A Little Etiquette
While Practicing
Etiquette is what makes the game more enjoyable for all
participants. We’ve always heard about etiquette on the golf course; now allow me to share some etiquette while practicing.
by Brian McDonald, PGA of Canada
True Spirit of the Game
For the most part, golf is played unsupervised and this also applies to the practice facilities. As on the golf course, the spirit of the game relies on the integrity of each individual to be respectful toward other golfers’ quality leisure time. All players should conduct themselves in a courteous manner, demonstrating civility at all times. This is the spirit of the game.
Consideration for Other Players On the Driving Range
Remember, you are in close quarters here, so keep your bag, range balls, buckets, and personal effects inside your hitting area. When the range is busy, it’s unfair to subject others to your untidiness. If you need a little more space, simply place your bag a few steps behind your bay. Players should not disturb practice time by talking loudly or making any unnecessary noise, even music. If you must take a call, keep it to yourself or simply excuse yourself from the range for a minute.
On the Putting Green
Be mindful not to stand or walk across other people’s lines. If you don’t do it on the course, don’t do it on the practice green. Normally, you want to use no more than three balls and if the green is busy, don’t practice 60-foot coast-to-coast (to win the Masters) putts. Remember this is a common space, a shared area. If you want to quietly
work on a couple of putting drills around a specific hole or to have a little contest with a friend, do so later in the day.
How the Geese Management Program Works
Only use the designated areas as the course superintendent has a rotation schedule for the practice tee. When hitting iron shots from the turf, try to hit your next shot from the back of the previous divot. This way you will only damage a small patch and protect the surrounding turf. If the turf is scarce, you can use a tee as you would on a par-3. There is no shame in using a tee on the range as this will assure a perfect lie every shot. Technically, this will also make you reset your grip, posture, stance, and ball position for each shot. Some courses have a separate chipping green but if that’s not the case, you should avoid chipping onto the putting green entirely. Chipping will leave ball marks and scars on the green and spoil everyone else’s putting experience. Also, do not stay in the exact same spot for a prolonged period of time because you will kill the grass on a surface as delicate as a putting green.
Safety
Players should ensure no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club or a ball when on the practice tee. Be aware that shafts can brake and clubheads can fly off the shaft so always hit from the defined area. Etiquette starts as you pass the gates
and the fine-trimmed lawns. Players that embrace this make the entire golfing experience more pleasurable and safer for everyone.
