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There are very few things in life better than getting in touch with your friends. It’s one of the best ways to get away from reality, not take yourself too seriously, get outside and hang out with your friends. It doesn’t matter if you’re a scratch golfer or you can’t crack a 100, it’s about having a good time if you are a regular recreational golfer.
But even if you’re just a weekend warrior, you always need to be prepared. There’s nothing worse than playing golf with someone who doesn’t care and who lets you know by showing up on the course without a single clue of what’s going on.
5 ways to be ready for a round of golf
Come prepared
When we say be prepared, it doesn’t mean doing some practice swings on the range before your lap, although it always helps. Instead, come up with lots of golf balls, tees, and most importantly, a not-so-serious demeanor that will lower the level on the first tee. Keep things simple, you are not Tiger Woods, you will never be Tiger Woods so have fun with it, after all, you are here to do.
Also, and this is a big deal, don’t discourage any of your gaming partners if you happen to be better than them. Yes, they can be joked with, but there is a fine line between joking and actually putting people off the game of golf. The game of golf is tough, don’t make it harder for someone just out to hit a little white ball with the guys.
Look at the part
Golf fashion, style and standards are changing. Depending on where you play, you may get away with polo and jeans off, or you may be playing in a private club where you have to dress in a lot nicer than your score. Just know the kind of place you pitch it.
A good rule of thumb is to put on your clothes when playing in a place you’ve never been to. I’m not saying you wear a $ 500 outfit to class, but showing up with a shirt with a belt and a pair of tennis or golf shoes didn’t hurt anyone.
Relax and stop taking yourself so seriously
If you are reading this, you are most likely not a professional golfer as professional golfers know how to prepare for a round of golf. So you are not a professional golfer, do not act like one.
You will deal with some good breaks and some bad breaks on the course. Appreciate the good breaks and laugh at the bad ones and be sure not to be “the type” who screams for a freaky putt or a bad tee shot. You don’t play golf professionally, you play it in your spare time.
Know some golf etiquette
While you shouldn’t take yourself so seriously during your round, you need to keep an eye on your playing partners and the court itself during your round.
Here are a few unwritten rules to keep in mind during the course:
- Do not drag your feet when walking on the green. Your shoes, especially those with spikes, can seriously damage the putting surfaces, which a team of greenkeepers treats like their own children.
- Don’t step into someone else’s line on the green. Here, too, shoes can change putting surfaces.
- If you’re taking a massive divot off the fairway or rough, fill it with sand if it’s available on the golf cart. Weed takes a while to heal.
- Rake the bunkers. Always rake the bunkers. Someone else will be in the group behind you in that bunker.
- Pin your divot on the green. If you see a pitch mark on the green, grab your tee or divot tool and fix it.
- Watch out for other groups in your area. Do not press any other group on the tee box if a robbery occurs. When you hear them speak, they can hear you too. So remember to speak out loud when another group is playing a different hole.
Maybe not to drink too much
Someone will inevitably be the argumentative one in your group when the drinks start flowing, don’t let that person be you.
First and foremost, nobody wants to babysit someone else while trying to have a good time on the golf course. Second, too much drinking in the square will ruin the rest of the day. Speed up, you’ll be outside for at least four hours. Chances are you wouldn’t put out 23 beers in four hours anywhere else, so maybe not on the golf course.