Players participating in Udon Thani Golf and the Associated Groups events are required to observe the following ‘rules’ of etiquette; these are in addition to those stipulated in the ‘Rules of Golf’.
1. Provide the player making the shot with a conducive environment, this includes:
a) No movement from the players or caddies until the shot is completed.
b) No noise until the shot is completed.
c) Do not stand directly behind the player making the shot.
2. Be aware of other players on the course, not only the hole you are playing, and provide them with the same courtesy that you would expect when you are taking your shot.
3. Mobile phones should be switched OFF whilst playing your round. If it is absolutely necessary that your mobile phone is available (in which case should you be on the course anyway?) then put it in ‘silent’ mode. If you do have to use your mobile do so with consideration for others; remember, sound carries on the golf course.
4. Swearing has, unfortunately, become part of everyday life, but this should be kept to a minimum. Displays of anger by club throwing, mindless damage to the course or any other similar actions is not allowed.
5. The abuse of caddies, no matter how ‘justified’ you may think it is, will not be tolerated.
6. Etiquette does not finish when you have completed your round, good manners are also expected in the club house.
In some ways it is a shame that we have to have a section on etiquette, but it never harms to remind players of their obligations.
Speed of Play.
This deserves a section on its own.
Slow play is the bane of most golfers’ lives; we have all been affected by it, but there are steps we can all take to reduce these incidences.
1. It is the responsibility of you and your group to keep up with the players in front of you; not to keep ahead of those behind. If you ‘lose a hole’ to the group in front then allow the group(s) behind to go through.
2. How long you take over a shot or putt is immaterial providing you are ready when it is your turn to play. Have the club in your hand, know where you want to aim, step up and hit the shot.
3. You should start the process of club selection for your next shot as you approach the ball. The lie, wind, hazards and pin position will need to be taken into account in your final decision, but when you reach your ball you should already know, within a club or two, what you will require. Do not wait until it is your turn to play before starting your club selection process.
4. Similarly on the green, start reading your putt as you walk up to the green; do not wait until it is your turn to start the process. If you need to, discuss the line with your caddie as others are preparing their putt (but not when they are moving to address the ball). When all balls have been holed leave the green immediately, do not stop to mark your score cards or bemoan your bad luck. If playing in a stableford competition and you cannot score on a particular hole then please pick up.
5. If you have the honour on the tee, please proceed. You can mark your card, take a drink or any other activity after you have taken your tee shot.
Provisional ball. If there is the possibility (however remote) that a ball may have been lost or is out-of-bounds then the player should play a provisional ball (don’t forget the declaration). This should ensure that the minimum amount of time is wasted should the original ball not be found or is declared to be out-of-bounds. Remember you have an obligation to let the group behind you play through whilst you are searching for a ball.