Golf Etiquette
THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF COURSE ETIQUETTE WHEN PLAYING GOLF
OPENING REMARKS
Golf, the game, is difficult.... now you add the complication of Etiquette and you've made it is impossible to avoid transgressing some rule or custom! So here is some advice on minimising those embarrassing situations you could encounter. Learning etiquette can allow you to concentrate on the difficult bit.
First of all there is no such thing as modern etiquette. Etiquette has its foot firmly in the past, so don't expect it to fit in with the lifestyle of a modern guy or girl. It will seem to be stupid in your eyes, but rebels don't get on in this life, so curb your enthusiasm and conform!
Despite the flowery and somewhat ostentatious heading playing golf is a lot about learning how to handle difficult conditions, how you and others deal with those difficulties and how to manage yourself and the time spent under those conditions in the best way.
I know its also about playing the game, planning successful strategies to outwit and out manoeuvre an opponent; but before you can do this part you have to be able to understand both the etiquette and rules of golf that go with it, in order that it is done in a proper and seen to be fair manner.
Etiquette, a French word that basically describes the best manner in which one should conduct ones self. This when applied to golf gives one the protocols customs, behaviour and decorum that should be adopted on a golf course. The crux of this position is that you should always extent to a partner and opponent the correct amount of courtesy.
Naturally you don't have to give an advantage away to an opponent but conversely you don't have to be extremely uncooperative.
As my old father used to say and his father before him, always make sure that you leave things, as you would expect to find them, always treat others with the same respect that you would expect yourself to be treated with.
Most modern leisure clothing is suitable for golf, but please remember that playing without a shirt is not allowed. Shirts must also have a collar. Playing with shoes without spikes is dangerous to you; don't forget to replace your spikes at least each year!
Some clothes are definitely not allowed i.e. Jeans, shorts must be tailored and are allowed for playing purposes but almost invariably never in the clubhouse.
Formal dress is expected to be worn after 7.00 p.m. in restaurant areas and some lounge areas.
THE ESSENTIAL KIT
Each player must have his own bag of clubs, no more than 14 approved clubs are allowed. Sharing or swapping of clubs is not permitted.
ON THE FIRST TEE
On the first tee always introduce yourself as 'Tony Firth', not as Mr Firth. From then on call them by their first name. Shake hands and exchange handicaps if the situation dictates it, above all be polite. If you make a mistake, always apologise; remember the person you are playing against today may well be your partner next time. Golf is a good clean game and a leveller and should be non- aggressive.
PLAY BEGINS
When you begin to play there are again several 'rules' that must be adhered to; most of them are simple to learn, even if the real reason may at first seem obscure.
Toss a coin to see who goes first or if you are playing in a 'stragglers' match our rule is to invite the guests to play first. This will be reciprocated when you play them at home.
When playing from any tee you may choose to place your tee anywhere with the marker posts and up to two club lengths behind. Usually just behind the line between the two marker posts is acceptable, not on or in front of it.
Do not talk, move about or otherwise cause opponents to be distracted when playing a shot; this equally applies elsewhere on the course; remember your shout of joy, at having scored a birdie on the hard par 5, will travel and probably put the players off on the next tee!
Be ready to take your shot when it is your turn don't wait until others have played before deciding which club to use. Move off quickly and don't spend time looking for your favourite tee until all players have driven off!
Having played off the tee the next set of rules concern the shots that are taken on the fairway.
FAIRWAY PLAY
The furthest from the hole Always plays first; please be ready and in position to take your shot. If preferred lies are in use, they only apply to fairways and greens.
Always move 2 club lengths away from new, young staked trees. Conversely do not take your shot if another player is within your range. Give priority to a player on the correct fairway unless waved on to play.
Divots must be replaced at all times except on a tee, if sand is available then fill the hole or divot pressing the sand down firmly. On the tee unlike elsewhere if is important to indicate to others where a divot have been taken.
If a ball lies on another green then a free drop is allowed not nearer the hole. If you touch the ground in any hazard or bunker before playing a shot then you will suffer a one shot penalty.
If you 'suspect' that your ball has gone out of bounds then play a provisional ball. Remember that if you find your original ball it must be played and the provisional ball picked up. Conversely if you play your provisional ball and then find your original ball you must pick up the original ball.
If a lost ball cannot be found easily, signal the group behind to play through, do not search for 5 minutes before doing so. Wait then until the following players have passed out of range.
B U N K ERS
All footprints or marks must be carefully raked or smoothed over before leaving the bunker. Leave rakes in the bunker.
GENERAL RULES
Shout 'FORE' loudly when your ball is heading towards or near another player, don't wait for it to hit him!
There are a number of general rules that are largely commonness and by there very nature important for the safe being of you, your partners and others out on the course at the same time. Signs and GUR markers are there to protect the golf course. Keep the course green and don't help to turn it into a dirt track.
GREENS
On reaching the green repair any pitch marks caused by the landing of your ball.
Do not place your bag on the green and if using a trolley take it to that side of the green adjacent to the next tee.
Lay the flag stick down carefully taking care not the cause any damage, replacing with care when leaving the green.
Don't cast a shadow along the players putting line, or stand on it.
When the hole is complete leave the green immediately, do not stop to mark your card; this is best done on the next tee.
Buggies should always be kept 10 yards off a green, together with trolleys and they must be kept off tees. None of these should ever be taken on to a green!
At the end of the game always shake hands with your opponents and partner.
'IN ALL, IT'S QUITE SIMPLE, USE A BIT OF COMMON SENSE'
OPENING REMARKS
Golf, the game, is difficult.... now you add the complication of Etiquette and you've made it is impossible to avoid transgressing some rule or custom! So here is some advice on minimising those embarrassing situations you could encounter. Learning etiquette can allow you to concentrate on the difficult bit.
First of all there is no such thing as modern etiquette. Etiquette has its foot firmly in the past, so don't expect it to fit in with the lifestyle of a modern guy or girl. It will seem to be stupid in your eyes, but rebels don't get on in this life, so curb your enthusiasm and conform!
Despite the flowery and somewhat ostentatious heading playing golf is a lot about learning how to handle difficult conditions, how you and others deal with those difficulties and how to manage yourself and the time spent under those conditions in the best way.
I know its also about playing the game, planning successful strategies to outwit and out manoeuvre an opponent; but before you can do this part you have to be able to understand both the etiquette and rules of golf that go with it, in order that it is done in a proper and seen to be fair manner.
Etiquette, a French word that basically describes the best manner in which one should conduct ones self. This when applied to golf gives one the protocols customs, behaviour and decorum that should be adopted on a golf course. The crux of this position is that you should always extent to a partner and opponent the correct amount of courtesy.
Naturally you don't have to give an advantage away to an opponent but conversely you don't have to be extremely uncooperative.
As my old father used to say and his father before him, always make sure that you leave things, as you would expect to find them, always treat others with the same respect that you would expect yourself to be treated with.
Most modern leisure clothing is suitable for golf, but please remember that playing without a shirt is not allowed. Shirts must also have a collar. Playing with shoes without spikes is dangerous to you; don't forget to replace your spikes at least each year!
Some clothes are definitely not allowed i.e. Jeans, shorts must be tailored and are allowed for playing purposes but almost invariably never in the clubhouse.
Formal dress is expected to be worn after 7.00 p.m. in restaurant areas and some lounge areas.
THE ESSENTIAL KIT
Each player must have his own bag of clubs, no more than 14 approved clubs are allowed. Sharing or swapping of clubs is not permitted.
ON THE FIRST TEE
On the first tee always introduce yourself as 'Tony Firth', not as Mr Firth. From then on call them by their first name. Shake hands and exchange handicaps if the situation dictates it, above all be polite. If you make a mistake, always apologise; remember the person you are playing against today may well be your partner next time. Golf is a good clean game and a leveller and should be non- aggressive.
PLAY BEGINS
When you begin to play there are again several 'rules' that must be adhered to; most of them are simple to learn, even if the real reason may at first seem obscure.
Toss a coin to see who goes first or if you are playing in a 'stragglers' match our rule is to invite the guests to play first. This will be reciprocated when you play them at home.
When playing from any tee you may choose to place your tee anywhere with the marker posts and up to two club lengths behind. Usually just behind the line between the two marker posts is acceptable, not on or in front of it.
Do not talk, move about or otherwise cause opponents to be distracted when playing a shot; this equally applies elsewhere on the course; remember your shout of joy, at having scored a birdie on the hard par 5, will travel and probably put the players off on the next tee!
Be ready to take your shot when it is your turn don't wait until others have played before deciding which club to use. Move off quickly and don't spend time looking for your favourite tee until all players have driven off!
Having played off the tee the next set of rules concern the shots that are taken on the fairway.
FAIRWAY PLAY
The furthest from the hole Always plays first; please be ready and in position to take your shot. If preferred lies are in use, they only apply to fairways and greens.
Always move 2 club lengths away from new, young staked trees. Conversely do not take your shot if another player is within your range. Give priority to a player on the correct fairway unless waved on to play.
Divots must be replaced at all times except on a tee, if sand is available then fill the hole or divot pressing the sand down firmly. On the tee unlike elsewhere if is important to indicate to others where a divot have been taken.
If a ball lies on another green then a free drop is allowed not nearer the hole. If you touch the ground in any hazard or bunker before playing a shot then you will suffer a one shot penalty.
If you 'suspect' that your ball has gone out of bounds then play a provisional ball. Remember that if you find your original ball it must be played and the provisional ball picked up. Conversely if you play your provisional ball and then find your original ball you must pick up the original ball.
If a lost ball cannot be found easily, signal the group behind to play through, do not search for 5 minutes before doing so. Wait then until the following players have passed out of range.
B U N K ERS
All footprints or marks must be carefully raked or smoothed over before leaving the bunker. Leave rakes in the bunker.
GENERAL RULES
Shout 'FORE' loudly when your ball is heading towards or near another player, don't wait for it to hit him!
There are a number of general rules that are largely commonness and by there very nature important for the safe being of you, your partners and others out on the course at the same time. Signs and GUR markers are there to protect the golf course. Keep the course green and don't help to turn it into a dirt track.
GREENS
On reaching the green repair any pitch marks caused by the landing of your ball.
Do not place your bag on the green and if using a trolley take it to that side of the green adjacent to the next tee.
Lay the flag stick down carefully taking care not the cause any damage, replacing with care when leaving the green.
Don't cast a shadow along the players putting line, or stand on it.
When the hole is complete leave the green immediately, do not stop to mark your card; this is best done on the next tee.
Buggies should always be kept 10 yards off a green, together with trolleys and they must be kept off tees. None of these should ever be taken on to a green!
At the end of the game always shake hands with your opponents and partner.
'IN ALL, IT'S QUITE SIMPLE, USE A BIT OF COMMON SENSE'