Ever Get Paired up With a Twosome Including a 2 Year Old?

[TapOut64]

I play well over 100 rounds per year so I play a lot by myself.  Today I got paired up with a twosome of which one of the guys had his 2 year old son with him?????  Kid would play in the bunkers but at times was so loud I had to delay my shot.  Luckily they only played 9 holes and I played the back 9 with the one guy who didn't have a kid and not surprisingly, after a 46 on the front 9 I shot a 38 on the back.  I didn't think that children that young were allowed on the golf course.  (Heron Ridge in Virginia Beach)   Is this normal?

[iacas]

34 minutes ago, TapOut64 said:

I play well over 100 rounds per year so I play a lot by myself.  Today I got paired up with a twosome of which one of the guys had his 2 year old son with him?????  Kid would play in the bunkers but at times was so loud I had to delay my shot.  Luckily they only played 9 holes and I played the back 9 with the one guy who didn't have a kid and not surprisingly, after a 46 on the front 9 I shot a 38 on the back.  I didn't think that children that young were allowed on the golf course.  (Heron Ridge in Virginia Beach)   Is this normal?

Did you say anything to him? Did the dad rake the bunkers? Ever tell his kid to be quiet?

It's not like it's against the law or something. I try to give the benefit of the doubt in situations like this (even if I do intend to complain about it later 😄).

[Maroon88]

It may have been the only way his wife would let him play..."take the 2-yr old with you so I can get some rest", or "peace and quiet"

I used to bring my son with me, though he was a older (around 8). But I always made sure he wasn't a distraction to other players.

I've also been paired up with guys who brought their young child and just take it in stride.  I'm just glad to be out there, playing, enjoying the weather and being outdoors.

[elementz]

Would hate to see an errant tee shot come into play...

[GolfLug]

No, not normal. Most come to the golf course to take a break from their two-year old toddlers. I would think this has to be once in a blue moon occurrence. I mean if it is that bad then you are entitled to break away from the duo. Highly doubt this was a prime tee time. 

[5amZ]

As a dad with two younger kids, I have had my kids on the course, only if I'm guaranteed to be playing alone. Otherwise I would be too worried about ruining someones round. Personally, I wouldn't care if someone brought their kid, even if they were a slight distraction, It might be the only time the parent could get out and play. 

[WUTiger]

Several years ago I got paired with a twosome of golfers, one of which had a maybe 5-year-old son with him.

The kid had a putter and a 7i with him, and on some holes he would drop a ball near the green, chip on, and putt.

If the kid started to get distracted, the dad would ask, "Do you need to rest?" The kid would nod yes, and then take his dad's seat riding in the cart for a couple of holes.

It was a slow day, and the kid was polite and friendly. We got through 18 just fine.

(If it had been a crowded course day, I'm sure it would have been less pleasant.)

[RickK]

I started taking my son with me when he was 2-1/2 but only with my regular group.  I asked before I started taking him if they were ok with it.  Everyone was ok with it and they let him ride with them often. And, they had permission to scold him if he was doing anything wrong.  I think the first time I took him and played with strangers he was almost 4.  By then, he knew golf etiquette and was very well behaved.  

If the father of the kid in question here did not take proper measures to control the kid...it is not the kid's fault.  The father should know better.  Being the type of person I am, I would have probably politely said something to the kid myself and if the father was not taking care of any mess he made in bunkers I would have definitely asked "Hey, you going to rake the mess he made? How would you like to land in there and have to play your next shot from there?"