Poor Golf Etiquette

Skip Surf said:
Heh, I got a real kick out of seeing this develop that I'm somehow the problem for a very specifically described issue; someone in *any* player's direct shot line, or moving around inordinately while at address on the tee. I only added further details to inform that I'm not a novice and am a relatively fast player. I would truly hope that *anyone* wouldn't have to deal with these (fortunately) rare lapses in decorum.

With the rise of inconsiderate behavior everywhere, I guess some of the responses here shouldn't be any more surprising than the very occasional lapses in player behavior on the course.

I can't help how a few of you folks are terming me, that I'm somehow "arrogant" rather than the rare problem player at issue that I've mentioned who literally puts their play ahead of others. But I hope to be perceived as a friendly, caring, considerate person in life and on a course, and have a fairly wide group that began as strangers on a golf track but whom are now warm friends of all ages, backgrounds, genders, and skill levels. So must be doing something right. If we ever played in a group, I'd imagine you'd recall it as fairly fun day filled with respectful behavior, appreciation of shots, hopefully some good golf -- and most of all... plenty of laughs.

I do appreciate those who gave considered input to the problem. While I wish it didn't have to be the case, it now seems that in golf as in life we have to either tolerate bad behavior or accept the awkward position of speaking up if we hope to see it changed. Cheers!
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Cheers. I'll assume that most of the negative parts of your post are aimed at me. Coolio. Happy golfing.

I really do enjoy being labelled as a " Bad boy of golf". I think it makes my mrs think I'm uber sexy 👍👍👍👍
 
Bit on the fence here as this has happened to me often.
If people are moving around and getting on his line of play ,it can’t be excused by saying it helps the pace of play.
If it puts him off it’s a problem.
But you can’t justify insulting people because they don’t agree with you.!

I just don’t understand why anybody gets in the way of a 100+ mph missile regardless of anyone’s h/cap , we all hit bad shots.
You must ask anyone who get in your eyeline to stand still.
If you don’t then they don’t know they are putting you off.
A polite request should always be heeded.

Try to ring it down a bit as you will find a lot of different views on here that’s what makes it interesting.
 
The OP has a point to some degree, but having gone through the thread, what I have not yet got a feeling for, is any sense of "magnitude"? That is, how far forward does he consider too far, and how close to the line is too close? Perhaps he can elucidate? Without that, I dont see how we can sensibly comment.
 
backwoodsman said:
The OP has a point to some degree, but having gone through the thread, what I have not yet got a feeling for, is any sense of "magnitude"? That is, how far forward does he consider too far, and how close to the line is too close? Perhaps he can elucidate? Without that, I dont see how we can sensibly comment.
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Ok, sure. As I described previously, last week one player in particular had gotten all the way to the green while the other three in our group were hitting approaches. So, 100-140 yards ahead, in direct line with my shot to the green and another player in our group (I was at 107, to be precise), to the point where my shot to the pin nearly hit him. As I've also said, this is fortunately an exception not commonplace. But is getting less rare.

On other occasions, I've had players ranging 10-60 yards ahead, and wouldn't know how to give you a precise angle in relation to my shot line since I'm not a freaking artillery officer but only flew backseats on carrier jets, so would say within 5-10 degrees of my direct line. During one round I had players advancing on either side of my shot line so I had a tunnel, again for my approach, again, within 5-10 degrees of shot line.

So, there's your elucidation. While trying to be precise, I would say it could also just be described as any point ahead that puts a player in jeopardy, not to mention distract the player hitting. I'm not going to hit driver, nor would you, with someone in range in line of shot. Why should it be any different anyplace else on a course?

Btw, I've wondered if one factor could be a sort of bond of common confidence perception between players at our level of play, that we're not going to to hit that far off line, that allows a few to advance further these days. Maybe that's what allows galleries at pro events to stand in shot lines I wouldn't go near; some sort of perceived safety. Unfortunately, I have yet to see *any* player who doesn't mis-strike a ball at some point. But maybe that's also a good elucidating example -- I would prefer anyone in front of me to be at least out of shot line as marshals provide at pro events. Could that work as a fair expectation?
 
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backwoodsman said:
The OP has a point to some degree, but having gone through the thread, what I have not yet got a feeling for, is any sense of "magnitude"? That is, how far forward does he consider too far, and how close to the line is too close? Perhaps he can elucidate? Without that, I dont see how we can sensibly comment.
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My opinion is if you can be hit by a shank then you are to far ahead!
 
Off topic, but I'm curious on practical reactions to the recent rule changes. Too soon to have courses post OB notices, but I've had one player *very* happy the 'double-hit' penalty is gone. And on one extremely windy day last week, was glad we didn't have to go into the whole 'ball moving at address' wrangle.

So far, and it's a minor thing, the biggest adjustment is wondering whether someone wants the pin pulled for a putt. Several have been trying leaving it in. Guess we'll have to wait on stats whether leaving the pin actually provides a benefit, but it's led to an awkward dance to the point where it seems I'll just wait to hear whether someone now wants it out. I'm wondering if anyone has noticed a measurable effect so far one way or the other on leaving the stick in the hole.
 
There are many posts elsewhere reporting tests done over the years and some showing videos. In addition reports from players at all levels giving their experiences over the last couple of weeks.
Virtually all of the former show tests confirming the advantage of leaving the flagstick in.
Most of the latter also found 'in' was better except the 'in, out, in, out' shake it all about was irritating.
There were of course other views but they seem to be a minority. PoP seemingly is the more contentious area.
 
rulefan said:
PoP seemingly is the more contentious area.
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I'll check the other thread, but that would have a direct relation to etiquette, since two weeks in I at least am having a hard time sorting who wants stick in, stick out, so it seems nearly to the point of modifying from 'player away' to 'players wanting in/out' to prevent jamming it in and out like some intern trying to draw blood...
 
I'm with bluewolf on this, walk ahead to my ball as long as I'm not interfering with anyone elses shot. I will generally give a wider berth on the 'shank' side of anyone further back though!
 
Skip Surf said:
They seem more genuinely clueless, or just too focused on their game.

Congratulations, that it hasn't happened to you. Yet. Hopefully you also haven't or won't get hit by a wayward struck ball someone neglected to call out. Or had your clubs stolen, your car broken into at a course lot, or seen a fistfight during a game.

I play a ton of rounds and perhaps see more than most. I also have a lot of laughs and great days with all sorts of people. Yeah, maybe I'll just have to adjust to different times and attitudes. But there's a timeless allure to golf and its standards that still seems worthy of respect.
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I have :eek:
 
Skip Surf said:
Ok, sure. As I described previously, last week one player in particular had gotten all the way to the green while the other three in our group were hitting approaches. So, 100-140 yards ahead, in direct line with my shot to the green and another player in our group (I was at 107, to be precise), to the point where my shot to the pin nearly hit him. As I've also said, this is fortunately an exception not commonplace. But is getting less rare.

On other occasions, I've had players ranging 10-60 yards ahead, and wouldn't know how to give you a precise angle in relation to my shot line since I'm not a freaking artillery officer but only flew backseats on carrier jets, so would say within 5-10 degrees of my direct line. During one round I had players advancing on either side of my shot line so I had a tunnel, again for my approach, again, within 5-10 degrees of shot line.

So, there's your elucidation. While trying to be precise, I would say it could also just be described as any point ahead that puts a player in jeopardy, not to mention distract the player hitting. I'm not going to hit driver, nor would you, with someone in range in line of shot. Why should it be any different anyplace else on a course?

Btw, I've wondered if one factor could be a sort of bond of common confidence perception between players at our level of play, that we're not going to to hit that far off line, that allows a few to advance further these days. Maybe that's what allows galleries at pro events to stand in shot lines I wouldn't go near; some sort of perceived safety. Unfortunately, I have yet to see *any* player who doesn't mis-strike a ball at some point. But maybe that's also a good elucidating example -- I would prefer anyone in front of me to be at least out of shot line as marshals provide at pro events. Could that work as a fair expectation?
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I think you play golf with some pretty stupid people. Maybe taking them out with a stray shot would do the gene pool a favour? :ROFLMAO:
 
Skip Surf said:
(you didn't actually *say* the word that should remain unspoken, did you?)
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It’s what goes through my head if I see anybody infront of me on that side.
This is why I agree people should not get ahead of the person playing his shot.
It puts me off .
Not bothered if behind me but anyone up the right in my view is in mortal danger .
But you can’t tell some people they don’t give a dam .
 
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drive4show said:
I have :eek:
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One fight I witnessed was when a player behind kept hitting into our group on a busy day. Coming off #9 green, he actually hit me in the hip. While waiting for #10 tee, I politely told the guy, 'Y'know, you just hit me back there.' He responded 'No I didn't.' Which is when my temperature shot up a notch. Just as I started amping up further advancing his way, my friend grabbed my elbow, spun me back, and we played on.

In our foursome were two other players we'd just met. When we got hit into *again* one of those fellows had had enough and approached the offender. What started with words rapidly devolved into actual fighting, then wrestling around on the ground. Since both pugilists were on the plus side of Andrew Johnston by about 80 pounds, the ground shook, trees bent, blood spilled, shirts and pants ripped. Finally a marshal rolled up, and the reprobate was tossed. But finishing the round we were treated to the sight of our group's gladiator with only the tattered top remnants of his shirt.

Just another calming day on the links...
 
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Skip Surf said:
One fight I witnessed was when a player behind kept hitting into our group on a busy day. Coming off #9 green, he actually hit me in the hip. While waiting for #10 tee, I politely told the guy, 'Y'know, you just hit me back there.' He responded 'No I didn't.' Which is when my temperature shot up a notch. Just as I started amping up further advancing his way, my friend grabbed my elbow, spun me back, and we played on.

In our foursome were two other players we'd just met. When we got hit into *again* one of those fellows had had enough and approached the offender. What started with words rapidly devolved into actual fighting, then wrestling around on the ground. Since both pugilists were on the plus side of Andrew Johnston by about 80 pounds, the ground shook, trees bent, blood spilled, shirts and pants ripped. Finally a marshal rolled up, and the reprobate was tossed. But finishing the round we were treated to the sight of our group's gladiator with only the tattered top remnants of his shirt.

Just another calming day on the links...
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What course do you play at?
Just so I know never to play there:)
 
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