For the total beginner, golf can be an intimidating sport to get in to – both for adults who want to try it, but also for parents who has children are expressing an interest when the parents aren’t golfers themselves.
What we can say with some confidence is that golf is more accessible now than it has been at any point in it’s almost 600 year long history. And while there are some corners of the golfing world where old traditions are hanging on, Mahon Golf Course certainly isn’t one of them!
Three of the founding principles of the sport are Honesty, Respect and Sportsmanship:
Honesty
Golf is one of the few sports played at both amateur and professional level without (for the most part) an umpire or referee. Players are expected to follow the rules and even call penalties on themselves, even if no-one else has seen it.
Respect & Etiquette
When playing, it is important to show respect to:
- The course (repair pitch marks, rake bunkers, fill divots, look after the greens)
- Other players (speed of play, not disturbing other players shots)
- The traditions of the game (dress code, manners)
Often, after playing with a golfer they haven’t played before, a golfer will judge that person not on his playing ability, but on his general etiquette when on the course.
Sportsmanship
Golfers should compete hard, but fair. They should accept losses with good grace and acknowledge good shots by their opponent. There is no place for cheats – and those with a reputation for finding balls in miraculous locations or a magic pencil for their scorecard often find themselves without a home course.
Golf Etiquette is a huge topic – and could easily be a list as long as the 11th hole at Mahon, however below is a brief list to get you started:
-
Respect others – stay quiet and still during shots
-
Keep up with play – be ready when it’s your turn
-
Care for the course – repair divots and pitch marks
-
Play safely – wait until it’s clear ahead
-
Be honest – play by the rules
-
Respect the greens – avoid other players’ lines
-
Show courtesy – let faster groups play through