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/.
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.