Many would think that working at a country club and bartending out of a golf cart is the perfect summer job as it’s a simple task and preferably an easy way to rack up a boatload of tips. You get to spend all day on a golf course (how relaxing!) surrounded by older men who love to drink, (the majority of whom are on the wealthier end), therefore it’s automatically assumed that they tip well. You see, those too were my initial thoughts until I took part in being a beverage cart girl. And trust me on this, we make cruising around in a golf cart and serving drinks look much easier than it really is.

When you’re the beverage cart girl your hours aren’t too flexible as you’re usually always scheduled to work a nine-hour shift from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. It takes about an hour each morning to stock up the cart with various beers, liquors and juices as well as candy, snacks, and ice as well as an hour to unload the cart at the end of the day. Lifting and carrying endless cases of Bud Light and Coors Light to stock up your cart, as well as bottles of Titos, Smirnoff and Jack plus multiple buckets of ice is honestly a full body workout. If you’re a tiny little girl like me, you’ll be feeling a bit sore in your arms, back and legs… or everywhere.

When you’re the beverage cart girl it’s important that while you’re cruising around the course you pay close attention to the tee time handout so you’re familiar with the men playing and when they’re going to be hitting the golf ball. If you drive the cart towards someone while they’re hitting… you’re in for a rude awakening. You’re going to completely distract them and make them lose their focus! This causes their swing to be terrible and all of the blame is on you and trust me they will give you mouth about it! So just park your cart and wait. There are even times on the course where you can sit still in your cart, at the same area, waiting for up to 20 minutes because there will be so many people surrounding you hitting continuously. This is the most boring of hours.

When you’re the beverage cart girl there are times golfers will play these crazy mind games with you. Like when they see you yonder in the distance and start waving at you… as if they actually want something… but then once you approach them they just say hello and tell you to keep going. So confusing. However, to truly rack up the sales it’s important that you always flash your pearly white teeth and perfect smile and make use of your feminine mannerisms while keeping a somewhat thick skin.

You have to put aside the awkward and unwanted come-ons made by flirtatious men by just laughing it off and serving them their drinks, keeping in mind that they’re somewhat drunk (OK, if they’re on the back nine they’re definitely drunk). But if there’s anything I’ve learned it’s just keep serving them their drinks as well as get to know the regulars by their name. They’ll appreciate you more — as they truly do look forward to seeing you as they get thirsty and hungry during their long four hours of golfing; and you will appreciate their generous tips.