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Etiquette - It is "A Gentleman's Game"
Golf is a Game of Courtesy...............Article 81
Written by Greg Peddie
In this article I would like to touch upon what I consider the three most important elements of Golf Etiquette. It is important to remember that good etiquette on the golf course (and at the practice range) is completely voluntary. Etiquette is not enforced under the Rules of Golf.
However, the rules do allow for disqualification from tournament play for a serious breach of etiquette under rule 33-7. This is at the sole discretion of the Committee, the governing body of the tournament. The casual player would not be concerned about a committee, but should be extremely concerned about their playing partners, other people on the course and the course itself.
Number 1 - Safety - Always remain aware of other people on the course.
1) Never hit into the group in front of you. There is never a reason to hit into the group in front of you; I don’t care how slow they are playing.
2) Never stand in a position where you can be struck by dirt, rocks, balls or other debris while another player is hitting.
3) Always warn others on the course if you hit an errant shot in their direction. The most common warning yelled is “Fore”.
Number 2 - The Course - Always try to leave the course in better condition.
1) Always repair your divots. Depending on your course this can be by replacing the torn piece of sod or by filling the hole with a sand and seed mixture provided by the course. Ask in the pro shop or the starter which is the preferred method for the course you are playing.
2) Repair your ball marks on the green. There is a proper way to repair ball marks on the green which you can learn about here. Like every other part of the game, this takes practice. You can practice by fixing any other ball marks you find on the green.
3) Rake the bunkers when you leave. Just like repairing ball marks there is a proper way to rake a bunker. Just smooth out all footprints, ball and club marks and never leave the bunker by climbing up a steep face; leave at a low point. There always seems to be a debate on where to place the rake afterwards, here is what the USGA Recommends.
Number 3 - Be Considerate - Give your playing partners some help.
1) Do not disturb or distract other players during their turn. Stand in a position that will not distract the player. Do not move around or make conversation, including whispering, after another player has addressed the ball. Be aware and considerate.
Golf can be a very exciting game. Often times, when a player hits a perfect drive or sinks a long putt, the player or his partners will yell cheers. Or a group on a parallel hole moving towards their next shot shouts conversation back and forth to each other.
The player a fairway over could be in mid swing during the celebration or loud conversation. This can be avoided by keeping your cheers a little lower key and staying aware of all other players on the course.
2) Do not walk across another players putting line. This includes players who are just off the green. Many players prefer to play a low running shot when around the green.
3) Keep up the pace. Unless you stand to gain or lose a significant amount of money or pride, don’t spend 5 minutes looking for your lost ball. If you are a high handicap player, expect to lose a few balls per round. Often times a group can become slow just from searching for lost balls. Stay aware of not only where your ball landed, but those of your playing partners also. If you hit an errant shot and there is a chance your ball is lost, hit a provisional ball so you won’t have to return to the last spot after searching for 5 minutes.
Players that adopt good etiquette will find they get more enjoyment from the game, as will thier playing partners. It really just boils down to being aware and courteous of everyone else on the course (and the practice range). Adopt these habits and everyone wins.
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Your questions or comments are always welcome. Let us know if this article was helpful to you.
Greg Peddie
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