Scene by Carson: Golf etiquette

Editor’s note: Amanda Carson recently graduated from Ole Miss where she wore a cocktail dress and high heels to football games at which tailgating was conducted in a tent adorned with a chandelier. Prior to this she attended a private school in Memphis at which Southern manners and etiquette were stressed — which does not explain her football game decisions. Anyway, Amanda will attempt to infuse her Southern experiences, exposure and education into the arts and entertainment scene in the Fort Smith/Van Buren region.

The Fort Smith Classic is not only a golf tournament, but a bundle of events that has an estimated economic impact of $5.2 million per year for the community and possibly higher this year, thanks to John Daly.

For this reason, if for no other reason at all, this event deserves respect. Golf is also a sport centered around generations of tradition, class and respect and it’s time you learn the appropriate etiquette for such a sport and event.

Many believe golf first originated in Scotland as a gentleman’s game; Golf literally stands for “Gentleman Only, Ladies Forbidden.” Legends told say there are 18 holes on a golf course because there are 18 shots in a traditional pint of Scottish whiskey. Players on the Tour are never allowed to wear shorts during play, always pants and never jeans and they are not allowed to show any tattoos, just to give you an idea of the seriousness of the tradition and the etiquette of the sport.

Now, while golf can be a good way to close big business deals or hang out with your buddies on a Saturday, to the skilled men on the Nationwide Tour and PGA Tour it is a job and a livelihood and should be respected just as you would want your job respected. With that said, please keep this in mind while you are at the Fort Smith Classic or any Nationwide Tour or PGA Tour event.

Now, on to your part to be a respectful spectator. If you remember to follow these tips then it will be a more pleasant experience for all.

• Know what you are talking about. These events are on the PGA Tour not the PGA. The Professional Golfers Association (PGA), is a separate entity “comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf” (PGA.com). This way you seem like you know your stuff.

• Do not call it a “game of golf.” It should be referred to as a “round of golf.”

• No cell phones or cameras. These are PGA Tour rules and if they see it they will take it from you, only to be reclaimed as you leave the course.

• Do not chatter and have a conversation like you are in a bar. Although it is an outdoor sport, use your inside voices.

• Pay attention to Marshals and their signs, they will tell you when a player is about to make a shot and needs quiet. Quiet in this case means lack of noise and movement; an abrupt movement can cause a player to hit a bad shot, just as a loud shout can. So if you see a player making any kind of shot, even if you are walking along the fairway, hold still for those two minutes. And if there are no Marshals, it is your job to be aware of player positions on the course. A good way to gauge: if the player is walking you can walk and if they are still you should be still because someone is making a shot.

• It is not necessary to yell “Get in the hole!” after every player’s shot. You are not a Genie; you cannot wish that ball into the hole. Yes, we are in Arkansas, but don’t be a redneck; a simple golf clap will suffice. Even if the player makes a not-so-hot shot, he still needs the encouragement and claps.

• If a ball is shot in the rough outside the ropes, do not crowd around it. Give the player ample room to make a redeeming shot and let a Marshal or Official find the ball.

• Do not hound players for autographs. Rounds can be quite stressful, and if the player has time he will do so. On another note, do not distract the players by thinking you can be their best friend and just chat-it-up; they want to focus and they are the pro so don’t give them any tips. Remember, this is their job. How would you like it if someone came into your office distracting you and telling you how to better do your job? If you mess them up, you are costing them a check, not just a round of golf.

• If there is a larger gallery (what a group of spectators is called in golf) and you are in front, please kneel so those further back have a chance to watch.

• Please do not lean on or move the roping in any way. Do not go inside or cross under the ropes, unless instructed by an Official.

• If you bring kids, please be able to control them. If they get fussy, move to the back of the gallery so as not to distract the players and other spectators. Golf is hard for adults to have the attention span and patience, so just imagine what a kid would feel like.

• Always check the weather before you go to the course, so you know how to properly prepare. If it is hot bring QUIET fans or cooling devices. Bring umbrellas for shade or for rain, sunscreen and tailgate chairs. And always wear comfortable walking shoes and cool clothing.

No, golf is not a sport for the faint of heart; you must have respect, patience and class to be a true follower. These guidelines are in place for the safety and enjoyment of all who are there. Remember these tips and help golf to stay a classy sport and never trashy! 

Feedback
Even though she graduated from Ole Miss, Amanda is comfortable using e-mail. You can reach her at [email protected]