Free golf for military personnel
Course opens its tees to serving soldiers
Posted: 16 November 2009
by Bob Warters
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Rutland County Golf Club
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A golf club in Rutland is offering the armed forces free use of its course in recognition of the efforts of local servicemen.
Rutland County Golf Club - just east of the A1 northbound - launched a scheme this week which will allow RAF, Army and Navy personnel to play for free at its 18-hole course any day after 11am. The offer runs until January and could be extended if it proves a success.
Bases in the area include St George's Barracks, North Luffenham, home to the 16th Regiment Royal Arrtillery, RAF Cottesmore, which operates four Harrier squadrons and RAF Wittering, which supports Joint Force Harrier operations and other RAF units.
A club spokesperson said: "Many of our members have served in the military and our director served in the RAF for 25 years, so we feel a strong bond with the armed forced locally.
" Everyone is aware of the work that goes into raising money for charities such as 'Help the Heroes' but there are many military personal who don't suffer physical injury while on active duty in war zones around the world but who play an important role here at home. They deserve recognition for their contribution to our national security."
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Tiger with his mother and wife Elin and daughter Sam in front of a statue of himself and his father.
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The club says that only experienced golfers will be able to play on the main course at Rutland County but all serving military personnel can use the adjoining par-3 course. Golf tuition will also be available at discounted rates.
Earlier this year Tiger Woods, son of special forces soldier, the late Lt Col Earl Woods, paid tribute to service personnel.
"I grew up in a military family - and my role models in life were my Mom and Dad. I saw first hand the dedication and commitment of those who serve. They come from every walk of life. From every part of our country. Time and again, across generations, they have defended our safety in the dark of night and far from home.
"I am honoured that the military is such an important part, not just of my personal life, but of my professional one as well. I am the son of a man who dedicated his life to his country, family and the military, and I am a better person for it."
Tell us on the forum: Is your local golf course providing similar facilities for servicemen and women? Should special cases be made for our service personnel? Is golf the best sport to help rehabilitate them from trauma or injury? Tell us your experiences.
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Discuss this story
No When you apply to do ANY job there are a list of requirements and a list of benefits, why should this little add on be given to the military? Answer There is no reason why (The arguement that they are fighting for the country doesnt hold water) reason being they CHOSE to do this. In this situation you would ask why are nurses who help the countries sick or administrators who prevent chaos within the country given this opportunity. The answer is they applied to do a job with a list of benefits a list of requirments and a wage, if anyone wants to go play they shoud pay. Fair to everyone and simple.
Posted: 16/11/2009 14:33
I think it would be preferable if our government simply paid soldiers better, then let them choose whether to spend that money on golf or anything else. I have huge respect for the military, but living only 5 miles from the country's biggest marine barracks, I must admit I'd be a little miffed if I couldn't get on my own course because it was full of people playing for nothing. There would certainly have to be a limit or a certain number of tee times per day (or per hour), and personally I think a concessionary rate (say half or even a quarter the price) would make more sense: people appreciate something they have to pay even a small amount for, more than something they get free. However, I would also give ex-servicemen who were seriously wounded in action greatly reduced membership fees - say at junior rates. There are so many amputees, for example, coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan: young physical men (mainly) who usually love sport and thrive on adrenaline, and golf is one of the sports most able to offer them genuine meaningful competition.
Posted: 16/11/2009 14:55
I used to be a member at Wooton Bassett GC (Now called The Wiltshire) We used to have plenty of RAF members who did nowt but play golf all day... ...wow - how that has changed. Anyone on R&R from active service should be given free access... I'd even pay their green fee!
Posted: 16/11/2009 15:16
I don't have a problem with it, the more we can do for them the better as far as I'm concerned. As for the above argument "That's their job"..........what a load of crap!
Posted: 16/11/2009 15:24
I'm all for it - we should honour our servicemen and women in anyway possible. Sad thing is, every time we (the public) does it, it seems to be one less responsibility that the government gets out of. As for UKLD's argument - well it's embarassing. They didn't chose to go to Iraq or Afghanistan, and dependent on which point of view you take, could have been deemed a wild goose chase.
Posted: 16/11/2009 15:31
I'm all for it - we should honour our servicemen and women in anyway possible. Sad thing is, every time we (the public) does it, it seems to be one less responsibility that the government gets out of. As for UKLD's argument - well it's embarassing. They didn't chose to go to Iraq or Afghanistan, and dependent on which point of view you take, could have been deemed a wild goose chase.
Spot on Tricky.
Posted: 16/11/2009 15:42
MTP - The services have all kinds of arrangements at many clubs near their bases, some actually have cheap membership deals and the guys are actively encouraged to particiapte in as much "club life" as possible. Other's buy so many "memberships" and then they are payed for by the individuals similar to a green fee paying arrangement, similar to the deal you refer to. I was lucky enough to have a membership @ Trevose when stationed down in Cornawall on this kind of deal. We also had a deal @ Burford & Wrag Barn when I was @ Brize Norton. As Ian said the guys @ Lyneham have deals for Wiltshire, Bowood, Castle Coombe. A typically embarassing comment from UKLD, at least he got through a whole post without boring us to death about long drive or try to flog some crap balls or a radar........small mercies.
Posted: 16/11/2009 15:49
It's about time the British Forces start to get behind their VETS and serving military. The US has been offering this to their Armed Forces for years. We as a nation should also reward these boys, men and women for going to war on our behalf. Try to book a holiday, hotel, car hire, in fact almost anything on a US website and there is always a discounted price for the military. As an ex British Army wife for 15 years I know first hand what the families also have to contend with, it's not easy. I also worked for US Military Banking in Germany for 7 of those years and the two Armies don't even come close in perks and national respect. UKLD - You have no idea what you are talking about and I suggest you talk to some of these young men and women who have served and see if your ignorance can be improved upon, your post amazed me.
Posted: 16/11/2009 16:44
Sorry IT IS their job! I do not disagree that the pay may be poor but it is what it is and its a choice to join the forces with the opportunities and risks that come with it. You can be as outraged as you want about this! The popular choice is to trot out the "Oh isnt that terrible, give them it" but explain to me why everyone else should pay and soliders not? Damn is the army meant to be a lads weekend, assualt course in the Sunshine followed by a big piss up? What the adverts about the fun are not true? Well F me what a pisser - I though i was off to the sun for an extended stag do - my god we have to do a bit of what we are trained for? That is terrible we should at least get free golf! BS EVERYONE who works should get paid a fair wage and then choose what to buy. I dont see how you can distinguish between groups who should or should not get this, the easiest way is to pay a fair wage and let people choose what to spend their wages on. Who else? So why soliders why not Firemen? or x,y and z I WOULD PUT THE unpaid volunteers at the RNLI above paid soldiers on any such list. I knew this topic would be controversial and it is no surprise that a lot of people flock around over the same easy answer. Bring it on I should point out I have 2 helicpoter pilots in my house just now, Italians who trained with the US airforce and work in the South of Italy (now with the coastgaurd), so dont give me the "You dont know what you are talking about" i have relatives currently serving and I play football with serving soliders also. The military is no picnic but dont get excited about me not pitying people that serve! I think you will find a fair wage would be preferred to free golf as i said who else gets free golf?
Posted: 16/11/2009 16:54
No one is disputing that the other essential services don't deserve a better wage but these other services don't all leave their loved ones for 4-6 months at a time to do their jobs. (Even in peace time). The military risk their lives going to war. Most firemen have other jobs and firefighting is a part time job so not their only wage. The military do not get overtime of any sort. They are officially paid for 23 hours and 59 minutes per day. I would like to bet that if it wasn't for our armed services, you wouldn't be here UKLD.
Posted: 16/11/2009 17:01
Ok, without it being personal.... A choice - 1) Go out in rough seas or 2) Go to war I am a card carrying member of the RNLI (why the State doesnt fund this is beyond me) and I have had many dealing with the volunteers.... wonderful folk all.... ...but really, I'd take my chances in a boat well designed for the purpose, everytime! And yes, Kenny is right - it is their choice, and they get paid.... and they know the deal... in my book that makes them EVEN more worthy of my respect, not less. You are welcome to join me in Wootton Bassett one afternoon....forget what the trendies try and tell you. Respect, Love and Pride in the Forces is alive and well in North Wilts....
Posted: 16/11/2009 17:06
The Engineers built my nearest muni years ago so of course they should get a discount. In fact, I,m with those that feel the Military should get discounts all over, those that choose to risk their lives for others are worth everything they get..and more. This country is full of whingers and scroungers, willing to do nothing for their fellow man so leave those who don'tcare to it and reward those who do give, and are prepared to give the ultimate sacrifice.
Posted: 16/11/2009 17:15
The club where I play offers discounts to naval personnel and this has been a very long standing arrangemen, Yeovilton Naval Airbase is nearby. I do not know the exact details but I know it does not extend to free golf. We also have an arrangement for the police.
Posted: 16/11/2009 17:33
UKLD, as A retired fireman, I still think you are spouting rubbish. I served in the Fire Brigade in London and Glasgow, got into some tight situations, but would NEVER put myself in the same bracket as the men and women in the forces. That IS their job, they put themselves on the line every day (for folk like you), so they deserve any backing they get. In the Fire Brigade, if something is too dangerous, you don't do it.........In the forces you don't have the choice. The vast majority of public service personel would agree with this, so get some facts before you start spouting. As for America, I believe UK Armed Forces also get discounted prices at Seaworld, Universal etc. This country should take note.
Posted: 16/11/2009 17:36
I welcome the idea and as stated before, I would happily pay their green fee and be honoured to play a round of golf with any of these very brave serving men or women. Sure, they volunteered to join the Forces and were probably caught up in the hype that Iraq and Afghanistan would be sorted quickly. Instead they are stuck doing a thankless task in a situation that they cannot win, simply because our great MP's will not admit that they got it all wrong. Go to any town in the UK and you can see the benfefit cheaters (not the genuine benefit receivers), who have not done a decent days work and have contributed nothing to society. Conscript them into the armed forces to justify their benefits but, heavens above, do not ask them to replace our brave skilled troops, but employ them in a menial supporting role very close to the action. To the troops who are on leave before they return to action, I think a few rounds of golf in the peaceful countryside in great company would help enormously. I just wish that my home course was near an armed forces establishment as I would be onto their CIC to arrange a few rounds. On a lighter note, if there are any golf courses in Iraq or Afghanistan, I bet that they have a few more bunkers then they had a few years ago!!
Posted: 16/11/2009 17:38
changed my mind i agree well argued! k
Posted: 16/11/2009 17:48
As BH said, here in NI, army personnel get a reduced rate. For private member clubs I think a concession is best, for local government run municipal courses I would supprt free golf. I respect the members right to have the final say though.
Posted: 16/11/2009 18:30
changed my mind i agree well argued! k
Kenny, What a cop out... Seriously, you had a valid point to argue and then after firing everyone up, wimped out..... Or was it a two post Troll....
Posted: 16/11/2009 19:32
The benefit scroungers, who only exist for their giros, are entitled to half price golf using their concessionary card. Why give them something for half price when they can't be arsed doing anything for their country. Now the men and women who serve their queen and country should be entitled to something better than these oxygen thieves get. But why stop at golf. Why not give them free everything?
Posted: 16/11/2009 20:59
I had an Uncle and Aunt (Mothers sister) over from The States recently and Ron (The Aunt) only kidding, was appalled at the way "WE" as a nation treated our war hero's. Ron compared the differences in the two countries and it's so wrong. WE, The UK are shit. But lets get realistic, guys sent home with "bits" missing would prefer the money than freebies at the local course....
Posted: 16/11/2009 21:21
I was in the Royal Navy for 7 plus years and played golf half way round the world for free back in the 90's as part of the scratch team. Do I think ALL military personnel should be given free golf whilst back in the UK, actually no I don't. HOWEVER, compared to the good ole US of A, the treatment of our Service personnel in this area, and after they retire, is shocking. What I would prefer to see is the government showing some commitment by subsidising things like golf fees so that the golf clubs receive full payment and the Service personnel still pay a small amount. ID cards after retirement is another area that needs to be overhauled, as the current rules are that on the day you retire you hand in your card and that's it, adios amigo. So a guy can serve for 20 or 30 years, but the day after he leaves he is gone, forgotten and just another civvie. So my suggestions are for all personnel to be able to have subsidised sports membership for the duration of their service, and to get a "retirees" ID card when they leave so that they can continue receiving benefits. They can post mine to 77.....
Posted: 16/11/2009 21:34
Yes I do While serving, that is. Could have so many credits to use up. I do not agree with the wars, and think the soilders should come home, before any more loss of life, injury. (Another debate) We should support the guys/girls on the ground, they are doing the best job possible under the circumstances. A few rounds of golf would not make much difference to a golf club, put a few ££ behind bar, and show these people that we care about them, unlike the government seams to be doing. Reading a good book "Sniper one" true account of peace keeping force in south Iraq, very difficult conditions to work in, a lot of stuff that never gets reported in News as to dangerous for them to be there. These guys are Heros, and the odd game of golf would not detract from the members at all, might even encourage soilders to join a club later in life, which must be a good thing.
Posted: 16/11/2009 21:53
I am really undecided about this, I served for 23 years. The biggest problems I faced were not being able to afford to play golf (although it was still a struggle), but being in one place long enough to gain membership or too busy to play sifficiently reap the benefits of any membership. In fact whilst based in the UK I only managed to join one club and probably on average only managed to play 3 times a month. Free golf would be a nice mark of respect for forces, but actually a warm welcome and a reduced green free would probably be easier to accept for most clubs and appreciated by most of the forces.
Posted: 17/11/2009 09:24
I'm (with) Spartacus. With all due respect to the unemployed members of this site (none of whom will I suspect, be unemployed long if they have any say in the matter), golf doesn't for me come on the list of basic human needs they should get at a discount. What kind of incentive to get back to work is it to make unemployment more fun? Perhaps what it needs is for military bases to be given (or for the government to buy them) an equivalent to those corporate memberships where you get a number of tee times per week, the let the base's sports officer organise who uses them.
Posted: 17/11/2009 10:20
Wouldn't it be a good idea if pensioners could be given free golf . . . particularly those who fought a long and bloody campaign in the 'financial' services. 
Posted: 17/11/2009 10:50
Pensioners should pay double, then we could employ a greenkeeper to follow them around repairing their pitchmarks. HP you havnt a clue about how pensioners play, we cant hit it high enough to make pitch marks, now divots thats a different matter !!
Ceertainly agree that retired people should pay more - they can use the course a lot morte than working people!!!
DiS. maybe, but we also put more over the bar than working people, it is us that keeps the club going during the winter, plus are you going to charge the juniors more during the summer ours play 36 and sometimes 54 holes a day during their school hols..
On a more serious note we already have a graduated subs scheme right up to 35 just to try keep working members with young kids etc as members SEE so retired are paying more!!!
And for service personnel SP
Posted: 17/11/2009 11:44
Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, Blackburn, Solihull, Stow on the Wold........in fact anywhere that our troops get SENT, I will still support them. The reasons behind them being there is open to a whole different debate, but the troops will still go there and carry out the task in the best way possible. If any of them break the law then they are dealt with by the police, exactly as you or I would be and they deserve all they get. In large service orientated areas they are also monitored by their own military police forces. Then on return to base the service guys will be punished again by their regiment or dept. Drunken brawling isn't the reserve of the forces, there are more than enough civilian "friday night commandos".
Posted: 17/11/2009 11:53
I suppose our boys need more support when they're being routinely blown to bits in a desert (or in the South Atlantic) than when they're going on free skiing holidays or defending places like Belize against a sudden upsurge of rum smuggling. It's even more important to emphasise that we wish our troops well when we're questioning the decisions of the politicians who sent and keep them there. That said, if I went into a pub and it was full of squaddies, I'd probably go elsewhere - not that I dislike them, just that we probably want different forms of entertainment in our evenings.
Posted: 17/11/2009 13:09
Where does this end? I'm fully behind help for heroes and appreciate what the soldiers go through on a daily basis. I don't agree with the war in Iraq not sure about Afganistan. But, at the end of the day there has been no forced consription into the armed forces during this period. Therefore everyone who is out there fighting actually signed up to be a soldier.....which may at the end of the day mean actually fighting in a war. The goverment does owe a duty of care to these brave men and women, which I don't feel their getting. But, why does this mean that they are entitled to a free game of golf, above a policeman/Fireman/Paramedic, etc.
Posted: 17/11/2009 15:58
But, why does this mean that they are entitled to a free game of golf, above a policeman/Fireman/Paramedic, etc.
Because the above don't live in a war zone 24hrs a day for 6 months (or however long a tour of duty is! ) and they earn less !! And the reason there isn't forced conscription into the armed forces is BECAUSE these guys volunteer otherwise it would me and you defending our shores (heaven forbid !!!). Anything to show our gratitude to the services should be shouted from the rooftops.
Posted: 17/11/2009 17:14
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