At a recent Hickory Event, my group was kept in the field for more than six hours on a very hot day – at least two hours too long to be kept from the bar!
In this case the main reason was given as interloping golfers jumping in at various holes between the Tournament groups – a not uncommon hazard of holding an Event at a public course. Lesser infringements of the etiquette of the game are sufficiently widespread among our hickory brethren, however, to warrant mention in an effort to make the game more enjoyable.
A general rule is that groups ahead should clear for the shots of the group behind as soon as possible, rather than reflect the pace of those causing delay ahead of them, by observing the following principles:
• Carts are a necessary evil on many modern Courses, as they usually involve losing the line of a shot, but simple rules such as stopping beyond the next shot speed up play behind, as does parking beyond the green.
• Where possible, each player should advance in line with his ball, rather than all wait behind the first to play.
• Hole out on the green as soon as reasonable, and leave the chat to the next tee and never retry a missed putt while players are waiting for the green to clear
• If in doubt, play a provisional ball from the tee, to avoid having to return to the tee later. Do not hesitate to call the following group through if a lengthy search is involved, and remember the 5-minute rule!
In my view, tournament handicapping goes largely unregulated, which leads to certain players routinely scoring well below par at Events. Hickory golf should not be about Tournament Directors having to research prior Event scores and imposing appropriate handicaps. At the Club where I learnt my Golf any net score below par meant an automatic reduction in handicap by the Golfer, and report to the Club Secretary at the finish of the round. No Club competition permitted a men’s handicap in excess of 18, or 24 for women. Conversely, a series of scores over par will merit a rise in handicap.
In our Society the same honour system should apply, if not the maximum allowance. We can then look forward to a level playing field where all contestants stand a chance of winning.
In case anyone tastes sour grapes, Yours Truly maintains a handicap under 18 and plays to 28 on a good day!
Four Degrees