Etiquette Makes the Game More Fun
Etiquette Makes the Game More Fun
by Dr. T. J. Tomasi, Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
After a recent segment on etiquette, I received several emails from golfers who described what I’d call gamesmanship, i.e., purposely trying to upset the opponent.
The golfer who stands directly behind you while you’re hitting is an example.
Or the opponent who starts walking just as you start your swing?
Or how about the guy who insists on streaking ahead to his ball and then stands there, in the danger zone, while you focus on not shanking it off his head?
Some are pretty obvious: Your opponent stands in your peripheral vision and just as you get to the top of your swing he crosses his legs.
He gets you to think about your swing by complimenting you, as in “I really like the way you cock your wrists at the top.”
He walks to the cart or the next tee before you finish putting out.
He talks in a loud whisper just as you take your stance.
He stands so close to you when it’s your turn to play that it makes you worry he’s going to move – and even if he doesn’t, it ruins your focus.
Or he strips off the Velcro flap of his golf glove as you start your downswing.
And then, there is “helpful Herb,” who explains exactly where all the trouble is just before you hit.
Fortunately, most bad behavior is not mendacious – here are some etiquette guidelines that all good citizens of golf should follow:
Hold the flag so it doesn’t flutter, tilt the flagstick, and stand away from the cup so you don’t leave footprints near the hole. Keep your cart on the cart path near the green.
If you carry your bag, lay it down several steps from the green’s fringe.
Take care with flagsticks when removing and replacing them in the hole and when placing them on the green.
If your ball is in someone’s way, mark it with a small coin or similar object.
Take care not to walk on the line of other player’s putts.
While waiting your turn to putt, study the break so you are ready to play when it is your turn.
After you hole out, remove your ball with your hand, not the head of your putter, which can damage the cup.
Without holding up play, tap down spike marks, especially around the cup, once all players have completed the hole. Beginners are sometimes too diligent about the rules.
Unless you’re playing in a tournament, if you’ve already taken four or five putts, do yourself, your companions and the pace-of-play a favor and “pick up.”
Repair your ball mark and others you see on the putting green.
A repaired ball mark will heal in 24 hours; an unrepaired ball mark will take three weeks to heal.
Takeaway: Etiquette is not all common sense; therefore, as an experienced golfer, make it a point to guide new golfers who aren’t sure how to behave on the golf course.
