Etiquette on watching other groups take shots?

[Jaco]

Well, what it says in the strap line really.
Played today, on my own, had a two ball in front and another two lads behind. Plenty of hanging around on the tees, so was keen to turn around and watch the guys behind take their shots onto the green or, on the par 3s, their tee shots. They know I'm watching and I'm wary of putting pressure on them, so just wondered if there was a protocol for this. As a high handicapper I know how much tougher the first tee can be when there are half a dozen people behind.
I'm normally happy to join another group but these lads were 30 years younger and I sensed they wouldn't want an old duffer joining them, so that's why I didn't ask on this occasion.

 

[ScienceBoy]

I doubt they noticed.

If they did then they were not focusing on their own game enough to play well

 

[louise_a]

I don't see any problem in watching as long as you aren't in their eyeline or doing something distracting.

 

[inc0gnito]

As a beginner I hate people behind me, wether watching or not. I can’t handle the pressure mannn!

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I don't see any problem in watching as long as you aren't in their eyeline or doing something distracting.

This for me. Most groups you want to watch, to learn something, are the better golfers and are not phased by someone having a little peak.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

As long as you're not in the eyeline I don't see a problem.

 

[clubchamp98]

Watch and learn!
Just keep still no talking (in groups )

 

[garyinderry]

You are fine as long as you don't burst out laughing.

 

[londonlewis]

I don't care if someone watches me hit a shot. As long as they aren't a distraction (i.e. talking / moving or directly in my line of sight - as others have said). I played through a few groups of people a couple of weeks ago. Topped one off the tee on the 8th, into the water, then smashed my 3rd down the fairway. Hit a lovely 4 iron into the 10th green after being let through and ended up in the first cut of rough on the 11th after being let through again.

But my playing partner hates it. Despite hitting great shots on all 3 holes (right down the middle on the 8th, finished just short of the green on the 10th and matched my shot on the 11th). He hates the pressure of random people watching.

I think it is difficult for people who have just taken up the game. I used to rush round a course to prevent people catching up to me (probably did this for the first few months of playing golf). So maybe the etiquette is to judge who you think you are watching. If they are visibly nervous, maybe don't watch. If they appear to be fine and hit good shots, maybe feel free?

 

[TreeSeeker]

As a beginner I am actually somewhat more comfortable with people watching, that way when (or before) I have to yell fore they know if they are at risk!! Also it is helpful when someone had eyes on where I buried the ball in the rough.

 

[7255carl]

As long as you are not directly in the eyeline and are respectful I see no issue with it