Dominic Pizzulli of Florida brings a wealth of experience to the fairways, not just in perfecting the golf swing but in mastering the unspoken language of golfing etiquette. In the following article, Dominic Pizzulli shares his insights on navigating the greens with grace, turning each round into a refined dance of respect and camaraderie.
Having the perfect swing or selecting the right club is one thing, but understanding golf etiquette is quite another. These unwritten rules are deep-rooted in tradition and respect, serving as the invisible threads that bind the golfers to the game and each other.
The unspoken nature of the not-quite-steadfast-rules are perilous for amateurs making their way to the green for the first handful of times. For seasoned golfers, there’s nothing worse than dealing with poor etiquette on the green; in their eyes, it’s a lack of respect. Understanding these integral do’s and don’ts avoids a myriad of kiss-teething and less-than-appreciative looks.
Dominic Pizzulli of Florida says that from dressing to impress to maintaining the pace of play to being respectful when others are taking their shots, these tips act as a behavioral compass to ensure expert-level graciousness when navigating the greens.
Dominic Pizzulli of Florida Says Attire Matters
A pair of old jeans and a band t-shirt isn’t okay at the local country club. While the green isn’t a runway, well-established golfers take pride in their appearance on the course, and amateurs should follow suit.
Some locations may differ, but appropriate golfing attire tends to include golf pants or shorts, a collared shirt, a hat, and golf shoes. Donning clothing deemed too casual is frowned upon — a fact that becomes less surprising upon learning the sport is often referred to as a “gentleman’s game.”
Early Birds Catch the Worm
The course isn’t a restaurant; there isn’t a grace period or any room for tardiness. Timeliness is regarded highly in golf etiquette. After all, arriving early can disrupt other golfers and the preset order of play.
Golfers should aim to show up 20 minutes (or more) before their tee time. Scrambling from the car to the first tee box isn’t a good a look for any player, with many veterans of the game deeming it rude and disrespectful. Dominic Pizzulli of Florida says that at least 20 minutes provides the average golfer enough time to limber up and hit a few range shots.
That said, running late is sometimes unavoidable. In such situations, Dominic Pizzulli recommends contacting the staff at the course or playing partners to let them know. They’ll find a workable solution for everyone involved.
No Quips or Distractions
As any player can attest, golf is a game of courtesy and respect. Therefore, golfers need to remain silent and still while others take their shots — no coughing, sifting through golf bags, talking, humming, or anything of the sort.
Dominic Pizzulli of Florida says that not only does breaking a player’s concentration ruin their current shot, but it also adds extra pertinence to the rest of the strokes they play on that hole. Many beginners are given a pass on poor etiquette at times, but this won’t be one of them.
Following a particularly good shot, golfers should remember to congratulate their fellow player. This shows respect and fosters a friendly, supportive on-the-course atmosphere.
Care and Consideration for the Course
The course is there for everybody, and nobody wants to turn up to a damaged environment. As such, one of the pinnacles of good golf etiquette rests on leaving the course in better condition than it was found.
Dominic Pizzulli of Florida explains that players should:
- Use sand to fill in divots in the fairway
- Replace their divots
- Fix marks left by the ball in the green
- Never run on putting surfaces
- Rake bunkers
Beyond that, golfers should know the golf cart rules when on the course. Depending on the particular club and the weather, they may have to stick to certain routes. Asking upon check-in is the best way to avoid unhappy staff members and a ruined green.
Pace of Play Must be Maintained
Dominic Pizzulli of Florida also notes that golfers don’t want others to rush their shots. However, they don’t want to be kept waiting for an unnecessarily long time, either.
Slow play can wreak havoc on the sport, souring the experience for others who don’t want to wait five minutes at every hole. Amateurs should keep the pace of play up, keeping tabs on the rest of the game and being ready to play when it’s their turn.
Golf Steady, Golf Quietly, Golf Respectfully
Beginners may take a while to perfect their swing, but ensuring they understand the etiquette from the get-go reduces the otherwise exceptionally steep learning curve.
