Common Sense Golf Etiquette for the Weekend Warrior By Fred Layman
FredLaymanAugusta.com
As a golf competitor, a former golf club owner, and current GM, I would like to express some commonsense etiquette that I have found even the most seasoned golfers need to pay closer attention too.
Golf prides itself as a “gentleman’s game.” En the masse, golfers take this mantra to heart, adhering not only to the rules, but towards standard etiquette on the golf course and to their fellow hackers. Unfortunately, due to bad habits or general ignorance, there remains a multitude of breaches of etiquette. We’re all guilty of some fallacy; it’s simply a matter of understanding proper procedures. Here some of the manners of golf etiquette that are commonly violated.
Showing up less than 15 minutes before your tee time.
Working at golf courses for years, I know it drives the starter and those in the shop nuts. It potentially places the rest of the tee sheet in danger of delay. The 15- minute period in my opinion is generous, our course would prefer golfers be on the course 30 minutes before balls are in the air.
Cart path only is a necessary evil. To protect areas of the golf course due to rain or sensitive wash outs or reconstruction, courses must place a ‘cart path only’ restriction on certain or all holes. PLEASE bring more than one club to your shot. Having to run back to find the right stick only slows things up.
Looking longer than three minutes for a lost ball is too long. However, I get it, golf balls are expensive and it’s nice your risking the threat of poison Ivy or worse snake bit to find that precious ball. But there’s a difference between making an honest effort and slowing down play. After 3 minutes come to peace with the lost ball and stroke and move on.
Placing your golf bag on the tee is sacrilegious. I have two young boys and I am working on their golf manners and of course we walk often as they will have to in competition. Placing the bag on the tee box or the green is a no..no..It can scuff up the playing area but to a greater note, it is distracting. That said, be mindful of where you place your bag before you put your bag down and walk to the tee or the green. Simply take a couple of seconds to put your bag in the most logical place for you to pick it up and move onto the next hole. This can save a lot of time after your done holing out.
If your extremely behind on a match play hole, pick up. The beauty of match play is that strokes don’t carry over to the next hole. If it’s apparent you’ve already lost, pocket the ball and get moving.
Checking your phone to much. It’s one thing to check a score or send a text between holes. But continually attached to your phone goes against the spirit of being with friends or one with nature. Even if not an audible disruption your telling your group that you find them tedious and boring.
Gimmes may go in both directions: Not being charitable enough (making someone hole tap-ins on every hole) or going overboard (nice that you want to give someone a downhill eight-footer, but it’s breaking the spirit of the gesture). Before you begin, either play within the leather or not.
There is so much more etiquette to talk about so stay tuned to this series at FredLaymanAugusta.com for more player tips and golf antidotes. #fredlaymanaugusta.com