John Volz
June 27, 2016: Whenever I assist in conducting a junior tournament, I find too many kids unaware of even the most basic of rules and the etiquette of the game of golf. This frequently ends in a very uncomfortable situation for the child and the parent, and sometimes leads to disqualification and an early trip home.
It is a very tough call, especially when golf is not the cheapest sport to undertake and many parents spend countless hours in support of their child either taking them to practice or enduring the time and costs involved in competing in a tournament. So, it can be a hard lesson learned and one that should be avoidable.
Now, I know there are professionals and instructors out there who already have covered golf rules and etiquette in their lesson programs, and you are to be applauded. For others you need to include this very important part of the game in your lessons.
Kids are starting to learn the physical aspects of golf skills earlier now, especially in India. While a few are scoring headlines and the game generally is making bigger strides locally, most still lag behind those competing on the international circuit.
But let’s keep this positive.
Quality golf sets are becoming less expensive and golf facilities more accessible, plus Indian golf professionals are appearing more frequently on the leaderboards of International tournaments. Parents have started to realize the personal benefits of the game that may even provide an opportunity for a scholarship to a highly regarded college or university.
When speaking of personal benefits, I refer to qualities that build character – honesty, for example, the Rules of Golf primarily depend upon the player to declare an infraction upon themselves. Concentration – the game helps to develop a skill of blocking out all external and internal interference to execute a golf skill, and this is something that every kid in school needs. Golf promotes perseverance, either during a tournament or in learning a skill.
I’ll mention another but it’s definitely not the last of the many other benefits the game promotes – etiquette and fair play.
Etiquette is important because it not only deals with how players behave on a personal or competitive level, but also when maintaining the grounds for those who are following after. For example, how to walk on a green, where to lay the flagstick and how to place it on the ground, why it’s important to ensure the flag is returned securely in the cup, why it’s important to fix ball marks, fill divots, properly repair and smoothen sand bunkers, why put a discerning mark on your golf ball, knowing who gets to play first, etc. All of this bears importance on how the game is played.
Golf etiquette has been an endearing part of the history of golf and is also one of the reasons why golf can be a character builder in a child’s development. Make sure your instructor is doing more than just showing your child how to hold the club.
