Swinging Into Golf Season

While a deal may be signed in the corporate suite, chances are the seeds of that transaction were sown on the golf course. 

The golf outing – whether a business-sponsored charity event or a foursome hitting the green – is an important time to establish closer ties and strengthen rapport, camaraderie and loyalty.  It’s surprising how many people underestimate the rewards of getting clients, bosses and prospects out of the work mode and into some quality leisure time.  Nothing solidifies relationship building (and fixing) than having their undivided attention in the sunshine.

Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a novice on the links, a brush-up in golf etiquette can raise the level of your game and drive you to play your best round of golf.  Otherwise, you could find yourself caught in an etiquette bunker.  This is especially important for novices who suddenly find themselves part of a foursome with a big client, boss, or top company executive.

Dress Code:

Your dress must meet the code set by the courses you play.   For men this most often includes a cotton/polyester shirt with collar and slacks or walking shorts.  For women a short-sleeved shirt with collar and skirt or walking shorts would be considered most appropriate.  Women need to keep in mind the “six-inch rule.”  Shorts or skirts that are kept to a maximum of six-inches above the knee would be considered appropriate golf wear.  You can wear sleeveless tops but avoid tank tops or halter tops. Skin-tight, revealing tops are never considered tasteful golfing attire.

If you are unsure of what a particular course's dress code is, call ahead and ask.  Better to come prepared than be denied play.

Host Behaviour

In previous e-letters I have discussed the topic of “Host Behavior.”  Simply put, you adopt the mindset that everyone you interact with is a guest at your home.  If you are putting together a foursome it is no different.  You are inviting people to an event and will be considered the host.  Here’s some advice from Dean W. Wharton, who writes a "Golfer's Corner" column for the West Shore Country Club:

Introductions:  The purpose of introductions is to make all of your guests feel at ease. You want to set the tone for the day and to allow an easy conversation to flow. If your guest players don’t know one another, give them some advance bio information so that conversation will be effortless, but also held to the minimum during the game.

Preparation as a Host

1. Arrive 45 minutes early to pay the bill at the Pro Shop. 
2. Tell your guests to meet at the putting green so that whoever arrives early can practice putting.
3. Let the pro know who will be cart-partnering with whom, so that the proper golf bag will be put on the proper carts.
4. Check the golf carts for towels, drinks and extra score cards
5. Make sure that your guests have secured their valuables such as cell phones, pagers, Blackberry’s and other gadgets in their respective lockers.

Guest Behaviour

Ilways be gracious and courteous to everyone, regardless of how they play the game.  Avoid the following if you wish to be invited back.

•  Refrain from using foul language 
•  Do not drink alcohol on the golf course.
•  Do not use your cellphone.  If you are must receive an urgent call, advise your golfing partners before you begin playing. Switch the phone to vibrate-mode and answer the call quietly.  Excuse yourself out of hearing distance and keep the call short.
•  Don’t pretend to be a hot-shot golfer.  Be modest and play with others at your level.
•  Don’t lie about your score.
•  Don’t practice your swing while someone is teeing off.
•  Avoid talking while someone is teeing off.
•  Never comment on a poor shot.  However, it is appropriate to compliment someone on a good shot.
•  If at the last minute you must drop out of a foursome, advise your host a few days before so that you can be replaced.

Player's Etiquette

Okay, your foursome is ready. Good golf etiquette follows you from the practice range through the 18th hole.  First and foremost, always play golf with courtesy and common sense.  Your partners as well as the golfers who follow you will appreciate it.  Steve Newell and Paul Foston in their book "How to Play Golf” list four areas of courtesy and common sense that should be adhered to on the course:

• Put yourself in the right place. Because golf should be played without distraction, it’s necessary to stand behind the individual taking his or her shot. If the person is right-handed, stand behind him or her and slightly to the right so you're out of eye-line.  If the person is left-handed, stand behind him or her and slightly to the left.
• Always think of safety as well as courtesy, by making sure you do not stand too close when your partner is taking a shot.
• When on the green, don’t walk across the line of another player's putt.  As you step in front of another ball, you are making indentations in the green, which could disrupt the putt.
• Avoid Slow Play. While you don't want to rush your shot, there are a few steps you can take to speed your progress. As your partner is playing a shot, prepare for you own so you can play immediately afterwards.
• If your ball goes into the rough and appears to be well hidden, signal the better players to go ahead of you.

Respecting the Game of Golf

As a courteous golfer, your good manners extend not only to the people with whom you’re playing, but also to the course, as well.  Take care of the course as if you owned it!  Keep in mind that others who are playing behind you will be affected by how you leave the fairways, bunkers and greens.

The Fairway.  This is the manicured area between the tee and the green, surrounded by bunkers, brush and often water.  Because the fairway is closely mowed, it is easy to create a divot as you make your shot.

• Always take the time to retrieve the divot and replace it in the hole that was created.  (Some courses may even give you soil and seed to fill in and repair the divot.) Once it is in place, tread it down so that in time the grass can naturally repair itself.

The Bunker.  Sand traps require their own special care.

• Enter the bunker from the low side nearest your ball. (Don't climb down the wall of the bunker.)
• Since the rules of golf forbid "testing the conditions" before a shot, don't pick up the sand or kick it around to determine how wet or soft it is.
• Don’t ground your club in the sand.  However, you are allowed to place your feet into the sand to get a good stance.
• When you are finished with your shots from the bunker, rake the sand until it’s level.t
• Leave the rake outside the bunker with the rake handle running parallel to the fairway.  (The reason that good golfers are so careful to rake the bunkers properly is so that no golfer coming after them will have their ball land in a footprint or a club mark left by you. It is difficult enough to get out of a bunker without being further hindered by an inconsiderate golfer who went before you.)

The Green.  As you can imagine it takes many hours of work to keep a green in excellent condition, but just one inconsiderate minute to spoil it.  When you're on the green remember the following:

• Repair your ball marks with either the tee peg or the tool designed for this repair. Then tap down the repair with your putter.
• Avoid leaving spike marks in the line of play.
• Place the flag down gently. Never drop or throw it.

Respecting the Game of Golf

Once you have finished your round of golf, there are still a few simple rules of etiquette to remember.

• At the end of the round, shake hands with your fellow players and thank them for their company.
• Thank your caddy.  Tip the caddy, and if your host has taken care of this, thank him or her for the courtesy.
• If you were invited, remember to send a thank-you note to your host, for their time and generosity.

My friends, enjoy your game of golf this season. And remember, when Tiger Woods requests you as a playing partner, be sure to review this eletter.

Happy golfing and keep your head down.