Golf is an increasingly popular sport throughout the world. The United States Golf Association defines golf as “a game in which a player use clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a course using the fewest number of strokes.” Today we will talk about golf etiquette rules.
Golf etiquette consists of general rules that are meant to avoid damaging the course during play. Such damage would include hitting other players, thereby distracting or endangering them; making loud noises that disturb others playing nearby; moving or bending plants unnecessarily; causing injury to any living thing on the course, including yourself; and many more.
There are two primary types of courses, public and private, and golf etiquette varies between these types. Many large municipalities operate public courses for the middle class or low-income individuals, while country clubs are usually private and unaffordable.
Golf etiquette rules
In golf, players must follow several rules. These rules cover what you can and cannot do during the game. They are not strict rules, but following them makes the game more enjoyable for everyone involved. In addition to these rules, some other guidelines help people play better golf.
Enforcing proper golf etiquette is important to ensure that everyone has a positive experience on the golf course. Most golf rules are a matter of common sense.
The following list provides some golf etiquette rules.
1
Always replace divots and fill in holes made by your club or shoes. Do not alter the playing terrain any more than necessary to play the course properly. If you do alter the terrain, replant grass as damaged as possible.
2
Do not stand out of the line of your fellow players.
3
Keep to the right when other players are behind you and to the left if others are approaching from behind. If you should come upon another player who has stopped ahead, call “Fore!” and play as though they were a hazard.
4
Do not talk while another player is addressing the ball. If someone addresses the ball when you are watching, turn your back or move away quietly.
5
Be silent when opponents putt; do not stand close because your movements may distract them. Never comment on another player’s stroke or suggest that they change grip, stance, etc.
6
Do not stand on the putting green until your opponent’s ball has come to rest.
7
The player who scores should write their score first in the players’ book kept for that purpose. If no book is available or if it is lost, each golfer should record his or her own score on a piece of paper. This process is called “completing the card.”
8
Replacing lost balls must be done before searching for playing partners’ balls if they cannot locate their own
9
When your group is through with a hole, pick up all your golf balls and place them in a bucket or on a towel.
10
Visualize your line of play before hitting your shot
11
All players must keep up with the group ahead, never behind
12
Always keep your head down until your ball is dead on the green
13
On the tee box and putting green, use only one ball marker and leave it on the green when you are done
14
If your golf cart hits another player’s bag or ball, stop immediately and wait for that player to come back around
15
In all competitions, you must know and abide by the rules of competition your club sets down for its players’ benefit. If in doubt, ask an official or rules interpreter before making an incorrect play.
Golf course etiquette
The duty of the golfer is to play the game with due care and consideration for others. This also means keeping a constant lookout for other golfers who may benefit from a courtesy-a warning by a shout, or perhaps through gesture or simple word of warning. You should then stand aside until that person has passed or chosen to ignore your warning.
Be particularly watchful for old people, children, strangers, and those obviously in distress.
When golfing with someone who has never played the game before, you should always show them what line of play is desirable.
Look out for the following situations:
- A player ahead of you may be about to drive into a water hazard or other obstacle.
- Your ball may come to rest near an unplayable lie-behind the green, near a bunker, on a cart path, etc.
- When it looks as though you may damage another player’s line of play, by wayward shot or otherwise.
Of course, you are always under an obligation to assist when needed. For instance, if a member of your group has lost his ball and asks for help in looking for it, the others should stop their that this person can more easily walk off the distance to his ball.
Never stand on another player’s line of play, even if your shot competition rules swing. If you are out of position-standing in the fairway when your group is playing from the tee, for instance, it would be courteous to step aside until it becomes your turn to play.
Also, keep out of another player’s line of sight when addressing the ball. If they ask you to move, do so without protest. Any delay might suggest a lack of consideration on your part-or imply that your play is deliberately intended to influence the opponent’s shot.
If you are playing with someone who is not a member of your regular foursome, it’s good sportsmanship to let that person play through if they ask.
Golf etiquette clothing
The clothes you wear on the course are just as important as proper equipment. So be certain that yours are clean and neat; avoid heavy, dark colors that absorb the sun’s rays.
Golf etiquette rules for clothing are very simple. A cap or visor will protect your face from the sun’s glare; long trousers are preferable to shorts. Either tuck your shirt in or tuck it out of your belt; if it flaps over your belt, it may be mistaken for a pull cart.
Benefits of Golfing
Golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of any health or physical ability, including those who are disabled.
Golf is a physical activity for all ages and abilities that can take place on various courses. Regardless of your age or fitness level, you’ll be able to participate in the many health-promoting activities associated with golf.
Although many different people can enjoy golf, it is a challenging sport. It takes dedication and discipline to play golf, but the benefits are worth it.
5 benefits
1
Improve cardiovascular endurance: Walking, even slowly, is good for your heart. Golfing gives your heart a workout without straining you. The more you walk, the greater your cardiovascular improvement becomes. According to a study published in the June 2011 issue of “Golf Health & Fitness Journal,” golfers who walked conducted approximately 100,000 steps per round and burned approximately 4,500 calories.
2
Strengthen your heart muscle: Golf is an aerobic exercise that strengthens the heart muscle. A study from the University of South Carolina shows those who play golf have healthier hearts than those who don’t.
3
Lower blood pressure: Golf has many advantages in lowering blood pressure for older adults. According to a study conducted by the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, moderate physical activity that is not overly stressful can significantly reduce high blood pressure. Studies show that moderate exercise, such as walking the golf course, reduces blood pressure in individuals with high-normal or elevated systolic blood pressure.
4
Burn fat and reduce obesity: According to a study published in “BMC Public Health“, playing golf for an hour can burn up to 521 calories. According to certified fitness instructor Joseph Williams, golfing helps your body metabolize stored fat by making it available for energy.
5
Increase bone mass in older adults: Golfing is also great for increasing bone mass in older adults, especially women. It helps strengthen bones and increases the amount of calcium in them, which prevents osteoporosis.
Conclusion
Following proper golf etiquette is an important part of playing the game. Be courteous on and off the course; help out beginners; give warning before hitting; stand aside when others are looking for their balls; observe rules of competition; keep your clothing neat and clean; let players through if they ask.