I propose a playability test!!!!

[thecraw]

I'm certain a few of you will disagree with this post and I'm sure some will question whether this brings golf back into the elitist category however as of yesterday I am fully behind the introduction of some sort of playability test. However bare with me on this.

Yesterday I decided to go and play 9 holes prior to starting work at 1800 hours so off I went to the golf course at 1530, plenty of time to get 9 holes in, a quick shower and into work. Coupled with the fact that there was a certain football match on yesterday I knew that the course would be very quiet.

On arrival I observe a two ball heading up to the first tee so I took my time getting booted up, got my clubs out of the car and went and hit half a dozen putts before I headed up to first tee. Much to my surprise the two ball were still standing on the first tee chatting away despite an empty golf course in front of them. From now on these two will be known as Muppet 1 and Muppet 2. If you take offence to this please stop reading. On seeing me Muppet 1 decides to get ready and spends about 3 minutes rummaging in his golf bag before he arms himself with a ball, a glove and finally some golf tees. Muppet 2 instead of teeing off decides to stand and watch while Muppet 1 is doing this.

Muppet 2 then stands and performs some sort of mad rain dance ritual for a few minutes before hitting the biggest slice I have ever seen, honestly this thing was like a boomerang!

Muppet 1 then stands on the tee and proceeds to have 4 fresh air shots before finally topping a ball less than 8 yards which fails to get off the tee. To my amazement Muppet 1 then walks up to his ball, picks it up and then walks back and puts it on his tee peg again before sclaffing a daisy cutter about 60 yards up the fairway.

Now at this point I was expecting the "would you like to play through/go before us" line but not even eye contact was made. 20 minutes later I was still standing on the first tee with Muppet 1 &2 150 yards up the fairway quite clearly oblivious and certainly not in a rush.

At this point I would like to point out that I'm not against beginners nor would I class myself as a golf snob however these two muppets were starting to get on my goat! I appreciate that everyone needs to start and also learn however they also need to learn etiquette and rules before they set foot on the golf course.

After 1 hour 22 minutes I had holed out on the 3rd green.

I made my way to the 4th tee where I see Muppet 1 about 30 yards off the tee hunting in the bushes and Muppet 2 was in the process of climbing the out of bounds fence to the right. By this stage I was rather cheesed off and it was nearly 1700 so I turned round and walked off.

What should have been an enjoyable 9 holes turned out to be a nightmare 3 holes due to a couple of muppets who are clueless. I was unsure if these people were members or visitors so I didn't want to put them under pressure or have words with them in the first three holes as I was obviously aware that they were new to the game. That said the onus should be on them to know what's expected of them when they venture onto the golf course.

This is exactly why I now strongly believe that a Golf Card should be introduced which must be produced before play if your a visitor or club member alike. A playability test is a must. The Regional PGA should introduce this as a matter of course. The course should not be a measure of general play as such but also measure of knowledge, common sense, etiquette and rules I don't really care if someone cant break 100 however I care that someone has not got the common decency to know etiquette and rules prior to venturing out onto the course.

Education is key to improving the enjoyment for all.

 

[moogie]

Ive gota say I agree with most thats been written, and the ^^ Above ^^ Would BOIL MY P**S Too
But any sort of test, or card carrying, would only deter people further from taking up the sport
I do believe that any new / potential members should have the 'courtesy' 9 holes with committee member, as I believe many clubs used to invoke, just to see if said new member had the faintest idea what he/she was doing, had any idea of rules, or Etiquette
Nowadays, u got the money, u walk in, pay, get your bag tag

 

[Oddsocks]

It could have been worse, there could have been 4 muppets.

I agree with the point of the thread though

 

[North Mimms]

You must have the patience of a saint!

Were you not close enough on first tee to ask to go through?

Edit... just noticed that my status has been upgraded to hacker!
How apt!

 

[Imurg]

Been saying this for years.
They do it in Europe - why not here?

 

[TeeItHigh]

Had similar in front of me yesterday, we all hit bad shots especially when starting out but common sense seems lacking in some, i think 9holes with committee member should be a must.

 

[FairwayDodger]

Obviously agree that was hellish.... but..... how does one obtain such a "playability" card?

Can someone who's got one take a newbie who doesn't onto a course?

If I sclaff a shot can I expect an outraged member to run over demanding to see my card?

I think it's down to clubs to educate new members and police incidents like the above, which would require the poor sod stuck behind to complain - did you?

 

[In_The_Rough]

Agree with everything that has been said. However it will just stop more people playing and taking up the Sport. As has been mentioned they do it in Europe but look at the state of most European nations hardly anybody plays much, Scandanavian countries and perhaps Spain aside it is still very much an lowly played sport so on this basis it will not happen in particular with the current economic climate. I feel you pain though, I am not a fast player but 1 1/2 hours nearly for 3 holes by a single player must be torture

 

[Imurg]

The main reason it won't happen is the cost.
Who pays for it?
How much?
Who gets it?

It's needed but there's not a workable method of doing it that doesn't alienate someone.

 

[rosecott]

Were they "old" muppets?

 

[Boabski]

i was once one of them muppets craw but i learned with people telling me what to do,if it was me i would have politly have put them right telling them what was expected of them on the course.
i would also say that the starters or your pro , whoever was in your shop should advise visitors of the local course etiquette

 

[louise_a]

I am sorry but I laughed at the opening post. Everyone has to learn, but the first thing to learn should be, if you are holding someone up let them through.

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

I agree entirely, I had to play 9 holes with a comittee member when I first joined, every body has to start somewhere but you really should get a grasp of basic etiquette before being let loose on the course.

i think that you should be made to display L plates, stay in the slow lane and allow better/faster players to pass on the outside. Failing that line them up and shoot them in front of their loved ones!!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I agree with your sentiments and to be honest there does need to be something done. That scenario isn't on. I would have asked to play through on the first to be honest. I think the onus has to come back to the club and their responsibility to members. If they can't get a decent nine holes on a Sunday then why are they being asked to for out so much in fees. The pro shop can only do so much to police it. I've nothing against people learning the game but learn the art of calling through first

 

[Oddsocks]

Playing 9 holes with a member first is fine.....,,... Providing they actually join somewhere.

I think this card would be a good thing, think back to the claim not so long ago with the guy who lost he's eye. The guy who got hit said he didn't understand what FORE meant when he heard it shouted. Now we have to assume this was a guy lying to gain financial reward/compensation, but should the card system happen this arguement would have had no standing, and the player who hit the ball would be 280k better off

 

[AuburnWarrior]

I agree entirely. A good idea.
I'd written a long post about this subject but the interwebnet logged me out!
I believe that you shouldn't be allowed onto a golf course until you've got a basic grasp of what the game is all about. The problem's with that are many fold, however. The first is that we're in hard times and golf clubs up and down the country are hungry for the casual golfer's money. Are they going to turn anyone away? Secondly is the issue of cost as imurg pertains to. Who would pay for the card? Thirdly, who would conduct the test? Someone from the county golf union?

I feel your pain though brother.

 

[Oddsocks]

At the very least one person in the group should have the card, then he can educate the non card holders

 

[Birchy]

They could have beginners times at courses where people who are just starting out can get time to play with other newbies. That may also help them to relax and learn as they wont have the pressure of better players flying around the course intimdating them etc.

The people who piss me off are the ones who just play the game to get out and have a walk and have no intention of trying to improve. Just tip tapping the ball along the fairway munching butties and supping flasks of tea.

 

[Oddsocks]

The people who piss me off are the ones who just play the game to get out and have a walk and have no intention of trying to improve. Just tip tapping the ball along the fairway munching butties and supping flasks of tea.

You've followed Scottjd too.... Painfull isn't it

 

[daymond]

TheCraw deserves a medal for his fortitude in the face of adversity.