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It’s time to revisit some do’s and don’ts about golfing etiquette. Unlike sports such as hockey and mud wrestling, golf has long been thought to be a genteel game, rich in tradition and replete with myriad practices falling under the umbrella of sporting manners.
Arnold Palmer had this to say about manners: “From the time I first stepped on a golf course, my father made sure that I observed golf etiquette. What that meant to me then, and what it means now, is being considerate of other golfers, taking care of the course, playing quickly, and controlling my temper.”
Arnold, Gary, and Jack have long been the poster icons for golf manners.
For some who are new to the game, and some who simply have not had anyone explain golfing things to them, golfers are expected to adhere to a rather universal set of customs and behaviors – in other words, they practice good golf etiquette.
Golf is a game that relies on the integrity of each player to show respect for other players to not only abide by the rules of the game but to play fair and be considerate to fellow golfers. According to official USGA dictum: “All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game.”
So let’s take a look at some of the specific USGA guidelines.
Regarding pace of play, the main thing I notice on busy days at local golf courses is that slow groups seem oblivious to others trying to keep a reasonable pace. Some folks don’t realize if you take slightly over 100 strokes a round (most common), and take and extra 30 seconds for each one, you will add nearly an hour to finish your game.