Enjoying A Round Of Golf With Friends

Golf is a sport that has become more and more popular in recent years, these days it isn’t uncommon to see both young and old, men and women on the course enjoying a round of golf especially as we enter the summer period where it is hoped the weather can help to encourage more people to take up the sport even if it is only a few games on the weekend.

Despite the game of golf being an individual sport it is normally played between two or more people in competition with each other. The friendly competition can add a dimension to each game that drives you to win, even if it is beating the other player this can help you to lower your handicap and bring your round scores down slightly.

Playing golf with friends can be enjoyable but you may need to be careful not to let your desire to win sour your friendship or allow yourself to become discourteous to other players including those who aren’t part of your game. Remember that there is a good chance you are not the only people on the course so try to keep noise to a minimum and don’t leave rubbish such as drinks bottles on the course or tee box.

When someone is taking their shots make sure you don’t distract them by talking and it is wise to turn your mobile phone off, turn it to silent mode or best yet � leave it in the car. There’s nothing worse than winding up for your tee shot when someone’s novelty ringtone begins chirping away which can startle some golfers and cause them to mess up their shot.

When deciding who should go first if you are with co-workers then it is typically the person who has the higher social standing so this may be your boss or manager. Sometimes they may defer the honour of the first shot to someone else but in most cases when you are playing with friends you will likely see who wants to go first, it isn’t uncommon for some golfers to choose going last as they can get a good idea of the wind direction and power by watching the other golfers.

If you are playing together in a larger group some courses may frown upon this as you may hold other golfing pairs or individuals up. If this is the case then allow faster games to play through you by waiting at the beginning of the next hole, perhaps take a breather and discuss each other’s progress whilst you wait.

With larger games such as four players (known as a �four ball’ game) you may find that when you get to the putting green it can get pretty crowded, etiquette states you should allow any players who are off the green to take their shot to get on the green but then once everyone is on it is usually the golfer who is furthest away that putts first. To avoid any collisions or obstructions you may need to use a ball marker and remove your ball from the line of play.

Golf is a great social game with just enough of a competitive edge for friends to get involved in trying to outdo each other. Just make sure you are courteous to all golfers and concentrate on your game.