By Ron Granitz
Why is it that common sense seemingly flies out the window when you play golf somewhere other than your home course and sometimes even on your home course?
It’s amazing how some people go brain dead when playing golf just because they paid their money and feel the course is now an open book for all the stupid thoughts, words and deeds they can muster. I guess the things they see and hear on TV about the honor of the game and costs associated with managing a course only apply to TV courses and to other players.
Fellow golfers, just because you have all day to play your round does not allow you to hit extra shots, stand around talking and look for balls you know you will not find (that is why they are sold in dozens). Or just as bad, spend extra time at the turn eating and then want to jump right in at 10, or perhaps to try to teach someone to play on a Saturday or Sunday morning, or play from the championship tees because they are there and any 20 handicapper can do it.
The people behind you do not have all day and they are trying to keep up the pace on the course, which the marshal and starter must try to maintain so everyone has an enjoyable time. Tee times are set for a reason and yet some show up at 8:20 for an 8:00 tee time and then want to know if they can get out anyway, becoming angry when they can’t get on immediately and they have to wait. Furthermore, they didn’t even bother to call to say they would be late so that other groups could have moved up and the late party could have taken the last slot and still been able to play.
Also, why do some golfers insist on driving the cart any place a 4 wheeler can go when they were told not to go in the high grass, the restricted areas, woods, tee areas or right up to the green so they can just step out and putt and not get their shoes damp from the wet grass.
And did you fix that ball mark? Ok, so you didn’t do that particular one, yet you expect the greens to be more playable and complain about the marks others left but didn’t fix.
Use some common sense.
If you are behind and holding people up, just skip a hole and catch up to the group in front of you. If you are the front group, then skip ahead. Everyone takes a par and keeps going. It will not kill you and you might actually play better since you are no longer rushing your shots or worried about the group behind. If you are not in a foursome expect to be delayed playing behind a foursome. Play through is not encouraged since it will cause further delays as those behind you now catch up. Expect to be paired up, that is normal for golf. Some courses require it.
If you use common sense on the course, you will have a more enjoyable time, the course and conditions will be better for it.
Ron Granitz is a former Golf Marshall and Starter. He has had memberships in numerous golf clubs throughout Central Virginia including Keswick, Lake Monticello, Laurel Ridge and others, so he knows his way around the golf course.