Respecting Golf Etiquette - By: Emery Noile, Posted on: 2007-07-17

Golf is an age-old game that's rich in culture and tradition. Playing golf involves the ability to adhere to strict rules of etiquette, and that includes your choice of attire. If you respect and happily comply with the rules of etiquette, you will be welcomed to play at proper golf courses.

On the other hand, golfers who shun the rules and consider the etiquette to be too stodgy will have to settle with a golf course that meets their lower level of standards.

Most golf courses, both private and public, enforce etiquette rules to some degree, and nearly all have restrictions on golf apparel. Wearing proper golf attire is considered to be one of the most important areas of etiquette, and respectful players are happy to play along. The most common requirements to golf course dress codes are collared shirts, long pants (not jeans) and golf shoes. These rules come into play both in the clubhouse and on the links.

The primary rule of etiquette on the course itself is to arrive promptly for your scheduled tee time. It's important to arrive at the course twenty to thirty minutes before your tee time. This allows ample time to park the car, change your clothes, purchase balls, pick up a cart, warm up and practice. Don't arrive at the course five minutes early and expect to hit the driving range right away.

Another important rule of golf etiquette is a sign of modern times. Cell phones and pagers are not welcome on the links. Leave your phone in the car or in your locker. If you absolutely must bring the phone along in case of emergency, turn the ringer off and tuck it into your bag.

Using proper golf etiquette is all about minding the needs and wishes of the other players. It's important to understand how your group wishes to play before you get started. Ask if the first ready golfer should be the starter, or if the golfer with the best score on the proceeding hole should tee off first. It's easy to offend a stranger if you don't understand their wishes. Be sure that you ask the rules when you join a new group.

Golf requires precision and a great deal of concentration, so you must respect the other golfers' need for a quiet place to play. Golfers can be unforgiving if they think you've blown their big shot. Following golf etiquette requires your ability to keep quiet and stay out of the other golfers' direct line of vision. This can be a hard rule to follow, especially when you're having fun with your buddies, but it is golf etiquette in its most rudimentary form.

To you, golf may be a fun game. Others, however, see it as a showcase of their good breeding and even an opportunity to climb the social ladder. It's serious stuff. If you enjoy playing a game of golf, you've got to respect the fact that there's more to golf etiquette than just a persnickety dress code. These rules are part of a culture and tradition that have been observed by generations of golfers. Press your collared shirt, put on your long-legged chinos and lace up your golf shoes. Tee off with due respect.

Article Source: http://golfarticlesdirectory.com

Emery Deiryme is a frequent contributor to a variety of popular web magazines, on family recreation and hobbies and leisure subjects.
You can get a unique content version of this article.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated