Etiquette on the practice range or practice green has a direct impact on their quality of use. No one is perfect, but taking care of the practice area makes it better for everyone.
Golf should be fun. I get that. It’s not church. However, be aware of your actions with regard to others.
I’m not sure etiquette makes it’s way into the golf practice or play culture today. It’s always easy to see who has learned golf course etiquette. Most people are courteous. Some are not.
Example one: Yesterday…, there was a high school or college golf team on the course in front of me. The twosome in front of us left the pin out of the hole on the second hole. I had to run up and put the pin in. They were dinking around the whole time.
Example two: Last weekend, I went to the driving range. I always take my time and take each shot like I’m playing. I couldn’t help but notice the young gentleman next to me. He would take 3 practice divots and then hit 6 inches behind the ball taking an even bigger divot.
I finally said something to try and help. I said, “Give yourself a chance and use a tee. Also, you may want to maintain your posture and stay centered on the ball. You are swaying so much to the right you have no chance of getting back to the ball.” He said thanks and just kept doing the same thing.
I was going to say, “You’ve hit two good shots out of 100. They should charge you $7 dollars for golf balls and $20 for sod!!!”
I know… it is what it is. Also, I’ve been there.
Video: Proper Practice Etiquette On Range & Greens
Practice Tee Etiquette
It’s better for everyone including the person who has to repair the practice tee if you take divots in a straight line or a parallel line to your stance. If you need more room, back up a foot and repeat another straight line.
In my second example above, the guy was taking divots all over the place on practice swings and while hitting. The result is a dirt surface, choppy stance for the next person and a much harder repair scenario.
In some cases, practice facilities provide golf tees. I always use a golf tee in the Spring when I’m trying to not swing like a rusty gate. Over time, I start to hit the ball better, I can find the ground and lower the tee to a point that I’m just brushing the grass and taking a small divot.
Video: Malaska Golf // Why You Should Hit Off A Tee to Practice
The other thing I’ve done now is purchased ear plugs for the practice area.
I love music, but I’m not a big fan of music on the golf course.
Or you run into the older guy that is working at the range that wants to tell the person next to you everything that’s happened since he started playing golf.
It’s not a library, but reasonable noise should be expected.
Practice Green Etiquette
The course I play at has two practice greens. One is for chipping and putting and the larger one is clearly marked “Putting Only.”
There are a couple things to keep in mind with regard to putting green practice.
If it says putting only. Don’t hit flop shots, chip or pitch to that green.
The other thing is the effects of practicing in one place for a long time. You tend to sink into the green standing in one place.
I practice with multi-layer artificial mat at home for chipping and pitching. Then practice on the chipping green as well. I personally prefer to practice chipping and pitching in a designated area.
Because our larger putting green also has an 18 hole putting course on it, I bring target holes with me. Using target holes for practice allows me to use areas others won’t be using or that haven’t been used by others.