Inviting someone to Highland for a round of golf is about more than simply adding their name to a tee time.
A great host makes the entire day feel effortless — from the moment a guest arrives to the moment they leave. And while golf is obviously the main event, it’s the little details before, during and after the round that can turn a good invitation into a memorable one.
So, if you're bringing a guest to the club, consider this your unofficial guide to getting it right.
First Things First: Know the Dress Code
Before your guest arrives, make sure they know what to wear.
It might feel like a small detail, but it can save your guest from an uncomfortable moment when they arrive and realize they're not dressed appropriately for the club.
Send them the dress expectations ahead of time. Let them know what is appropriate for the course and clubhouse, and when in doubt, encourage them to dress on the polished side.
Nobody wants their first impression of a private club to be, “Oops, I didn't know.”
A good host makes sure their guest feels prepared — not caught off guard.
Arrive With Time to Spare
Golf days are better when nobody is rushing.
Give yourself and your guests enough time to arrive, get settled and take care of anything you need before heading to the first tee.
And regardless of who is paying for the round, everyone should come into the Professional Shop to check in.
Whether you're covering the guest's round as a member or they've arranged to pay for themselves, checking in is part of arriving at the club and ensures everyone is ready to go before heading out.
It also gives your guests a chance to take a look around the shop — which, conveniently, is not the worst way to spend a few extra minutes before a round.
Introduce Your Guests
One of the easiest ways to make someone feel welcome?
Make sure they know who they're meeting.
Introduce your guests to the people they’ll be interacting with throughout the day, including the Starter before you tee off.
A quick hello goes a long way.
It helps your guests feel comfortable, gives them a better sense of how things work at the club and makes the experience feel much more personal.
Make It Feel Like Their Day, Too
Being a good host isn't about making sure everything goes perfectly.
It's about making sure your guest feels included.
If they're newer to the club or haven't played Highland before, take a moment to explain anything they might not know. Point out where to go, introduce them to people you know and don't assume they've already figured everything out.
And on the course, remember that not everyone plays the same way.
Some guests may be competitive. Others may be there primarily for the experience. Let the round be enjoyable rather than turning it into an unexpected test of golf ability.
A Little Highland Goes a Long Way
If you really want to make the day memorable, consider giving your guests a small token to take home.
A Highland logo'd golf ball or ball marker is a simple gesture, but it's a thoughtful one. It gives your guest something to remember the day by and adds a little personal touch to the invitation.
It doesn't need to be extravagant.
Sometimes the smallest details are the ones people remember.
And Then There's the 19th Hole
Don't rush the ending.
If the schedule allows, head back to the clubhouse after the round. Grab a drink, have something to eat and give everyone a chance to settle in.
The best golf days rarely end the moment the final putt drops.
They continue over conversations about the round, the shots everyone remembers and the ones everyone would prefer to forget.