Maintaining the quality of the golf course for the enjoyment of all is good golfing etiquette, especially in winter as courses become more vulnerable to the elements. Looking after your golf course in the winter is largely matter of common sense and preparation.
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If you can carry your clubs instead of using a trolley (especially electric trollies which are heavy) then please do so.
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Stick to the paths provided. Do not take shortcuts across soft ground and if you do have to use a trolley or buggy then please keep them at least 5m from the putting surfaces.
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Do not walk onto tees or greens unless you are playing on them.
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Observe cart rules. Some courses will post “cart path only” signs; others will ask you to observe the “90-degree rule.” Do as you are told.
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Observe ropes and other directional instructions installed by the green staff – they are there for a reason.
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Ensure your shoes are in appropriate condition for winter golf, i.e. soft spikes in good order.
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Be careful not to damage the edge of the hole when removing your ball – this is very bad manners as it is directly detrimental to the enjoyment of your fellow players.
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Repair your divots in the fairway – they can take longer to heal in the winter!
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Repair your ball marks on the green.
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Always rake sand bunkers after hitting to erase your footprints and damage to the area where your ball was.
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Avoid taking a divot on a practice swing.
For the senior golfer or the less mobile golfer observing course etiquette can prove more of a challenge as bending to repair ball and pitch marks can be difficult. This is where the design of the ‘Greenstick’ can assist the less agile golfer. Repairing pitch marks is excellent golfing etiquette and is essential in order to maintain a smooth, true putting surface and The Greenstick makes this easy for the less agile but considerate golfer. Now available to buy on-line visit http://richardbrowngolf.co.uk/product/the-green-stick/.
We have all heard the stories about business and golf, how business golf can be the difference between success and failure for many UK businesses. Why is golf so attractive to business owners? Firstly it doesn’t matter what age you are you can play golf, secondly the handicap system allows people of different abilities to play against each other for a fair and interesting game no matter the skill level of the individual. Thirdly, compared to other sports you actually only spend a relatively small amount of time hitting the ball, giving you plenty of time for conversation, building relationships and getting to know the person.
“When you do business with people, you need to know more about them,” says Mr Small. Golf rewards players who remain calm under pressure, never lose their temper and think strategically. These are all virtues in business, too.
Is the value of golf to business just heresy or can you put a financial figure on the contribution of golf to business? Stanford University in the US conducted a study:
According to the researchers at Stanford (one of the most prominent colleges in the US), during 2005, golf contributed an astronomical $195 billion to the US economy, both directly and indirectly.
The study doesn’t directly measure the amount of business deals actually stuck on the golf course but it does give a good indication of the value of golf to the economy, assuming we in the UK aren’t too far behind our US friends!
Playing a round of Golf will certainly help to build relationships and trust, which is extremely important in business. People buy people, business is not usually done with someone you do not like or respect. Perhaps the qualities people look for in business can be reflected on the golf course:
“Remember that more often than not, people make investments in people. A round of golf is a great time to demonstrate you are a smart, competent, and likeable person. If you are a thoughtful golfer who engages in good conversation on the course, you will increase your chances for closing a deal.”
Playing a round of golf with potential clients can further your business relationships but remember to be on your best behaviour! Follow the rules of the game (no one will refer business to a cheat), follow the etiquette of the game like repairing divots, don’t do the hard sell, you are there to build a relationship! Have a healthy attitude to competition; do not throw you clubs if a shot doesn’t go well!
What are your tips for business golf?
http://www.economist.com/blogs/gametheory/2011/11/golf-and-business
Golf should be a sport that is enjoyed by everyone regardless of age, gender and physical ability. The Greenstick was born from a desire to help the senior golfer and the golfer with spinal problems and/or lack of mobility through disability.
Image credit: http://www.gorillagolfblog.com
There is no reason why the sport should not be enjoyed by all, including those with disabilities. There are many organisations for disabled golfers throughout the world offering opportunities for disabled athletes to learn the game, to play and to compete
Disabled Golf Organisations in the UK.
“The Disabled Golf Association aim is to bring together all disabled golfers, irrespective of gender, age or ability, and help them enjoy golf on a level playing field, or in our case a level golf course!”
England Golf contributes towards the development of the England Golf Partnership’s strategy to address the issues of equity, equality and inclusion of disabled people, within golf. We are committed in supporting the implementation of the Whole Sport Plan, taking into account the wide range of issues that affect disabled people, with the ultimate aim that more people are encouraged to play golf and are better represented within the game.
The Launch of British Disabled Golf took place at Acanthus Golf Centre on August 3rd 2012. It was an open day where disabled and able-bodied golfers could play alongside each other as and when they wanted.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews:
The R&A and the USGA have produced A Modification of the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities. This publication contains advice and permissible modifications to the Rules and they provide a means by which disabled golfers may play equitably with able-bodied golfers or golfers with other types of disabilities.
The rules can be downloaded at the website here .
How the Greenstick golfing accessory can help the disabled golfer.
Depending on the disability the Greenstick can help the disabled golfer to look after the green and avoid unnecessary bending to repair pitch marks, impact marks and pick up golf balls.
Greenstick Features
1. The Greenstick has an adjustable telescopic shaft. This ensures that the considerate golfer can make swift and accomplished repairs to any ball marks on the green without bending.
2. With your Greenstick, you can pick up your golf ball from the green or the cup without stooping, and with little or no bending of your back.
3. It is precision engineered to pick up your golf ball in one easy motion.
4. The Greenstick has an ergonomically shaped comfort-grip handle, is responsive, and offers great control in all weather conditions.
5. The Greenstick is designed to fit onto the outside of your golf bag making it easily accessible when you need it.
Practical, functional and innovative, The Greenstick has undergone rigorous testing and has been manufactured to the very highest standards. Its the must have golf accessory for the considerate golfer who wants to look after the golf course.
The Pitch Fork or Divot tool
This two pronged professional pitchfork has been specially designed to effortlessly repair any impact damage to the putting green caused by the golf ball’s landing. Ball marks or pitch marks are the bane of smooth putting surfaces and healthy greens on golf courses all over the world. Avoiding making ball marks is impossible but the considerate golfer must always look to repair these depressions often made when the ball descends from the sky onto the green.
Repairing ball marks isn’t just good golfing etiquette, it’s our obligation as golfers to look after the golf course, so if you have the time repair not just your ball marks but anymore that you spot, even if they are not yours!
A ball mark repair tool or pitchfork is an essential piece of kit for every golfer, traditionally these are hand held tools. The challenge for the senior golfer is of course bending down. The adjustable telescopic shaft on the Greenstick ensures that the considerate golfer can make swift and accomplished repairs to any ball marks on the green and pick up their golf ball, without the need to bend down or stoop over.
How to repair Ball Marks or Pitch Marks
There is a right and a wrong way to repair ball/pitch marks on the green. Its important that you insert the prongs at the edge of the depression made by the ball not the centre! Insert the prongs at the edge of the depression working your way around using a gentle twisting motion. Many golfers make the mistake of inserting the prongs at an angle and ‘lifting up’ the centre of the depression, unfortunately the only thing you will achieve using this action is to rip up the grass roots, killing the grass. Use the prongs to push grass at the edge of the depression toward the centre. When you have worked your way around the rim of the depression, pushing the grass towards the centre, gently tamp down the repaired ball mark with your putter or foot to smooth the putting surface.
With adjustable handle on the Greenstick you can extend the tool making it perfect for your height, avoiding any unnecessary bending over.