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The Lost Art of Golf Etiquette
By Stephen Brown
The current trends in Golf are changing from year to year with as many people taking up the game as are leaving the game. The one thing I’ve noticed over the past few years with the new players to the game, as well as some of the experienced players, is the lack of Golf Etiquette in the game today. The following are a few excerpts from the USGA on etiquette.
The Spirit of the Game
Unlike many sports, golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.
Consideration for Other Players
No Disturbance or Distraction
Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making any unnecessary noise. Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players. On the teeing ground, a player should not tee the ball until it is their turn to play. Players should not stand too close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.
On the Putting Green
On the putting green, players should not stand on another player’s line of putt when making a stroke or cast a shadow over the line of putt. Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.
Pace of Play
It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If there is an open hole ahead and you are delaying the group behind, you should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group.
Be Ready to Play
Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
Care of the Course
Bunkers
Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and smooth over holes and footprints made by them and any nearby made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.
Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Shoes
Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball (whether or not made by the player). On completion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.
Preventing Unnecessary Damage
Players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing divots made when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason. Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting green when putting down bags or the flagstick. In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole.
The head of the club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole. Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole. The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before players leave the putting green. Local notices regulating the movement of the golf carts should be strictly observed.
If we could all follow these few examples of Golf Etiquette it would make the game so much more enjoyable for everyone.
Stephen Brown
Stephen Brown is the golf pro at the Allendale Country Club.
If you want everyday access to one of the best golf courses in Southeastern Massachusetts, consider joining Allendale Country Club. You won’t be disappointed!
For more information feel free to contact Stephen at 508-992-8682.
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