Play By the Rules – Golf Etiquette

Don’t you just hate it when you are out for a round of golf and run into that group that seems to be on a mission to violate every rule of etiquette ever written?

There are golfers you will encounter that can really annoy the hell out of you.  Take slow play for one.  On most golf courses you can expect to spend 4 to 5 hours to play 18 holes.  That is if you are moving at a steady pace.  But some treat it more like a social event, taking time to drive from ball to ball.  When you get stuck behind a group like this it can become very frustrating.

The last thing you want when you are playing golf is to have to deal with frustrations.  Let’s face it, we go to the golf course to forget about the rest of the world and enjoy a little down time.

I believe the rules of etiquette do have a place in the game and should be adhered to by all.

There are some things that we can do to make sure that our round is enjoyable and doesn’t take away from other people enjoying their time on the course.

Let me offer an example: One of the keys to eliminating slow play is playing ready golf.  Basically what this means is taking your shot when ready, even if you’re not away. This goes for putting as well.  Be prepared to take your putt when it’s your turn.

When you play ready golf, you speed up your pace of play.  This keeps everyone moving and helps you maintain a good rhythm.

Check out the golf tips below. They will help to take the stress out of your round and will make for a more enjoyable day on the golf course.

Be on Time for Your Tee Time – Everyone is busy and our time is a very valuable.  Make sure you allow yourself enough time to get to the course.  Give yourself an extra 15 or 20 minutes so you are not rushed to get to the first tee.  Not being rushed will make for a more focused started and a better round of golf.

Leave Your Cell Phone in the Car – You’ve come to the golf course to get away from the hustle bustle of life.  The last thing you need is to have your phone ring in the middle of your swing or putt.

If you have to have your phone with you, put it on silent or vibrate only mode.  There is nothing more annoying than hearing someone’s phone ring when you are trying to focus on your game.

If you must answer your phone, step off to an area where you will not interfere with your playing partners.  Show them the same courtesies that you would want if the roles were reversed.

Stay out of Their Line of Sight – We’re not professional golfers and little things can be a distraction.  Stay out of your playing partner’s field of vision.  Stand to the side or behind the other player.  Stand still and make sure your shadow isn’t in their sights.

Also, when on the green, don’t walk across another player’s line of play.  It really doesn’t matter if you are wearing soft spikes or not, it is a no no!

Repair Your Divots and Ball Marks – Be sure to take time to repair your divots and ball marks.  Replace the sod from your divot or fill the hole with the seed-mix that you find on the side you’re your golf cart.  Either way, you don’t want to have to play out of a divot, so make sure you repair yours.

Take time to repair ball marks on the green with a divot tool or a tee.  Golf courses make sure there are plenty of rakes for the bunkers, so take the time to use them. Try not to leave rake lines in the bunker.  Be sure the sand is ready for the next player.  Again, you don’t want to have to play out of a bunker that hasn’t been raked, so enough said…

Lend a Hand – When it comes to a lost ball, the more eyes looking for it the better. The best approach is to pay attention to your group’s shots, so you can offer assistance when needed. The rule is that you never spend more than 5 minutes searching for a ball before it is ruled lost.

Be a good citizen, pick up the extra club or the head cover left on the green, move a cart that’s in the wrong place, and lay the flag stick down carefully.  When you are leaving the green tamp down spike marks or other blemishes you may see on the green.

The rules of etiquette in golf have a place. They are in the rule book for a reason. Take the time to understand them and abide by them and you will get more enjoyment from your time on the course.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

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