We golfers spend a lot of time griping about the group ahead.
They’re playing too slowly.
They’re not repairing pitch marks.
They’re spoiling all the fun.
But every now and then, we wind up having issues with the group behind. Like when they hit up on us, which can be both dangerous and disrespectful. But what’s the appropriate response? I’ll mention that later.
Firstly, hitting up on anyone is not only rude and disrespectful, it also downright dangerous. Being struck by a golf ball can cause serious injuries, including head trauma, fractures, and soft tissue damage, especially if the ball hits the head or other vulnerable areas at high speeds. Please take this into consideration with every shot you play. Waiting that extra 30 seconds will have little to no impact on the Pace of Play.
Respect other players and ensure they are well clear before you send your next shot on its way. Greens staff and other course officials always have right of way – and you must ensure you have these people’s agreement to play on. Greens staff have a particularly difficult job to maintain the course on which we all play, and it is only fair to let them get on with the job. In most cases the greens staff will finish the piece of work they are doing and then move out of the way to let you play through.
How to deal with being hit up on.
- Measure the Degree of Malice
The rules of etiquette often hinge on intent. Was the shot a freak occurrence, such as a surprisingly flush drive from a weak hitter who screamed “fore” repeatedly as the ball was bounding toward you? Or was it a four-iron whistled at the green without a warning cry as you and your partners were busy putting? The hostility of the shot — along with the hazard it presented — is a vital factor in your response.
- Think Before You Act
Golf course arguments are like traffic altercations: they can escalate quickly. In almost every instance, it’s better to defuse than it is to incite. If the shot was clearly an innocent mistake, and the offender comes up quickly to apologize, wave off the transgression with a forgiving word or gesture. On a short par-4, where their ball has rolled up harmlessly onto the green as you are putting, you might even offer compliments on a fine shot.
- For a Second Offense
One innocent misfire? That can be forgiven, but not if the problem rears its head again. What to do? Wack the ball into oblivion – NO, write an expletive on it NO, hit it back to the player NO. Stomp back down the fairway and confront the player aggressively NO (they might be a potential sociopath, and they are now holding a golf club!). Approach the player in a calm manner – note point 1. Report the incident to the Match Committee, ProShop or Golf Services.
Remember ALL incidents should be reported, especially if an injury, not matter how minor occurs, and the Duty Manager is to be informed – incident/near miss report forms are available from the Golf Services Office and/or from the Duty Manager.