As if the rules of golf weren’t complicated enough, there’s a whole set of etiquette guidelines golfers are expected to follow as well. And you thought it was tough learning which fork to use with which course at a formal dinner.
Proper etiquette is especially important on the putting green – golf’s equivalent to the dining room table. Any action that might distract another player or, worse, disturb another’s putting line is strictly verboten.
Next time you’re thinking about a golf-centered getaway, the following locales merit serious consideration:
If there’s anything avid golfers love more than playing new courses, it’s traveling to play new courses. Preferably lots of them.
Golfers in the United States are blessed with dozens of hot spots – some hotter than others – offering scores of courses and resorts within an hours’ drive of each other. What’s more, these destinations cater to golfers with special package pricing, fairway-side lodging and other enticements.
The following locations lure traveling golfers by the thousands each year.
Golf being the ultimate game of honor, where a player is expected to levy penalties against himself as necessary, it’s important to know exactly when and how to assess such punishment.
Sadly, most golfers are woefully (or perhaps blissfully) uneducated on the rules – especially those pertaining to water hazards, out-of-bounds areas and unplayable lies. Follow any foursome of weekend warriors and you’ll witness blatant disregard for proper procedure.
Blame it on Jack Nicklaus. Ever since the “Golden Bear” came along, with his yardage books and methodical approach to every shot, amateur golfers have adopted a similar style of play. That is to say, painfully slow.
Nicklaus’ pace was justified by a record 18 major titles claimed during his incomparable career. Besides, he was a notoriously fast walker between shots. The everyday golfer, though, has no reason to analyze the lie, wind and green contour with Nicklaus-like intensity.
What’s the big deal about slow play? After all, golf is supposed to be a leisurely game, right?