subject: Basic Etiquette In The Sport Of Golf [print this page] Golf is a wonderful sport, with millions of fans from all over the globe. It is a game where players hit a little ball with a special club, attempting to get it to a golf hole that is very far away from the place where it starts. The game begins on a portion called "teeing ground", and continues into the second area, "putting green", at the end of which the hole is located. The purpose of the game is to drive the ball from the teeing ground through the green into the hole in the fewest hits possible. One round means going through eighteen "greens".
There are 2 styles to play this sport... One: the winner is the player who beats his adversary at the most holes (this is entitled match play) and second, the victor is the golfer who ends one round with the least number of strokes (stroke play).
Golf is oftentimes named the "gentlemen game". Because of this, there are particular etiquette rules to obey when somebody plays this game. Courtesy is a necessity for each participant. Here are several ideas on how to behave while playing golf:
- the favor of striking first is granted to the golfer that has the lowest score
- never forget to check the distance and whereabouts of golfer groups that are ahead of you. Only strike the ball if you make sure that you won't accidentally hit one of the persons in front of you.
- be prepared to shoot the ball when your turn comes. No one likes it when an adversary delays the game because he wasn't paying attention and didn't know his turn followed.
- keep a well-mannered attitude towards the group you are in front of. If you are at par 3, you should shoot the ball towards the green, mark and invite the following group to go on with their game.
- be careful not to deteriorate the green in any way.
- do not engage in small talks with a friend or with who knows who when a golfer is taking his shot.
- in the case that you are waiting for a guy that is preparing his shot, do not stand near him and try not to make unexpected movements.
- don't enter the play area if you are not dressed properly.
- you shouldn't take pets to the golf course, not even if they have muzzles
- don't smoke cigarettes or cigars on the golf course
- don't take along electronic "noise makers" that could disturb your fellow players (phones, cd-players etc)
- don't go to the golf course if you are under the influence, and please don't drink alcoholic beverages while on the green
Don't forget about these rules when you go golfing, because otherwise you you won't be able to understand what this sport is all about. Have fun!
