This article narrates some guidelines on the way the golf game should be played. If adhered, everyone should be able to enjoy the game; the foremost principle being consideration for other golfers of and in the vicinity of the course.
Starkly dissimilar to other sports is the fact that golf is contested without a fair and just umpire. Consequently, playing the sport entails honesty, integrity, consideration for fellow golfers and the unshakeable stance to abide by the rules. Regardless of individual aspirations and aggressiveness, every golfer should internalise the need to remain disciplined, refined and portray sportsmanship at all instances. All the above values should be embodied and treated like an integral part of the game.
Golfers should always make sure that the close proximity surrounding a swing is clear of people. The club, ball, pebbles and stones or debris should never be allowed to hit anyone during a stroke. Players should always ensure that there is no obstruction in front of them before a swing. If in any circumstance a golfer feels that a stroke might encroach into someone’s safety, the greens marshal should always be alerted. Such a warning is normally known as “fore”.
The code of conduct on the greens requires golfers to be considerate and not distract others with wilful behaviour such as loud conversations and unnecessary movement. A player should only be teeing when it’s his/her turn. Golfers should never be too close to the ball, hole or player when they are about to swing.
Whilst putting, golfers should never stand in another’s line of sight or “shadow” the putt trajectory. Everyone should remain on the putting green until the rest have finished their pars as an act of courtesy. If players are score-keepers for one another, they should always tally up for each other before moving onto the next tee.
The rhythm and pace of the game should always be accommodating to all players irrespective of level and nature of the game-play. The flight has responsibility to catch the other directly in front of it and if holes are missed or if there is any material delay, the group should always advise the trailing one to go ahead and skip the queue. This holds regardless of how big the flight/group may be.
Swinging readiness should always be practiced insofar as players should always be alert to their turn. When playing at the last stages of the par hole, one should always leave possessions and vehicles in locations where a quick exit to the next tee is possible. As soon as the hole is completed golfers should leave the putting green immediately.
The rough guidelines in this article are written to enable golfers to really enjoy the game and at the same time facilitate this process for others. Watch out for more posts on golf rules and etiquettes.
Resources: www.tipsongolf.org and www.thomaskonglive.com
Article Source: Introduction to Golf: Behaviour and social mannerism on the golf course
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