Posts tagged "Golf Etiquette"

Golf Etiquette – How To Be A Gentleman On A Golf Course

Golf is considered a gentleman’s game and has always been associated with prestige and the elite. As such, there are certain unwritten rules pertaining to the game of golf. Of course these are not hard and fast rules which affect the game directly, but more of good etiquette when playing golf. If you practice good golf etiquette on the greens, it shows that you have respect for the game, as well as the other golfers that you play with.

Having said that, let us take a look at some of the general golfing etiquette that you can put to practice, regardless if you are an amateur or a professional. These will be followed by some rather specific rules that you should be aware of at particular times during a round of golf.

Keeping Quiet

Having respect for other players means that you should be quiet whenever other golfers step up to the ball. This allows the golfer to concentrate on the swing. After all, you would want to demand the same level of respect from the other golfers.

Another thing to remember is to avoid running on the golf course. Even if this doesn’t affect your game or the other golfers in your group, running around the course will distract others from their game.

Practice Playing Safely

When you step up to the ball and just before you take your swing, look around. Check if there is anyone standing in the vicinity of the area where you predict your ball will go to. Never take it for granted that the other golfers will be on the lookout to see if they’re standing in your way.

Similarly, whenever you are practicing your swings, never do it when there are others around. It is very rude to take practice swings in the direction of other golfers.

Also remember, make it a point to never swing your club when someone is walking nearby. And vice versa, never walk around a golfer who is trying to take a swing.

Keep To Your Pace

At any given time, remember that you or your group are not the only golfers on the golf course. Thus, keep in mind that you should at all times try to keep to your pace of play at a comfortable rate. This means that there should be enough time to keep up with your group, but not too much time that you’re holding up other golfers and cutting into their time.

Never hit into the group playing ahead of you. This is considered to be very very rude. If it was done unintentionally, then you should realise that you have failed in observing the common courtesy of golf. Even if the group ahead of you were playing slowly and you had intentionally done so, bear in mind that it is not a reason to commit such a rude act.

Should you need to play through the group ahead of you, have some courtesy by asking for their permission first. However, before asking, do check if the next hole is vacant so that there will be enough space for you to pass through.

If and when permission is granted for you to play through the group ahead of you, make sure you finish the hole in the least amount of time possible, so that you can move onto the next hole immediately after that.

On the Teeing Ground

Do stand out of the golfer’s line of sight as well as his peripheral vision so that he can concentrate fully as he prepares to take his swing. The best way is for you to stand behind the golfer and to remember to keep quiet as you do so.

On the Fairway

Avoid hitting too many divots, though some is acceptable. Moreover, try to put a few of the divots back in place by replacing and stepping on them into the hole.

Also, avoid spending too much time looking around for a golf ball that is lost. The golfers behind you might not enjoy being delayed. Should you lose a ball, and fail to locate it in a few minutes, just replace the golf ball with another.

On the Bunker

Do make use of the rake that is provided to clear off all marks made by you or your golf ball after you have taken your shot. Make sure you rake out all marks and footprints, and then leave the rake outside the bunker with the handle place parallel to the fairway.

On the Green

Do not step on any ball paths of the other golfers as this can affect the putt. What you should do is to walk behind the ball on its direction to the hole. Or you could step over the imaginary line between the ball and the hole.

Take time to repair any marks made by force of the ball which landed on the green. Your courteous ways will reflect your respect to the other golfers as you have left them with an unmarked green to play on.

It is important to place your ball back on the green before you pick up the ball marker. This will erase any doubts on other golfers as to whether or not you have positioned your ball in the proper manner.

On the Practice Grounds

Do remember to continue observing the general etiquette of playing golf as you would do on the golf course.

The rules or golf etiquette above are but a few of the good golfing practices that you can incorporate into your day at the golf course. These are basic common courtesies that are founded on mutual respect for one another’s safety as well as having respect for a game that you love. By practicing these simple ways, you will have a greater and more pleasant golf experience with other golfers.

anonymous
http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/golf-etiquette-how-to-be-a-gentleman-on-a-golf-course-140462.html

Golf Etiquette: A Very Important Part Of The Game

If you are a novice golfer you need to be aware of the importance of golf etiquette within the Official Rules of Golf. For the inexperienced player, golf etiquette can be a minefield so it pays to get to grips with the appropriate way to behave if you want to remain welcome on the course.

Golf etiquette 1
If you book a tee-off time ensure that you arrive punctually at the first tee, and do not take practice swings on that or any other tee, always take them to the side of the tee.

Golf etiquette tip #2
Always stand to the right of a player taking a shot and never directly behind. Do not get ahead of anyone who is playing a shot.

Golf etiquette tip #3
If you take a divot replace and always repair pitch marks on the green.

Golf etiquette tip #4
If you think a ball may be lost get used to playing a provisional shot so you do not have to return to the tee. If the ball is lost, you are allowed five minutes to look for it but do be aware of people playing behind you and, if necessary, allow them to play through.

Golf etiquette tip #5
Keep up a good pace when walking between shots so as not to hold up play. If a gap opens up between your group and the group in front of you then be prepared to call the players behind you through if they are having to wait for you.

Golf etiquette tip #6
If you land in a bunker rake it when you have finished. If there is no rake available then use your clubhead.

Golf etiquette tip #7
When you are playing up to a green make sure the players ahead of you have finished putting and are well clear of the green. Never put your bag or cart on the green but leave them to the side, preferably near the point at which you will leave the green to get to the next tee.

Golf etiquette tip #8
Never tread on your opponent’s putting line and if you have to mark the position of your ball do so by placing a ball marker or coin directly behind the ball (unless it will interfere with another player’s line, in which case mark it to the side) and always replace your ball exactly where you picked it up from.

Golf etiquette tip #9
When tending the flag hold it so it doesn’t flap in the wind and make sure you do not cast a shadow over the hole. Lift the flag out slightly so that you can remove it with ease as soon as your opponent has struck his putt. When you have finished on the green exit it quickly and do not stand around marking your scorecard.

Golf etiquette tip #10
If you hit a ball that looks like it might hit somebody or if you hit it over trees towards another fairway that you can’t see you must always shout “fore”. If you hear another player shout “fore” do not stand there looking around to see if the call was for your benefit, just cover your head with your arms and crouch down to make yourself as small a target as possible.

Golf is a fantastic sport and if you follow these guidelines you shouldn’t go too far wrong so just go out and have a good game!

LISA DAVIES
http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/golf-etiquette-a-very-important-part-of-the-game-136840.html

Some Rules of Golf Etiquette

Introducing Kids To Golf

One of the keys to the success of Tiger Woods as a golfer is that growing up his father knew the system of golf and generously guided him through it. Now, if you have children and are thinking of introducing them to golf, you must be asking yourself: Where should I start? Who should I call? Should I purchase junior clubs or get a used set of adult ones that have been cut down to size?

Don’t get ahead of yourself! Relax!

Golf is not a pursuit that you can simply sign your kid up for at any leisure club. However, this sport is become increasingly popular, and chances are that there are golf programs and clinics going on in your area. You may want to contact a local club pro, the YMCA, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the golf association in your area, and other civic organizations. If you are from the United States , the National Minority Junior Golf Foundation, the United States Golf Association, the Professional Golf Association, and the Ladies Professional Golf Association may also know how to help you. Some of these organizations are, in fact, specifically involved in programs to introduce kids to golf.

Junior golf clinics are normally free to join; they are designed to introduce your child to the basics of golf, starting from how to grip a club, all the way to driving, chipping, and putting. Emphasis is placed on the rules of the game and golf etiquette. Clinics are also known to dole out golf apparel, balls, and sometimes golf clubs to participants. What is more, your child may be fortunate enough to receive instruction from a seasoned professional golfer in one of the clinics! The Black Enterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge junior clinic has featured Mark Nance, Kenny Simms, Todd Daniel and Maria Mills in the past. And their message is: Golf is for everyone.

Of course before forcing your children into playing the sport, you should take pains finding out how they truly feel about golf. After your child has been introduced to the game, you must make it a point to go to the field and observe whether hitting a few balls on the driving range brings a smile to his face. Ask yourself if you think the sport seems to be challenging and enjoyable to your kid? If yes, the real fun has surely begun.

To ensure that their kids learn the basics of golf properly, parents are usually advised to hook their children up with a golf instructor during the early stages of picking up the sport. If you’re having a hard time locating a good instructor, the local club pro should be able to provide you with a list of instructors in your area. If possible, watch a potential instructor with other students before signing up your kid. Observe whether or not the instructor gets along with the other kids, and ask yourself if he would fit in with your child’s personality. Proper instruction will surely increase your child’s confidence and decrease the frustration this mentally and physically challenging sport is sure to bring about. An instructor will also help you regarding the kind of equipment to buy for your child. Experts believe that a 7-iron, pitching wedge and a putter are all that is required for a beginner. At this point, you can hold off on the golf shoes and the designer clothes; tennis shoes and play clothes will normally suffice!

One disadvantage to being a junior golfer is that there are usually problems regarding a shortage of facilities. To ensure enough practice (aside from the hours your child spends with an instructor) you might want to ask the club pro whether there are any slow times during the week that your child can slip on the course to play two to three holes. Additionally, if there are par 3 courses in your area, you should think about sending your kid there. Keep in mind that the more your kid plays, the more comfortable he/ she will be with the game. And, once your child has learnt the basics and is practicing regularly, the competitive juices will surely start to flow; that is when you should start inquiring about junior golf tournaments being held in your area.

As you might have guessed, introducing your kids to golf is not as simple as it sounds. Children need guidance and motivation, and if your child really enjoys the sport, you should make sure you’re there to give him/ her that. Good luck!

Terry Bytheway
http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/introducing-kids-to-golf-113533.html