Rules of Golf and Golfing Etiquette

Golfers that have played the golf for any length of time will understand that golf is controlled and governed by a complex set of golf rules set by the Royal and Ancient based at St Andrews.

Regular readars of this column will also be aware from a recent article of mine that some of the basic rules we face in every round of golf such as speed of play,dropping procedures and hazards are changing as

from 1st January 2019 and ALL golfers need to be aware of these changes to

avoid penalty shots due not having knowledge of these rule changes.

Here on the Costa Blanca we have seen an influx of golfers with very high or non existant handicaps who appear to have no nowledge of either the rules of golf or etiquette and golf courses have a role to play here because all courses specify a maximum handicap limit but NONE actually apply them.

Putting the rules of golf aside for a moment,etiquette is simply a few acts of courtsesy towards fellow players and the golf course and can be summarised as:

a) Be courteous to all fellow players

b) Keep up with the group in front and not just keep in fron of the group behind.

c) Stand to one side and allow faster players to pass.

d) Repair pitch marks on the greens (and one for a friend)

e) Replace divots on fairways (but not tees)

f) Rake your footprints in all bunkers (and those of a friend)

g) Don’t walk on the line of a fellow golfers putt.

h) Stand still and be quiet will fellow golfers play

I) Park buggies in a position to speed play and not interfere with fellow players

If all golfers could follow these simple acts of courtsesy we would all see golf courses in better condition and played in under 5 hours.