Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Golf Game Attitude: It's Beyond The Skills and Scores

By Paul Monahan


Most of the sports that we watch and play always involve an umpire, a referee, or an official to facilitate the flow of the game. They ensure that the overall game is well-officiated and working well. Without doubt, everything is in order if they are organized. However, not all games require much needed supervision, but call for tremendous amount of integrity and discipline.

Golf is one of those games which does not need supervision of an official at all times, or for quite possibly the most part. This is the aspect of golf that novices and amateurs really should know about and obviously not capitalize on to the point that they will abuse it. Respect, discipline, and integrity- these three are involved in the gentleman's game of golf. Besides skills and techniques, golf is also a game which involves attitude. The "bad boy" image does not apply in this kind of sport. Sportmanship certainly is the moral fiber in golf.

There are just certain things that is taking part in terms of the attitude and manners in golf. Others may have other guidelines, some have few, or some have more. But, these are the very things that golfers should keep in mind.

Safety is undoubtedly the chief concern: Prior to starting swinging or when another player is swinging, be sure that you're at a safe distance from another player. If you don't want a golf club swordfight, keep a safe distance from another player when making a golf swing, like a practice swing or the actual swing. Shout "fore!" if you will be swinging near or at the direction of others for you to warn them of an incoming shot. Make sure to prevent losing grip of the club as well, to prevent injury. If very irritated, do not take it against the club. You must not throw or slam it to the ground.

Don't interrupt the silence: You have to respect others particularly when it is their time to swing. Don't make pointless actions, noises or even talking to the other player. Cell phones are obviously a no-no, since the smallest noise can affect the shot. Can you imagine it was you who's getting sidetracked? Wait patiently for your turn to stroke or swing, and stop staying near to another golfer's ball, specifically on the putting green.

Getting on the suitable tempo: Unless you're completely certain it's only you who's playing in the golf course at that time (which is nearly impossible), don't stay on a hole for too long. Be ready to make your stroke or swing when you can to make a way for other groups that are playing. To be able to avoid any confusion, a player in some games that has the ball farthest from the green will swing first or else a rule called as "ready play" is agreed upon in casual games where players will hit as they are ready. Immediately after delivering the putt, move on immediately to make way for others. Save your time as well by bringing the clubs that you need already and not taking clubs from your cart one by one. It will definitely be time-consuming.

Treat the course as yours: Though there are people who maintain the good condition of the course, have the initiative to taking care of it yourself. When using carts, stay on the allotted pathways or follow the 90-degree rule. The carts can easily damage the greens and hazards so follow the guidelines for the course. Rake the sand bunkers to make it as good as new. Divots and ball marks can be an eyesore so take the initiative to replace the divot with a sand and seed mixture, or put the piece of the divot back. This acts as a courtesy to the next player. You wouldn't want to see divots or ball marks when it's your turn, aren't you?

This is just a handful of guidelines a player can follow, but this is a good start to bring out the competitive player in you. Fore!




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