Golf with your dog

Golf with your dog? Of course it is possible! Let's discover together the story of Frédérique and her dog Paco who have been playing golf together for a few months. Frédérique shares her best tips for successful golf games with her dog. Personally, I've never played golf with my dog, but the experience of our two Wouafer's made me want to try a game with Musher.

Frédérique lives with her husband and children, and for a year, Paco has also been part of the family! Frédérique and her family adopted Paco from a shelter. They immediately fell in love with his pretty face and also learned about his funny crossing: rottweiler et Caniche ! Paco is now 16 months old and he is very happy with this great family. He is a nice dog, very well-behaved at home, and he is followed by a dog trainer to improve his behavior outside. Thanks to his educator, he is making progress every day and can now accompany Frédérique on the golf course!

Frédérique takes long walks in the forest with her dog. Paco loves to sniff around to follow the tracks of animals that have been there.

Frédérique has been playing golf for 6 years. It's an activity she shares with her husband, and now with her dog too. The couple practice golf in competition and Paco is present during training. 

I leave the floor to Frédérique, she will tell us how the golf games are going with her dog.

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Paco is a big dog who needs activity, so it seemed quite logical to share our rounds of golf with him. Indeed, a game of 9 holes lasts about 2 hours. Enough to let off steam mentally and physically,

for the dog as for me! For now, we are going gradually. Paco does not accompany us on the 18-hole course. It's still too difficult for him, who is a young dog, because it's equivalent to about 4 hours of effort and concentration.

As far as the equipment to take for golf with his dog is concerned, it's very simple: He needs his billy, water and its leave alone, because dogs are allowed on the course provided they are attached. 

We attach Paco's leash to the cart in order to have our hands free. When we have to hit the ball, we ask him to “sit” or “down” then “stay still” otherwise he will run after the ball!! It's a good way to work on your control and concentration.

If you want to golf with your dog, find out beforehand whether or not your golf club allows dogs on the golf course, and under what conditions. Indeed, dogs are not allowed on all golf courses.

We play on the Arnouville courseIn the department of Seine-Maritime, and dogs are welcome. The director is even thinking of organizing a cani-cup. This is a competition in which you must be accompanied by your dog! That would be awesome 🙂 Arnouville golf course is really dog ​​friendly, I recommend it!

The rules to follow when taking your dog golfing are as follows:

• Keep him on a leash for the comfort of the players and his own safety.

• Pick up droppings.

• Be careful that he does not bark untimely.

• Be careful what he might eat or drink because there are pesticides in the grass.

• Forbid the dog to walk on the greens, in the bunkers and on the tees.

• Make sure he doesn't disturb playing partners.

Since we took our dog to golf, no more lost balls! Paco is indeed a very good tracker.

Don't take your dog golfing:

• when it's too hot. Indeed, he would risk catching a heat stroke if he stayed several hours in direct sunlight.

• when he is tired. Golf is a sporting activity for the dog too, and you should avoid taking it when it is already tired or sore from an outing the day before. 

• when he is sick. Obviously, when your dog is sick he must rest, and not make too much effort so there is no question of taking him in these conditions.

Going to golf is possible for all dogs, whether large or small, provided they are in good health. Indeed, it is not possible for a dog in poor health to play the golf course with his human partner. On an 18-hole course, you can walk 10 kilometers, uphill or downhill! 

The first few times we took Paco, even though we only did 9 holes, he was sore the next day. You really have to go gradually and above all not forget the bowl of water. Like us, the dog needs training.

Some QUALIDOG-certified holiday accommodations also have a golf course that welcomes dogs! So you can enjoy these prestigious establishments before a round of golf with your dog 😉 I'm referring to:

• theDomaine du Roncemay Hotel, in Burgundy: rooms, gourmet restaurant and 18-hole dog-friendly golf course, with spa and swimming pool, surrounded by nature on the wine route;
• le Village Souillac Golf & Country ClubIn the Lot region: lodges, restaurant and 18-hole golf course accepting dogs, with several outdoor swimming pools and beautiful walks in the surrounding area.

We play golf with our dog only at Arnouville golf club, which I told you about a little before but I have but I have already tested other dog-friendly golf courses, such as the golf country club of Villeneuve-sur-Lot. I met a lot of players there accompanied by their dogs: labrador, French bulldog, Jack Russel, Golden retriever, fox terrier...

It's a course that we like very much, in a very beautiful region, so we will return there with Paco once his education is finished. But for now, we are continuing to educate our dog in our Arnouville golf club, where the atmosphere is family friendly and where Paco is well integrated.

Now you know everything about playing golf with your dog! If you too have already played golf with your dog, fill in the dog-friendly routes on the website so that other Wouafer's can benefit from it.

Of course, if you have any additional questions about playing golf with your dog, you can contact Frédérique via her account. Instagram @paco.clp