The game would lose something very important if all forms of etiquette were totally disregarded. Abiding by certain unwritten rules on and off the course is something we should always look to promote. However, as with most things in life, you need to move with the times.
In general, the game is doing a pretty good job in this regard, whether it’s relaxing golf dress codes or allowing the use of cell phones in the clubhouse. It depends on where you play, of course. Whilst some venues have modernised, others still feel rather archaic – and every so often you’ll come across a certain situation where you find yourself shaking your head.
This happened to me recently when, after getting stuck in traffic and finding myself short of time, I made the mistake of changing into my golf shoes in the car park – something which didn’t go unnoticed. This kind of so-called etiquette, in my opinion, needs knocking on the head – as do a number of other ‘rules’.
Changing shoes in the car park tends to be frowned upon
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Okay, I admit it – I’m a serial offender. I’d been getting away with it for years too until recently. “There’s a changing room for that.” I had to bite my tongue. Hard.
Crouched down between two cars changing out of my trainers into my golf shoes, I was, as always, trying to get into my FootJoys in as quick a time as possible as if were committing the most heinous of acts. A full change of clothing – that’s different. But, come on… is this an offense that really warrants a rap on the knuckles?
No Golf Shoes In The Clubhouse
Even spikeless shoes are forbidden in some clubhouses
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Golf shoes for playing in, smart shoes for the clubhouse. It’s a bit out-dated, this, and not the vibe a lot of golfers are looking for when joining a club. Isn’t your clubhouse meant to be a place where you can feel relaxed? It makes even less sense when you consider how smart modern spikeless golf shoes are.
As for worrying about the carpet… I think we need to trust golfers to give muddy golf shoes a wipe down or use the air pressure machines before coming inside.
Pace Of Play
Playing ‘ready golf’ can help speed up play
(Image credit: Tom Miles)
Under Rule 6.4b, “farthest from the hole should play first.”…
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