Golf ... Playing The Nice Way

By Leo Allan

There are no rules of etiquette associated with the game, but only suggestions. The official rules, combined with these suggestions, weave the fabric of the wonderfully maddening four or so hours that we call a round of golf.

These official rules cover the acres and miles of fairway, rough, sand, water, and tees of each individual golf course. Not only that, but it is incumbent upon each player to officiate his or her own game. Honesty isn’t just the best policy … it’s the only policy for the true sportsman. Sure, one can shave a stroke here and there or use the old hand mashie to score under his or her actual stroke count, not to mention winter rules. Bobby Jones had it right when in 1935 his self-imposed penalty cost him the U.S. Open title. “That’s just the way the game is played,” he said. Trust, fairness, and a respect for the game are the foundations for the unofficial rules of the etiquette of golf.

Slow play can be the most confounding and inconsiderate etiquette infraction. It is usually, but not always, associated with beginners. One of the greatest mistakes that befall these novice linksters is keeping track of and analyzing each and every miscue. Once the hole has become a chore, it is fine to pick up and move on. Your playing partners will thank you, as will the annoyed foursomes behind yours. Consideration of others is the watchword on a crowded golf course.

Everyone should be prepared before the first ball is hit off the tee. Do you have enough golf balls? A scorecard? Tees? Repair tool and marker? Your clubs? How embarrassing is it to run back to the pro shop or your car for a forgotten glove or putter? Pay attention to the more seasoned duffer. Carry a few extra balls in your pocket and always have your scorecard handy (it has a course map on the back). Unsure of which club to use? Carry the next appropriate club with you to save you a trip back to your bag. 

Red, white or blue … which to choose? Ladies generally play from the red tees, but if your skill level dictates red, that’s okay. There is no penalty in golf for being comfortable. Average male golfers usually opt for the white tees, while we pros embarrass ourselves off the blues. The rules are silent regarding these choices. The honor of being first to tee off is given to the lowest score from the second hole on. The first tee honors is another matter. Tee tossing, ball dropping, “eenie meenie,” and straw drawing are all options, as long as it is done in a timely manner. After the round is in progress, another honors choice is “ready play,” meaning that on the next tee the first player ready is the first to tee off. Time saving? Considerate? You bet! Speaking of the first tee gathering, it is most important that each of your group is able to identify the individual balls in play. Mark it with a dot, series of dots, or initials. This is very helpful when the search is on for the lost equipment.

Before teeing off, a judgement should be made on how far away the preceding foursome has progressed. As a general rule, no one should hit until the group ahead has completed their second shots and is out of the way. You should never hit into another group on any part of the golf course, ever! It will probably be reported, and certainly not forgotten.

Speaking of slow play, how many practice swings do you take? Three? Four? Five? Maybe more? A little known fact is that all practice swings, except for the one at the tee box, are illegal. At the tee, instead of belittling one of your playing partners’ swing or club choice, you can save time by taking your practice swings in his or her view before their setup (courtesy and consideration always). You can always get your digs in on the stroll from the last green to the next tee. You can also give advice and pointers about hazards or difficulties on the next hole to players unfamiliar with the course. This eases anxiety and tension. And guess what? It also speeds up play as a courtesy to the golfers behind you. The player that is unfamiliar with the layout will greatly appreciate it, and you may make a friend for life.

The search for lost equipment (meaning golf balls) is a profound problem. All the golfers in your group should pitch in to locate the little nuisance. Think about the last time you waited for a persistent penny-pincher looking for a two dollar ball instead of dropping, taking a one stroke penalty, and playing on. All in your group should spot for each other to reduce this slow down in play. Find a landmark (such as a tree, house, creek, cart path, etc.) and fan out. Remember the marking of each player’s ball?
It seems like we always get back to the same subject in this little discussion. Slow play! Please be fair to yourself and the other hard charging linksters on the golf course for the four or so hours it takes you to thoroughly humiliate yourself and expose your inadequacies as far as the game of golf is concerned. 
Just think, if you are really fortunate, you can wake up tomorrow and do it all over again!

Leo Allan is with SciClone Engineered Golf, located in The Factory on South Main Street in Wake Forest. He may be reached at 608-9115.