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Local pros offer tips on the courtesy aspect of golf
Though the weather might contradict the calendar, spring has indeed sprung, and golfers' long winter drought comes to a much-anticipated close.It's time to whack a little white ball around, hopefully in the direction of a distant hole in the ground.
As you make plans to hit the course of your choice or to take the tour of Loudoun's links, there are a few items of time-honored etiquette that your friendly area golf pros would like you to keep in mind.
“One thing that golf has taught me in 24 years as a pro is that it's a game of life,” said Ted Simpson, of Algonkian Regional Park Golf Course.
Simpson, who said he had to break up a fight on two occasions last year and once already this year, is adamant about courtesy on the course.
“Respect for other people is a part of golf like it's a part of life,” he said.
Scott Bennett, of Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt in Leesburg, advises golfers to avoid slow play as course traffic rises in the spring. “We're not all playing in the Masters, so not let's not act like we are,” he joked. Replacing all divots also displays courtesy for your fellow hackers, Bennett said.
John Kuliesh, the pro at Virginia National Golf Club in Bluemont, agrees with the need for general consideration for the golf course. “Ball marks and divots should be fixed to help the course,” he said.
“Fix your ball marks,” said Willy Lutz, pro at South Riding Golfer's Club, in response to how golfers can better express courteous behavior. “The reward of a great shot is that you get to fix your ball mark.”
You'll find Steve WenPetren at Sterling Park Golf, Tennis and Swim Club, and you'll find him there on time. “Showing up for the tee time on time is important,” he said. Being tardy for your tee can cascade into inconveniences for other golfers.
Overall awareness of what's happening on the golf course is not only safe and smart, but also makes it easier to extend those traditional courtesies that the gentleman's game has always demanded.
Simpson has instituted compulsory etiquette refresher classes for his members.
He said class attendance is increasing among nonmembers as well. “The tradition of the game of golf demands respect for the game and for other golfers,” he said.
Such respect lets everyone play the world's most aggravating sport with as little unnecessary aggravation as possible.
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