Learn About Golf Etiquette

By: Justin Flowers

You may not believe what I'm about to say, but the game of golf consists of more than the optimal golf swing, the best equipment or flawless putting technique. Since the game began, golf has always been considered to be a game for gentlemen (and ladies), so golf etiquette has always been an important part of the sport. Golf etiquette guidelines mostly fall into three different areas: showing respect for the golf course, displaying courtesy toward other players, and the issue of slow play.

Don't Forget To Take Care Of The Golf Course

Bunkers. Chances are you didn't want to find your golf ball in the bunker at all. But that's no reason to leave a mess behind once you get out. You should erase any footsteps and marks you've made as much as you can. The golf course usually supplies a rake so you can do this. If you can't locate a rake, use one of your clubs to smooth out any record of your activity. The golf etiquette goal for the bunker should be to leave it like you found it.

Repairing divots in the fairway. When you're taking a shot from the fairway, it's possible for both pros and inexperienced players alike to leave a divot as a result of their practice shot or real shot. Go get your divot, place it back in the hole you made and tread it down with your right foot. That bit of golf etiquette will give the grass a better chance to repair itself.

The Greens. The green is the most fragile part of the course. When your ball hits the green, especially if you've pitched it up from ten or twenty yards away, it's going to leave a mark. You can either use a special tool or the tip of your tee to repair the mark. Then take your putter and lightly tap the mark. It may not seem like this would make much difference, but un-repaired ball marks can take as long as 21 days to repair themselves. Ball marks treated in accordance with golf etiquette rules can grow back overnight. Other considerations for the green include being careful not to drag your shoes. No one wants to allow for spike marks when making their putt. Golf etiquette also suggests that you be extra careful with the pin. Don't drop or toss the pin; rather, place it carefully on the green's surface.

Do Not Forget Courtesy In Golf Etiquette

The watchword of courtesy in golf etiquette is distraction. As in, don't be a distraction. It doesn't matter if you're playing with a teammate or an opponent, stay away from their line of sight when they're taking their swing. Don't stand right behind a golfer. You should also keep from crowding, not only for courtesy's sake but for your own safety as well.

Slow Play May Be A Significant Factor

No one really enjoys rushing through a round of golf. Golf is a game that's meant to be enjoyed, and there ought to be ample opportunity for conversation, personal reflection and appreciation of the natural surroundings. At the same time, if you're playing on a busy day and the course is congested, you should be considerate of the players behind you. Proper golf etiquette includes not holding up the players behind you.

Try to think ahead while your teammate is playing. Instead of critiquing your partner's performance or standing around in a mindless reverie, plan your next shot. After you tee off, go directly to your golf ball instead of taking the detour to other players' balls at first. (This assumes you're walking the course and not sharing a golf cart.) Once you arrive at the green, take out your putter and place your golf bag on the way to the next tee. This will help you make a faster exit from the green and not delay players waiting on the fairway behind you.

Sometimes it seems like you just can't play fast enough for the players behind you. There's no point in trying to finish the game feeling rushed and stressed. Step aside and politely wave the faster players through. This is especially true if you need to find your golf ball in the deep grass. Think of how much you would appreciate it if they were waving you through.

The desired end result of golf etiquette is not to complicate your life, nor is it to make the game of golf into something unrealistic. Golf etiquette has developed over time to make the game of golf a relaxing experience for all players and to keep the golf course in the most playable condition possible. So if you're not willing to follow the rules of golf etiquette for the sake of other golfers, at least do it for yourself.

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Justin Flowers writes articles on sports, health, and computing. If you require to find out more about the fascinating game of golf, please visit his web site www.free-golf-stuff.com that contains information concerning Golf Chipping, and other matters.

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