Golfing is one of the most popular past times and has been for decades. Although dress is not as important as it was years ago, the savvy golfer knows how to dress and act on the golf course. Even with the lax standards of today, many clubs do require that golfers adhere to a dress code.
One common rule for golfers is that they must wear a collared shirt. No grungy t shirts or tank tops on the greens. Jeans are frowned upon and many clubs even require that you wear long pants. Of course, golf shoes are a must at any golf club – some courses even require that you wear a special type of shoe.
Golf shoes are important not only to allow the golfer to keep their feet firmly planted when swinging, but they also have an effect on the greens. Golf shoes with the traditional spikes are murder on a golf course. Even the new ones with plastic studs can wreak havoc on the greens and fairways. This not only makes more work for the course keepers but can also affect your golf score.
The best golf shoes are ones that keep you from slipping and allow you to take advantage of your leg strength while swinging while also being kind to the course. The best shoes to wear for these purposes are ones without cleats – shoes that have soles with a short tread or suction cup sole are best for both golfers and greens keepers.
One part of golfing etiquette that any well groomed golfer will respect is the use of cell phones. Many golfers require quite while hitting the ball – who wants to hear a cell phone chiming in the middle of an important swing? Although it is not a bad idea to carry a cell phone for emergency purposes, make sure it is turned off and don’t take calls in the middle of a game.
While the golfers of today don’t resemble the plaid pants and sweater vest wearing golfers of yesterday, they can still use old fashioned courtesy when on the course. If you have scheduled a tee time, make sure you show up on time for it. This means making sure have warmed up, practiced and retrieved your cart and balls before that time.
When playing in a group, make sure you know how the others like to play and what rules they use. Do they want to let the best score tee off at each hole, or just whoever is ready? Remember to be quite when others are hitting the ball and don’t obstruct their view.
