Golf Monthly released another of their videos addressing etiquette this week. I suppose etiquette is all about thinking about others on the course therefore it’s making sure that you leave the course in the condition you’d expect to find it, not getting in your playing partners’ way, not keeping everyone back… Consider the things that annoy you or cause you to to feel hard-done-by on the golf course. In my case it’s:
- when my ball rolls onto the green but comes to a stop in a pitchmark
- when the players in front have lost a hole but fail to call my group through
- when a phone rings in the middle of my backswing
- when my ball lands in a bunker and nestles down in a footprint (although I realise that we can’t use rakes due to Covid currently)
In The Rules of Golf, Rule 1.2a addresses player conduct:
All players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by:
- Acting with integrity – for example, by following the Rules, applying all penalties, and being honest in all aspects of play.
- Showing consideration to others – for example, by playing at a prompt pace, looking out for the safety of others, and not distracting the play of another player.
- Taking good care of the course– for example, by replacing divots, smoothing bunkers, repairing ball-marks, and not causing unnecessary damage to the course.
If you’re new to golf the following video from Golf Monthly is very useful as it demonstrates some things that you may be doing unwittingly that can cause frustration to your playing partners. If you’re a seasoned golfer it’s worth watching, as it may make you think about one or two of your habits. Alternatively, if you reckon that you display exemplary etiquette on the course it may help you to explain (politely, of course) to the culprits you come across on your round what they should be doing!
I noticed quite a bit of discussion about the first point in the “comments” section online. Sometimes your playing partner might prefer you to stand behind him, especially if the sun is low and he wants you to follow his ball, or others may prefer you to stand behind them, so you’re out of sight, so my advice is to ask your playing partners where you should position yourself, if you’re unsure. The same is true for the putting green; I’ve played with people who could hole a 10′ putt when a tractor is chugging past and others who can’t concentrate if someone is standing motionless within 20 yards! Just ask if they’d like you to move!