Why Halfway Houses at Golf Courses Are Overrated

There are many instances in life where the idea of something is superior to reality. Golf is full of them despite this game being most rewarding when stripped to its basics without the added trappings of modern technology and gimmicks. But one thing that stands above the rest as inconsequential fluff is the existence of halfway houses.

Clearly, not every venue on the planet has the facilities or budget to host one of these little buildings that rest waiting patiently to supply you with a tasty beverage or bite to eat that will fuel you into action for the back nine. But many venues do feature them, particularly (but not exclusively) at higher-end clubs and resorts.

These buildings often have distinctive character and come in all manner of sizes and charming styles. Some of them have even become iconic, synonymous with the place itself. Sunningdale is one that springs instantly to mind. 

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(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

I've played several courses that notably had a watering hole, including Gleneagles, Castle Stuart, The Old Course at St Andrews, and Nairn, with each of them being a little oasis on a hot day or some respite from the chill of winter, but I have to admit that the concept of them leaves me feeling rather cold.

There's no doubt that a soothing drink of something fresh on a warm afternoon in summer can be welcome, likewise a coffee or tea when temperatures have plummeted, but I feel they break the momentum of a round and that these unnecessary pauses are best left for afterwards in the clubhouse when you have the freedom to fully reflect on your day.

Considering it more, the halfway houses that I am least in favour of are those that encourage golfers to have a seat and consume a light meal for ten minutes or so, whether it be a roll, sandwich, pie, or maybe even down a refreshment (sometimes of the alcoholic variety) before you head for home on the back half of the course.

The arguments in favour of them would be that it's effectively like an intermission at the theatre when you have time to take a breath after the first act and ready yourself for the second, but that feels like a natural break, whereas halfway houses (which often aren't even at the midpoint) are just arbitrary by comparison.

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Understandably, if you have spent good money to play a celebrated layout, you may wish to fully luxuriate and indulge in that experience, and sitting down for a period can extend the day a little further. 

However, I don't know about you, but I'm here for the golf, and don't want to see the rhythm of the round halted. We're here to play, shutting ourselves off from the outside world for a few glorious hours and sharing the memories of each hole and shots as we play them. 

The eating, drinking and reflections can wait till afterwards. If I wanted a drink or food, I would head to a pub or cafe, not the golf course. I don't believe that these worlds are ideally blended together - although I shall remain open to having the option of buying something light to go.

Many of you will disagree and think that I'm completely missing the point of what these facilities offer, and it wouldn't be the first time that my own instincts don't match with conventional wisdom or popular opinion. 

Halfway houses perhaps do have a place in the right context, the best among them are probably evidence of that, but they are mere window-dressing that I don't think would be noticed if they didn't exist. 

Think of all the courses you've played that don't have one, which is almost certainly the majority, and consider if, like me, you haven't once thought that the place would be enhanced if a wee hut serving booze, caffeinated beverages or savoury treats was there.

I'm far more keen to step straight onto the tenth tee ready to continue our round together.

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