Golf is a sport enjoyed in various ways, such as having fun with friends or competing in scores with unfamiliar players. While you want to fully enjoy golf, it’s important to be aware that if you’re not careful, you might unintentionally cause slow play, disrupting the rhythm of other players. Golf courses set a guideline for the time spent on each hole (approximately 15 minutes), and if a group exceeds this time, it can inconvenience following groups and the entire course.
That said, it’s natural to want to leisurely enjoy the precious time spent on golf. To enjoy golf smartly and to the fullest, understanding and practicing the basic rules and etiquette is essential. By being mindful of these rules and manners on the golf course and aiming for smooth play, you can create a comfortable game not only for yourself but also for your companions and other players.
There are only two rules and manners to become a smart golfer
The “40-second rule” when it’s your turn:
This rule, introduced in 2019, encourages making a stroke within 40 seconds after you are ready to play. To enjoy a smooth round, it’s crucial to prepare the necessary items before your turn comes.
For the tee shot (the first stroke), remove the headcover in advance and have the tee (peg) ready. For subsequent strokes away from the cart, refer to the navigator or yard markers to gauge the appropriate distance and take 2-3 clubs with you.Frequent trips back and forth to the cart can cause slow play and disrupt the flow of play.
Additionally, considering the possibility of losing the ball or hitting it out of bounds (OB), it’s good to carry about two spare balls. On the green, don’t forget to use a ball marker to mark the position of your ball. This allows for a smoother and more efficient game progression.
The “3-minute rule” for finding lost balls:
On the golf course, if a ball goes into the OB area or deep rough, it is considered a “lost ball” if not found within 3 minutes.The biggest cause of slow play is searching for lost balls, but to prevent prolonged searching, the “two-stroke penalty” local rule was introduced in 2019.
This rule allows playing with a total of four strokes (two-stroke penalty) from a designated tee ahead if the tee shot goes OB. To prevent slow play, after searching for 3 minutes, it’s best to promptly give up, quickly switch your mindset, and think about attacking from the “playing 4” position.
Golf is not a race!?
For golf beginners, it’s common for the ball not to go in the desired direction or distance.For example, it’s not unusual to experience the ball rolling just a few yards after a swing.
In such situations, companions often advise, “Take a few clubs and run!”
This is because golf progresses with the person furthest from the hole hitting first, so after the first shot, it’s sometimes necessary to hurry to the second shot location and then move on to the third shot location. However, constantly running to the next location can leave you breathless, disrupt your tempo, and inevitably affect your performance.
Focusing too much on avoiding slow play and repeatedly making mis-shots would be counterproductive. “Tempo” is crucial for accurate swings, and if your tempo is disrupted, it becomes difficult to hit the ball as practiced.
By following just the “40-second rule” and the “3-minute rule,” you can prevent slow play, so avoid unnecessary running and focus on playing calmly.
