We’re all for dogs on the golf course. Not every course and not every round, but where they’re allowed, bring your dog along. A walking round with a dog at your heel is about as good as golf gets: the pace slows down, nobody minds the bogey, and you stop staring at your phone between shots.
Be careful about it. A dog on the course is a guest, and so are you. Keep your dog on a leash, off the greens and out of the bunkers, pick up after them, and keep them quiet when someone’s hitting. Start with a short loop on a quiet evening before you try eighteen together. If the club says no dogs, it’s no dogs.
The British figured this out a long time ago. On the old links of the UK and Ireland dogs are part of the scenery. The Old Course at St Andrews closes on Sundays and turns into one of the biggest dog parks in the world, and Sunningdale’s club historian says overseas visitors are surprised by how many dogs they see. In the US it’s rarer, but closer than you think: Austin’s own city courses allow leashed dogs.
The best golf dogs belong to the greenskeepers. Every good course seems to have one riding in the maintenance cart: Blu, the pit mix who chases geese for the grounds crew at Detroit Golf Club; Lucky, Lefty and Charlie, the goose dogs at Pebble Beach; Rio, the superintendent’s Lab at King’s Deer in Colorado. Golf Digest put it simply: most courses allow only one dog, the superintendent’s. Give a wave on the way past.
Below: the etiquette, 29 pieces of golf dog gear (from a $20 bandana to a $130 headcover embroidered with Labs), and where you can bring a dog. Everything was in stock when we checked on October 22, 2026.
Collars, leads and bandanas · $20–$85A leash is the rule almost everywhere dogs are welcome, so you may as well make it a good one.
Dogs welcomePhotos from Sounder, the English golf brand behind the dog bowl.
Bowls, toys and a towel · $20–$100Water, something to chew in the cart barn, and the poop bags you will definitely need.
Nine covers · $46–$130For the days your dog has to stay home.
Polos and hats · $37–$105Dog-print clothes from independent golf brands, including a polo covered in Old Faithful’s mascot, Trusty.
Austin. The City of Austin’s rules for Roy Kizer say it plainly: “Dogs must be on a leash and under control.” Golf Advisor reported in 2015 that every Austin muni allowed dogs, along with Delaware Springs in Burnet (“scoop the poop, and keep them on a leash”). Policies change, so call the pro shop before you load your dog in the car.
Elsewhere in the US. Golf Digest has named Belgrade Lakes in Maine, Indian Valley in Marin County and Seaside in Oregon as dog-friendly. Plenty of others allow it quietly or with permission, and plenty don’t at all. Ask first, every time.
The UK and Ireland. Golf Digest says dogs are more likely to be welcome at old links with common walking ground than at newer inland clubs. The St Andrews Links are a public park with dogs on them every day, Cruden Bay is known for it, and Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code asks walkers crossing a course to keep dogs on a short lead.
Some courses allow it, usually on a leash, off the greens and tees, and with the owner cleaning up. Always check the course policy first. Many UK and Irish links courses welcome dogs; in the US it is rarer.
The City of Austin's rules for Roy Kizer Golf Course say dogs must be on a leash and under control. Check with each course's pro shop before you go, as policies can change.
The Old Course closes to golf on Sundays and the public, dogs included, can walk it. Pick up after your dog and stay off the greens.
A secure collar and a leash, plus a bandana or cooling layer in heat. Bring water and a bowl, and waste bags.
