Medal Etiquette/Rules

[Sink92]

Hi All

playing in a medal at my new club this weekend with 2 guys I don’t know, haven’t played in one since I was a junior. Please hit me with some common rules/etiquette I should be aware of which would be different to a casual round with my pals. I would like to make sure I don’t make an ar*e of myself?

 

[rulefan]

Check that they will be playing ready golf.
Don't stand on their line of putt.
Don't ask for or give advice.
Check scores with your marker and player after every hole.

 

[fundy]

Say hi on the first tee, explain to them its your first comp for many a year. Balls in their court to guide you if and when needed.

 

[JonnyGutteridge]

If you think there is any possibility that you won’t find your ball, then don’t be afraid to fire a provisional ball. No one will judge you for making sure you have a ball in play, even if it’s provisionally your 5th shot and you’re still on the tee, and remember - people that don’t do this and N/R finish last.

For reference, I hit 16 provisionals throughout the 36 holes of our Club Championships. I did not lose my original ball at any point, but the 100% certainty of having a ball in play a) Makes the walk a lot more enjoyable, and makes ball hunting far less stressful and b) means you don’t have to be ‘that guy’ who spends 3 minutes looking before heading back to the tee.

It was 33degrees that weekend, and I didn’t fancy that one bit.

Most importantly though, your handicap can only increase by 0.1, and no one cares except you about your score. Enjoy it, good luck.

 

[Sink92]

If you think there is any possibility that you won’t find your ball, then don’t be afraid to fire a provisional ball. No one will judge you for making sure you have a ball in play, even if it’s provisionally your 5th shot and you’re still on the tee, and remember - people that don’t do this and N/R finish last.

For reference, I hit 16 provisionals throughout the 36 holes of our Club Championships. I did not lose my original ball at any point, but the 100% certainty of having a ball in play a) Makes the walk a lot more enjoyable, and makes ball hunting far less stressful and b) means you don’t have to be ‘that guy’ who spends 3 minutes looking before heading back to the tee.

It was 33degrees that weekend, and I didn’t fancy that one bit.

Most importantly though, your handicap can only increase by 0.1, and no one cares except you about your score. Enjoy it, good luck.

thank you all for the advice , especially this ! Definitely the biggest thing that was bothering me, provisionals will take the stress off that. I need to submit 3 cards before I even get a handicap it’s been that long, so no pressure at all. Looking forward to it ?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Introduce yourself and explain its been a while. Other than that are they playing ready golf, hit provisionals if there is any doubt and if you have a query, ask for advice before doing anything, especially touching the ball until you have worked out how to proceed. Get a copy of the basic rules in the bag as people "think" they know the rules but their version and the definitions on paper often vary considerably

 

[Orikoru]

Introduce yourself and explain its been a while. Other than that are they playing ready golf, hit provisionals if there is any doubt and if you have a query, ask for advice before doing anything, especially touching the ball until you have worked out how to proceed. Get a copy of the basic rules in the bag as people "think" they know the rules but their version and the definitions on paper often vary considerably

Or just get the R&A app since it's 2020.

 

[Slab]

Watch where your shadow falls, don't make noise or move about near another player when they're playing a shot, try not to mis-count your score on a hole more than once
Remember to have fun

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Or just get the R&A app since it's 2020.

Agreed. Although many don't like having their phones in the bag (and some courses I've played have been shocking to connect to the internet)

 

[jim8flog]

Hi All

playing in a medal at my new club this weekend with 2 guys I don’t know, haven’t played in one since I was a junior. Please hit me with some common rules/etiquette I should be aware of which would be different to a casual round with my pals. I would like to make sure I don’t make an ar*e of myself?

Most important thing is read all the Temporary Local Rules that the club has brought in during the covid period and if you have not done it during friendly play check the local rules any way (new rules came out in 2019).

 

[davidy233]

Agreed. Although many don't like having their phones in the bag (and some courses I've played have been shocking to connect to the internet)

The R&A rules app doesn't need an internet connection to check the rules

 

[jim8flog]

I need to submit 3 cards before I even get a handicap it’s been that long, so no pressure at all. Looking forward to it ?

Have you checked your club's rules about players in medals without a handicap or without competition status.

 

[Sink92]

Have you checked your club's rules about players in medals without a handicap or without competition status.

I haven’t, I had a chat with the secretary when I joined last week and he just said I had to play in 3 medals. I’ll maybe give him a shout when I’m up on Thursday in advance of the medal. Is there only certain ones I can play in?

also I have a basic GPS app on my phone for yardages, is this allowed or is it only range finders and GPS watches?

 

[Sink92]

Or just get the R&A app since it's 2020.

App downloaded now. Thanks ?

 

[Orikoru]

I haven’t, I had a chat with the secretary when I joined last week and he just said I had to play in 3 medals. I’ll maybe give him a shout when I’m up on Thursday in advance of the medal. Is there only certain ones I can play in?

also I have a basic GPS app on my phone for yardages, is this allowed or is it only range finders and GPS watches?

The GPS apps are fine, since they only gives yardages to greens hazards etc, which is all fine.

 

[Sink92]

The GPS apps are fine, since they only gives yardages to greens hazards etc, which is all fine.

Thank you !

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Posts 2 & 3 have it pretty much nailed. Smile, say hello and let the other 2 take charge.

Don't forget, you play for fun, it isn't meant to be an ordeal. Have a good time.

 

[LincolnShep]

I haven’t, I had a chat with the secretary when I joined last week and he just said I had to play in 3 medals. I’ll maybe give him a shout when I’m up on Thursday in advance of the medal. Is there only certain ones I can play in?

That answer will be specific to your club. At mine you would be welcome to play in any comp for purposes of getting a handicap - you wouldn't be eligible for any prizes though.

 

[SaintHacker]

I haven’t, I had a chat with the secretary when I joined last week and he just said I had to play in 3 medals. I’ll maybe give him a shout when I’m up on Thursday in advance of the medal. Is there only certain ones I can play in?

also I have a basic GPS app on my phone for yardages, is this allowed or is it only range finders and GPS watches?

Shouldnt be problem playing to get your cards verified but you won't be able to enter the competition without a handicap. Bit strange though first time I've heard of a club asking you to play in a medal to get your cards in, usually its enough to just play 3 rounds with a member

 

[Sink92]

Shouldnt be problem playing to get your cards verified but you won't be able to enter the competition without a handicap. Bit strange though first time I've heard of a club asking you to play in a medal to get your cards in, usually its enough to just play 3 rounds with a member

now you mention it, I don’t actually think he mentioned a medal, I just assumed it was from my experiences as a junior. I’ll double check this when I’m out at the club on Thursday. Thank you all for the help and info! Greatly appreciated