Dress for the Game

photo credit: Justin Tallaksen   In the early 1900's the game of golf looked much differently than it does now.  It was common for players to wear long sleeve shirts and ties.  Sometimes dress suits, by some, were the order of the day.  Today, it's not uncommon to see players wearing tee-shirts, shorts and golf sandals on courses without dress codes.

You would be surprised how dressing in a spiffy way will improve your game.  It's strange but somehow looking good on the course just makes for lower scores.  If you don't think so, try it.

There are several players on the PGA Tour that are actually flamboyant in their manner of dress.  John Daly, for one, wears color coded pants with fluorescent colored shirts.  In the 1960's it was Doug Sanders that stood out.  Doug had over 600 pairs of golf shoes.

Next time, try dressing up a bit and watch your scores improve.

Basic Etiquette

photo credit: srqpix     Every player should be familiar with the most important rules of golf etiquette so lets go over some here:   1.) There should be no talking, whatsoever, during a stroke.   2.)   No tee shots should be hit until the party ahead has hit their second shots and are out of range.   3.)   Never hit approach shots until everyone is off (and away from) the green.   4.)   Never practice the putt you missed the first time.   5.)   If you are looking for a lost ball allow players to play through.   6.)   Any match playing a whole round has the right to pass through anyone playing a shorter round.   7.)   If a match falls more than one hole behind, it must allow players to play through upon request.

Golf Cart Etiquette

photo credit: nimish_gogri     Golf carts are as much a part of golf as clubhouses.   Here are some rules of the road:   1)   Wait at the tee box until everyone has hit.   2)   Carry an extra ball in your pocket in case you are a ways from your cart and discover your ball is lost.   3)   Take extra clubs with you in case your lie is different than you believed it to be.   4)   Anticipate your needs.   If in a bunker, bring a sand wedge and putter.   5)   Remember you have someone else with you on the cart, be considerate.   6)   Don't be stupid and get out of a cart unless it's stopped and the brakes are on.   7)   Keep the cart out of the line of sight of others.   8)   Park in the direction of the next tee.

Playing Through

photo credit: StartAgain     Being on hold, while the group ahead of you is meandering needlessly, can be extremely frustrating and even lead to violent confrontations.   You can avoid this dilemma by simply using good judgement and proper etiquette.

Without yelling from afar, wait until you are in relative close proximity and simply say “gentlemen/ladies, do you mind very much if we play through?”   Based on my own experience, I have never been refused by someone that I have approached in this manner.

Cat-calls, jeering or  swearing, can make matters worse.   DO NOT ever  hit into the group ahead, thinking it will make them play faster.   Doing so, can lead to physical confrontation, or liability damages if someone is hit.    Slow play is usually caused by  ignorance rather than maliciousness.   Don't forget to thank their group for allowing you to play through.

Tipping

photo credit: Mataparda     There are two questions about tipping:   When?   and how much?   The answers  depend on the service quality.

When arriving at the course an attendant will take your bag from your car to your golf cart.   A tip is required (generally two dollars per bag).   When you  return your  cart, an attendant will clean your clubs (two – five dollars per bag).   If you go into the locker-room and have your shoes cleaned and shined you should tip at least ten dollars.   For women that drive the refreshment carts, a tip of one dollar per drink is  adequate.  

For caddies, a tip of fifty to one-hundred dollars is required.   Remember, the amount of the tip is determined by the service given.

Good Etiquette

photo credit: Kevitivity     1)   Don't give golf lessons during play, it's not the time.   2)   Don't pull up to a tee box if the group ahead of you is still on the tee.   3)   Be ready to hit your ball, don't dilly-dally.   4)   Tend the flag, it's a real time saver.   5)   Keep an extra ball in your pocket in case you lose yours, rather than going back to the bag for another one.   6)   Don't plumb-bob, most of the time it is pointless.   7)   Putt out.   Don't mark your ball on short putts.   8)   Take only one practice swing.   9)   The rules give you 5 min. to look for a lost ball, take only two.   10)   Let the single player through.   11)   Don't talk a lot.   12)   Pay your bets immediately after the round.

Making the Turn

photo credit: bradleypjohnson     Making the turn, after nine holes of play,  can be  difficult for some players.   Most players like to stop in the snack bar for a quick snack or “pick-me-up.”   There is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to “fill your tank,” however, it shouldn't be done at the expense of other players.  

When you make your “pit stop” longer than normal, you may create a major roadblock on hole number 10.   It's not a good idea to lose your turn, therefor, make your stop as short as possible.   To alleviate this problem, you can make your order directly from the golf cart on many courses.   If you bring a sandwich, fruit or snacks, you can eliminate the stop at the turn.

Be Patient and Aware

photo credit: mandj98     The pace of play is conducive to playing good golf.   There is a certain rhythm that is established when a good pace exists.   The PGA Tour knows all too well, the importance of keeping the play moving at a consistent speed since players can be fined for breaking the slow play rule.   Obviously, warnings come before the actual fine.

When you play, be aware of the speed at which your group is playing.   If the group ahead is playing too slow, there is no harm to courteously asking to play through.   If your own group is lagging behind, simply make mention of it and proceed to play faster.  

Try to play with individuals who understand the great importance of maintaining a constant pace of play.   It makes for a more enjoyable round and of course, better scores.

Dealing With Slow Players

photo credit: foxypar4     Playing golf behind slow players is very annoying and can quickly ruin your round.   What is even are slow players that  won't allow you to play through.   There can only be two reasons why they won't let you through,  they are either  beginners  who don't know any better, or, they are just plain obstinate.

Obstinate players can be confrontational (otherwise they would let you through), therefor, it's best  not to say anything during play.   Wait until the round is completed and then complain to the club  Pro.

Shouting at slow players will only worsen  the situation and  ”hitting into them” can be dangerous and result in civil or criminal litigation.   What works best is a simple, polite request to play through, most of the time they will comply.

Where Do You Stand?

photo credit: foxypar4 Some golfers just don't get it. There are two places on the golf course that are “sacred ground” where silence is golden and movement is kept at an absolute minimum, the tee box and the green. How many players are actually aware of this?

There should be a rule (I'm being fascisist) forbidding anyone from standing behind a player teeing off or putting. Being behind a player ready to hit is no big deal as long as there is silence and no movement, however, many people just cannot remain motionless.

Tournament players deal with movement all the time but they are getting paid for their forebearance. The average player, who just wants to relax and have an enjoyable day, should not have to deal with poor etiquette.

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