're not just being a cynic, you're being a realist right;).

Ollieboy

I would be delighted to be captain of my club and would see it as a great honor. But I would only do it when I'm retire and can enjoy it, so 27 years to wait. I know the lads I play with think the same and plan to get involved in the future.

I'm currently the Treasurer of my club and we have about 700+ members, so it does involve a bit of work, but enjoyable and my skill sets suit the job. The staff in the office take care of most things.

Most people on our committee enjoy doing the job and take pride in the club and like to see the club improve each year.

Mantis Toboggan

I'd love to have my captains jacket and my own car parking space but 37 years until retirement age so hopefully then although I'm not sure if it will be cars we will be parking.

Kevinmarkham

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

Sure, sure, Kev, you're not just being a cynic, you're being a realist right;).

In a roundabout way, I'm saying that the thought of being Captain terrifies me! I'd never want that level of responsibility.

Norfolk Enchants_

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

In a roundabout way, I'm saying that the thought of being Captain terrifies me! I'd never want that level of responsibility.

That's fair enough Kev, at least that's being honest and I think we can all relate to that, and it's only natural to be get the jitters, it shows you care;).

thoscon

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

You'd never actually realise it by some of the cynical answers on here, but being a Captain of your club or society is an honour and should be treasured, can never understand how some people view it as anything else.

I agree
It's a big honour to be captain and I'll treasure this year, kinda almost don't want it to end

thoscon

JIdontknow wrote: »

Could you give me (Im sure there are others curious too) an idea of what exactly it entails? Do you spend much time behind the scenes during the week sorting and organising things? Have you had to put your hand in your own pocket much towards prizes or other things (With the exception of Captains prize which I presume you have to sort some prizes for)? Any other obligations etc?

Genuinely curious what is involved and the commitment for the year, while it is a big obligation and commitment, I am sure it's also a nice honour to do it, also knowing its just for the year (With the few exceptions).

I'm probably there most days sorting out something or other .
Our club is owner ran so I am in constant communication with him
I'm very hands on so I'm involved in everything from doing results, looking aftter timesheets, social media, organising competitions etc, the clubs finances is the only things I'm not involved in
Only time I've to put my hand in my pocket towards prizes Is for my own day

I disagree with the idea that a captain should be a retired gentleman who has time, I'm 38 myself but I've plenty of ideas and enthusiasm for the job and love doing it

stockdam

Although it would be a great honour I just wouldn't have the time. I was Captain of a society and that was a big drain on time which affected my game.

Kingswood Rover

yea, i have thought about this but all the jackets with badges malarkey and parking in that privileged space does not sit easily with me. i sit on our committee and i know the effort all of us put in but you can double or even triple that for a Captain and like a lot of us our work and family commitments do not allow time to do justice to the role. i love the game, trying to improve and the friends i make along the way, sitting on the committee i have become really interested on how the course is maintained idea's to improve it and promoting the club. Yea maybe but the car spaces are gone and i am wearing my Harrington jacket to all do's.

downthemiddle

Kingswood Rover wrote: »

yea, i have thought about this but all the jackets with badges malarkey and parking in that privileged space does not sit easily with me. i sit on our committee and i know the effort all of us put in but you can double or even triple that for a Captain and like a lot of us our work and family commitments do not allow time to do justice to the role. i love the game, trying to improve and the friends i make along the way, sitting on the committee i have become really interested on how the course is maintained idea's to improve it and promoting the club. Yea maybe but the car spaces are gone and i am wearing my Harrington jacket to all do's.

So that's a yes !!!

Kingswood Rover

downthemiddle wrote: »

So that's a yes !!!

In 10 its a maybe

Rikand

Yes. Would love it. When I'm retired

bustercherry

thoscon wrote: »

I'm probably there most days sorting out something or other .
Our club is owner ran so I am in constant communication with him
I'm very hands on so I'm involved in everything from doing results, looking aftter timesheets, social media, organising competitions etc, the clubs finances is the only things I'm not involved in
Only time I've to put my hand in my pocket towards prizes Is for my own day

I disagree with the idea that a captain should be a retired gentleman who has time, I'm 38 myself but I've plenty of ideas and enthusiasm for the job and love doing it

So really your just interfering in another member of the committee's role or annoying the owner?

IMO if your going to have a captain, then they should have nothing to do with do with competitions, time sheets etc.... All it does is lead to perception of favouritism. Ultimately it's a bogus popularity contest which the winner should have no real responsibility.

Boskowski

Not at all. Ever. I've been doing some committee work not in the golf club but in similar environment and I tell you its nothing but grief. You can't do right with people no matter what. You could dish out free €50 notes in the morning and someone will complain. Just couldn't do it.

Armchair Andy

Boskowski wrote:

Not at all. Ever. I've been doing some committee work not in the golf club but in similar environment and I tell you its nothing but grief. You can't do right with people no matter what. You could dish out free €50 notes in the morning and someone will complain. Just couldn't do it.

Sorry, take nothing less than €100s.

Ollieboy

thoscon wrote: »

I'm probably there most days sorting out something or other .
Our club is owner ran so I am in constant communication with him
I'm very hands on so I'm involved in everything from doing results, looking aftter timesheets, social media, organising competitions etc, the clubs finances is the only things I'm not involved in
Only time I've to put my hand in my pocket towards prizes Is for my own day

I disagree with the idea that a captain should be a retired gentleman who has time, I'm 38 myself but I've plenty of ideas and enthusiasm for the job and love doing it

I would just rather do it when I'm retired and give 100% to it and enjoy the year. Most people I know when they did it would say the same thing, being around the club to meet people most days is a very important part of the job.

Your also meant to get free green fees in other clubs, but not all clubs offer it.

Different clubs have different roles for captains depending on the size and set-up, but in our club we would have other people looking after Handicaps, Comps, Purchase of Prizes etc. Our Captain would never be expect to fund any event or contributed to prizes for his capt's day event. His main role is to be available for prize days, team events and meet new members to the club. We then hold an annual dinner to honor his work in the club during the dinner where he invites his family. And yes, he gets his own parking space, but we only allow 3 people have parking spaces at the club, both Capt's and Chairman. Most times they refuse to use it and they aren't in great locations to be honest.

Our President would actually run the Mens' Club and our Chairman of the Joint Committee would run the club along with Sec & Treasurer, so our Captain doesn't get involve in the office or any other functions. It seems to work very well.

Seve OB

I would love it. I have loved being Captain this year for the boards society.

Club is obviously very different and would demand a lot more, but there are large committees there to give dig outs.

I have not gotten involved in my own club at all because as other say, time is a factor. I live and work far way from my home club so it is not feasible, but I disagree that you need to wait till you retire.

If I worked and lived close by, I would definitely like to get involved at a committee level to begin with and see how it pans out from there.

downthemiddle

Kingswood Rover wrote: »

In 10 its a maybe

You can try on my jacket and see if it fits.

Kingswood Rover

downthemiddle wrote: »

You can try on my jacket and see if it fits.

Is it a Harrington or Ted Baker?

downthemiddle

Kingswood Rover wrote: »

Is it a Harrington or Ted Baker?

Aren't you the fussy beggar?

Kingswood Rover

downthemiddle wrote: »

Aren't you the fussy beggar?

i likes me clobber....I remember a pal of mine in the Fruit trades Golfing society a few years back saying to me...he had been the Captain of one of the well known club in Dublin the year previous to our conversation that he had eaten out at functions 150 or so nights in his Captains year, that's some commitment, yes it might be great for the 1st couple of months novelty factor but there is only so much prawn cocktail followed by confit of duck and baileys cheesecake that a person can take. It may well be the bigger the club or indeed the more prestigious the more hours one may have to put in. The health implications also have to be weighed off, the possible weight gain through copious amounts of free grub and constant toll on your mental health through disgruntled members of your family complaining of the many absences the job necessitates versus the boost to your self esteem from doing the damn job in the first place. If you have the chance to do this you have to let your family know what it will entail and get their blessing and backing before you accept. if that's not forthcoming forget it.

Domo1982

Kingswood Rover wrote: »

i likes me clobber.

Not enough to know that Harrington is a style of jacket ,Ted Baker is a brand:):pac::pac:

Rikand

Seve OB wrote: »

I would love it. I have loved being Captain this year for the boards society.

Club is obviously very different and would demand a lot more, but there are large committees there to give dig outs.

I have not gotten involved in my own club at all because as other say, time is a factor. I live and work far way from my home club so it is not feasible, but I disagree that you need to wait till you retire.

If I worked and lived close by, I would definitely like to get involved at a committee level to begin with and see how it pans out from there.

You don't NEED to wait till you retire, but it would be advisable. The Captain for most clubs is a huge commitment if you want to do it right. You do need to be around the club most days of the week. There's a lot of administration work, meetings, general meet and greets, that sort of thing that really does require a bit of time to work through. it's not something to be taken lightly.

But yes, you can do committee level stuff while working. In fact, I would encourage anyone to do it

I have been Public Relations Officer, Competition Secretary and I have been involved in the handicap committee as well. I'm still currently helping out with competitions and look after a couple of competitions during the winter period. I plan to keep my toe in the door even after my new arrival appears in December. When you're not the main man with the figurehead title, it's easy to keep a toe in the door and everyone should do it for a few years if they can. Give back to the club that has given so much to you

slave1

Rikand wrote: »

... I plan to keep my toe in the door even after my new arrival appears in December...

Congrats, best of luck!

Is it still true that club captains get complimentary green fees from other clubs?

Kingswood Rover

Domo1982 wrote: »

Not enough to know that Harrington is a style of jacket ,Ted Baker is a brand:):pac::pac:

I Do actually, its just that i have a couple of lovely Ted Baker tennisers.

charlieIRL

............and we're back on topic thanks..............

Kingswood Rover

Do captains have to pay an annual sub in the year of their office?

Rikand

Kingswood Rover wrote: »

Do captains have to pay an annual sub in the year of their office?

Generally, no.

slave1 wrote: »

Congrats, best of luck!

Is it still true that club captains get complimentary green fees from other clubs?

Generally, yes. Some clubs decline to do this, but most places still do. There's various junkets for captains and that sort of thing around the place

Ollieboy

Rikand wrote: »

Generally, no.



Generally, yes. Some clubs decline to do this, but most places still do. There's various junkets for captains and that sort of thing around the place

same reply in relation to club, plus they can take one extra member in free.

slave1

Kingswood Rover wrote: »

Do captains have to pay an annual sub in the year of their office?

This effectively reflects their outlay for their Captain's Prize

Seve OB

slave1 wrote: »

This effectively reflects their outlay for their Captain's Prize

I don't think captains have to personally fund the prize. At least I bloody well hope not when it was €25 to enter this year!

thoscon

Seve OB wrote: »

I don't think captains have to personally fund the prize. At least I bloody well hope not when it was €25 to enter this year!

In our club the captains have to buy the first price

yettie1701

It's a job I would hate personally. I think you need a certain type of personality to be a good captain. Somebody who roles with the punches and has very diplomatic disposition fits the bill. And that ain't me I'm afraid. Fair play to anybody who does it they generally have the best intrest of the club at heart

The real Grizzly Adams

thoscon wrote: »

I'm probably there most days sorting out something or other .
Our club is owner ran so I am in constant communication with him
I'm very hands on so I'm involved in everything from doing results, looking aftter timesheets, social media, organising competitions etc, the clubs finances is the only things I'm not involved in
Only time I've to put my hand in my pocket towards prizes Is for my own day

I disagree with the idea that a captain should be a retired gentleman who has time, I'm 38 myself but I've plenty of ideas and enthusiasm for the job and love doing it

I would go as far as to say that thoscon has raised the bar as Captain, he's more than a figurehead like some Captain's, I'd liken him to a Mary Robinson,Mary Mcaleese or Michael D Higgins. He's very hands on unlike a Patrick Hillery & he's modest too, his extra duties & workload haven't affected his golf, he practically has The GOY in the bag with only the September medal to go