The 2009 golf season has just started and I have already received quite a few, “what
should I do in certain situations” questions. The most asked inquiry is
what you should do when you are paired with golfers who fit any of the following
criteria: rudeness, attitude, better golfer than you, they do not follow the
rules of the game, make negative comments about your equipment and playing ability.
Do you just grin and make the best of the round? No, do what I do at the appropriate
time. I take out my copy of the USGA rules book and open it to Section One: Etiquette:
Behavior on the Golf Course and pass it around for all to read. I will paraphrase
it as a public service. “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. The overriding principle is that consideration
should be shown to others on the course at all times in order to get the maximum
enjoyment from the game.”
Now that your foursome are all friends, you will enjoy the rest of
your round. Of course there are other rules of etiquette, such
as not leaving the putting
or tee box area till all the players in your foursome have putted or hit their
drives. This breach of etiquette happens too often and deserves to be mentioned
to the offenders.
In golf, any amount of golfers playing together whether it is one,
two, three or four is known as a “group.” What this means is that if you’re
looking for a lost ball for more than five minutes, you are obligated to invite
the “group” behind you to play through.
Charity golf events are great examples where complete strangers are
paired up and at the end of the round sit over dinner in the club
house and discuss
the
enjoyment of the day. My theory why this is happening might be because
the outing is playing a best ball format or maybe it’s the martini at cocktail hour
that adds to this camaraderie. Proper etiquette at a golf event calls for the
buying of raffle tickets after your round and thanking the volunteer committee
for organizing a successful outing.
