"Earlier this week, my son and his friend played 18 holes. Before they set out, I specifically asked about what he was wearing — black Nike shorts — and was told this was acceptable. Based on this, they enjoyed their game without issue.

Today, however, when he returned wearing grey Nike bottoms, he was turned away. He came home, changed into the same black Nike shorts he had worn earlier in the week, and yet was still refused entry. When I called to query this, I was told that he had simply “got lucky” last time.

With respect, if your course prides itself on its dress code, then it is only fair that a clear and consistent standard is communicated and upheld. It should not come down to being “lucky.” If guidance had been properly given from the outset, my son would not have been turned away twice.

What is frustrating is that even after this was explained to the manager by another parent, my son was still not permitted to play. From my perspective, this suggests inconsistency in how your rules are applied, and creates the impression that they are enforced selectively.

My son and his friend could have gone to another local course — we live close to Cranham, for example — but they chose Mardyke because of the positive experience earlier in the week. Unfortunately, that has now been undermined.

Seems as though the staff at Mardyke have quite the reputation for not being helpful as does the manager.

REPLYING

Thank you for your reply. However, let me be very clear: the tee time had nothing to do with why my son was turned away — it was entirely about the dress code.

Earlier in the week, I phoned to check what he was wearing would be acceptable, and was told it was fine. He played 18 holes without issue. Today, wearing the same clothing, he was refused. That is inconsistency, regardless of what is written on your signs.

What I do not appreciate is the fact that you were happy to take his money when it suited you, yet later claimed he had only been “lucky.” Standards should not change depending on who is on duty or how busy the course is. If rules are to be upheld, they should be applied consistently to everyone, not selectively.

Unfortunately, not many can have the same opinion and all be wrong. The bad review wouldn’t have been left had you not been selective in what can be worn when and as it suites you as a club.

With all due respect, you didn’t think he was ever returning did you? We will stick to those that don’t bend the rules when it’s suites them.

Lastly despite your accusations and assumptions it wasn’t my child that swore.

But ask yourself was he wrong ?
Many thanks"

Terri Croft

"Avoid here if you haven’t got a zip on your trousers!

Was refused entry to the first tee box by the starting warden despite wearing recognised golf branded trousers (Druids).

Had travelled 2 hours with friends for a Sunday round, so had no other option to go into the pro shop to buy a pair of their very limited selection of trousers that would be deemed acceptable by the warden. Not really an extra £70 I wanted to spend.

Will not be coming back unless the course choose to make it right."

Ewan Dance

"Appalled by the service received at this golf course, we arrived on Sunday morning with members for our tee time but were turned away due to inappropriate clothing… we were wearing Druids golf trousers but due to them not having a fly we were not dressed appropriately. The member we was playing with was distinctively wearing cargo shorts a hoodie and trainers and that was deemed acceptable but because Druids make “cheap rubbish trousers” we weren’t allowed to play.

Other members overheard this and was just as shocked as us. This is utterly ridiculous and they missed out on at least £150 of green fees because we didn’t have a Zip. My advice avoid this place and play somewhere with better service and a better golf course… Joke!"

Oakley Hodges