And here we are now with another principle that inspires the “Spirit of the game” in Golf: to “show consideration for others”. In other words, to have respect and regard for other people.
The Rules of Golf manual, as with the other two principles already seen (i.e. acting with integrity and taking care of the course), at point 1.2a provides some examples of how consideration for others should be shown: playing at a fast pace, taking care of the safety of others, and not disturbing another player’s game.
In summary, “manners” are also important.
The first of the three examples above, the one referring to “slow play,” is certainly the most severe problem. In addition to the experience that all of us amateurs often undergo (and for professionals, most recently, see the exasperating slowness with which the World Golf Championship Dell Technologies match-play formula took place a few weeks ago), think about the number of documents published by the Royal & Ancient (www.randa.org) on this subject and you realize its seriousness.
Even the new Rules of Golf in force since January 1, 2019, announced as a true “revolution” which, in the intentions of the ruler, should have led to a simplification of the rules with a consequent greater speed of play, have not, in the opinion of the author, even minimally achieved their goal.
In addition to keeping a fast pace (not like at a funeral, but as if you were running late for an appointment) and not spending one hour to hit a shot (respecting the maximum of 40 seconds established by the Rules), the suggestion is, when on the course, to pay attention more backward than frontward. That is, if our game is ahead, others are behind us. Being on the course is a bit like driving a car on the road. We must look ahead, but also behind: rear-view mirrors have not been made mandatory just for backing up.
Regarding safety and disturbance, it is important to remember that we are expected not to hit a shot until the players in front of us are out of range (even assuming we manage to make the “shot of our life”), to shout “fore” in case of a stray shot towards other holes (if professionals do it, it’s not even embarrassing for us), to stand still when other players make their swings (it only takes a little self-control of mind and body), not to speak loudly (some even believe that we should not speak at all), and last but not least to set our mobile phone to silent mode (and here, unfortunately…). There is nothing else to add, to write down, to review, or to try to memorize.
In the end, as always, it’s just a matter of manners. Let it be clear, we do not want to tar everyone with the same brush, there are plenty of decent people but, unfortunately, they are often in the minority. If we keep in mind what we often witness at intersections, in lines, at the table, at work, and in day-life in general, it is utopian the expectation that the same is not going to happen on the golf course, we know, but let’s not lose hope.
In fact, aspiring to find some respect and civility in a golf club after having had to endure the bad manners of others almost everywhere else is something we can hope for. Golf is based precisely on this “spirit,” and consequently, only well-mannered people should (indeed, must) find acceptance in a golf club. Manners are the only “status” that counts for “playing golf” these days (in addition to having the time).
It is obviously and above all up to the club to enforce this principle of consideration for other players.
Because without consideration for others, it’s no longer golf, it’s something else.
© Influgolfer
