If In Doubt, Ask
If you are unfamiliar with the course you're going to play, contact
the club (Pro Shop) and ask if they have any regulations you should be
aware of before you hit the links -- such as appropriate apparel on the
course, speed of play, special cart path rules, if walking is allowed,
what type of spikes can be worn, etc. A simple phone call can save a
lot of embarrasment on the day if you are not prepared.
Dress Appropriately
Generally speaking, common sense-dressing applies. Most courses say
no short-shorts, torn jeans or singlet tops allowed. Many courses require
collared shirts for men, casual slacks or appropriate length bermuda
shorts for men and women...not too much "skin" showing. More
and more courses are adopting a soft spike only policy these days, if
you have any doubt ring the club and check.
Pace of Play
There's a saying in golf, "your group should keep up with the group
in front, not in front of the group behind". Whilst golf is a game
to be enjoyed and nobody expects you to run, there is nothing more frustrating
than being stuck behind a group of slow players. Here are some tips for
keeping the pace of play at a reasonable rate. Golfers should be aware
of any penalties that clubs are now starting to enforce for "slow
play"
Silence
In any sport where competitors are required to concentrate, silence
is paramount. Whenever any player within hearing distance is about to
play a shot, any talking and moving should cease until the shot has been
played. This is particularly important where a green and tee are adjacent,
and players may be putting while others are teeing off. There is nothing
more off-putting than being in the middle of your backswing and hearing
someone yell out when a putt is holed on an adjacent green.
Movement
Movement anywhere near a player in the midst of playing is frowned upon.
Don't get the idea that the player won't be affected because their concentration
is good. Very few players can concentrate that well.
Where to stand
When standing near a player playing a shot, stand so that you are out
of their eyesight. Preferably stand so that you are out of their swing
range behind them and are facing their back. In this position you can
see their ball in case they lose sight of it after contact.
On the putting green, if you are holding the flagstick for them,
try to avoid letting your shadow cover the hole by standing to one side
of it. Also avoid standing on a line either past the hole or directly
behind the person putting as either position can put them off their putt.
When to hit
You should not attempt to hit a ball if you think that the players ahead
of you are likely to be hit. Generally this means that if you
are:
On the tee, on a par four or five, you should wait until all players
ahead of you have played their second shots, or more if necessary.
On a par three, you should wait until the players ahead have cleared
the green, unless they "call you up".
On any fairway and you can reach the green, you should wait until
the green has cleared.
In a situation where your backswing or follow-through may hit someone,
you should wait until the area is clear.
Care of the Course
Holes in Bunkers :
You may spend a lot of time here...in the bunkers, or sand traps...and
you might really mess them up trying to get out. Be sure to rake the
bunker neatly when you leave. A neatly-raked bunker is not only more
attractive, but also allows subsequent players to more easily "play
the ball as it lies" in the sand.
Repair Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Spikes :
Divots occur when your clubface takes a chunk of grass and dirt
out of the ground on your swing. Divots happen as the result of good
or a poor shot, either way divots are acceptable. Not replacing them
is unacceptable. So replace the divot in the hole, and tamp it in slightly.
The roots will quickly take hold again and the grass will soon be growing
normally.
Damage to Greens. Flagsticks, Bags, etc :
Players should ensure that, when putting down bags or the flagstick,
no damage is done to the putting green and that neither they nor their
caddies damage the hole by standing close to it, in handling the flagstick
or in removing the ball from the hole. The flagstick should be should
not damage the putting green by leaning on their putters, particularly
when removing the ball from the hole.
Have Respect for all Golfers
Golf is one of the few games that can be truly enjoyed by both
men and women, young and old, healthy and physically challenged, and
everyone "in between". Have respect, and encourage respect
from golfing buddies, for all players -- regardless of whether they're "in
your league" or not.
lost balls /
If you think your ball is lost, play a provisional ball
If you are searching for a lost ball and there is a group waiting, call them
through, don't wait for five minutes before doing so.
When reaching the green park buggies at the exit point to the next hole, not
in front of the green.
If your match loses one clear hole from the group in front, then you should call
the group behind through.
Plan your shots before you get to them, don't spend too much time selecting your
club.
If a player has to rake a bunker and he is first to play on the green, the next
player to play should have their putt to ensure the pace of play remains steady.
When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave
the putting green.
Scores for a completed hole should be marked on the next tee box. The player
with the "honour" should complete their tee shot and then mark the
card.
where to walk /
Don't stand directly in front of anyone playing a shot.
Don't drag your feet when walking across the green, as it can cause spike marks
that don't help when putting.
Don't walk up to the hole to collect your ball and stand on the lip of the hole.
This causes it to collapse and won't make you popular with the players following
you.
Don't walk up the face of steep bunkers. Enter and leave them by the shallowest
face, carefully raking it as you do.
Don't walk into the clubhouse wearing your spikes unless there is a specially
designated area. If there is, keep to that area.
always remember /
- Replace and repair your divots.
- Repair your pitch marks on the greens.
- Act with decorum.
- Abide by the local rules. When you arrive at any golf course, make immediate
inquiries to find out what is required of you.
- Conform to the dress standards as set by the club. After all, you are a guest
of a club.
- Pay green fees before playing.
- Groups of two or more have precedence over individuals playing alone.
- Players completing a round have right of way over those starting a round. |
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