New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-04-03
COLE.
Points IN Etiquette Observed by
Depotees of the Sport.


golfer who can claim thorough knowledge OF the
hfty-odd rules Of the game is more OF a rarity
than most persons think. Compared with the thou
sands who are more or less frequent competitors
in golf matches the number who actually know the
detailed regulations governing their sport are in a
wofUl minority. To become familiar with the euor-
OF rulings and notifications OF the ST.
Andrews code seems a taks few are willing to I'M
dertake. player who Ohns up 20 Ignorance OF them
confesses TO nothing unusual. So long as his oppo-
nent satisfied player is allowed to follow the
general principles Of the game without meeting any
uncomfortable debate In fact. a man who calls
the turn on his companion for some minor breach
Of the rules is usually regarded as crank
Ignorance of the customs which have grown UP
i'm connection with golf and which have become 50
established be imperative on all It's devotees
Is not so excusabIe.
The etiquette Of the game. though lacking the
force OF rule, has become recognized at every golf
course. and player who refuses to observe it is a
marked man. The origin OF these customs is to be
traced from the necessity OF having a definite un-
derstanding on certain points Of play. to obviate
the annoyance and i'll feeling that would result
from their non-observance. especially on crowded
links. One Of the first things demanded by golfers
is that should play from the tee until the
party in front have played their second shots and
are out of range; nor play to the putting green till
those in front have holed and moved away
Safety. as well courtesy those ahead demands
strict observance OF this rule whenever there is
a crowd playing
There is also point Of etiquette that golfers
especially beginners. will do well to remember. It
is that after they have holed they should move
on the green promptly and try their nuts over
again. There is a great temptation after missing
stroke to try it over again. in the hope Of better
success. When those behind are waiting 20 get on
the green, this is regarded as an act OF discOur-
tesy. 1t is frequent sight during tournament to
see men standing near a hole. pencil and card in
hand reckoning up their strokes. while others are
waiting TO approach Whatever counting OF scores
is TO be done should take place after the green Is
clear. These little matters, perhaps innocent in
themselves, are inconvenient to others. and often
result in dragging out round beyond the pleasure
point.
Still another thing demanded by golhne customs
Is that player caddie or onloOker should move
or talk during a stroke. There is nothing upon
which golfer will insist with more stress than
this, yet the gallery" seldom sees the necessity
or maintaining silence, especially II composed large
ly Of women. Perhaps a player has nerved himself
for critical stro1e-wind. direction roll and dis
lance have all been calculated 20 nicely. Just
he is about to bring it off there is loud comment
from some one standing by. The effect is instan-
taneous The tension IS gone. and very likely the
stroke is failure. Upon some men, OF course this
might have little influence. but as a rule IL is
disastrous.
Again. few golfers can put we'll II their atten-
ton is distracted by some one moving near the
green Good putting. like good billiard playing re-
quires concentration. To succeed. a man must
nave MS WnOIe aIJenJiOn centred upon his stroke.
A moving object uncOnsctously catches the eye
and makes this difficult Therefore. courtesy de-
mands that every one near the player should re-
stroke Gnu '''0 "H'is nc y "l@Ains
A rule insisted upon. with some vigor by green's
must be put back at once II player "cGts under
ne takes with the ball clump Of turf sometimes
hole forms pocket for some su6se RTs 6ye ss
qgenty language that Is also bad Course nSs Whs
d1yots are not replaced viii soon resemble a corn
other rules Of etiquette it Is designed for the wei
rare OF ALL and for this it should appeal
a. foursome is not expected to PASS a twosOme
without first asking permission. but a twosome
Hlay pass q fourSome as matter OF right The
general custom is that any set of players may
mission is never necessary when a tTo-ban match
oyertakes a party playing three or more balls. or
when q two-kall match playing the entire course
oyertakes party playing only part OF the course.
When players are delayed by one OF their num-
ger ioslns oall' they should allow any other
match mate coming up to pass them. Il the delay Is
more man NC InenLry ms IS q wen dened point
in Solfng etiquette, and is generally observed.
No other method would be possible. for a lost
in unpleasant congestion Of the links. A case OF
lost ball does not occur as frequently now as
trimmed up in such way as TO make these acct
dents occur only with unpraetsed players
is matter OF hospitality ana not etiquette When
club he is expected to assume none OF the ordi-
nary fees expenses incident to the links. II
is customary for each of the home players to play
host to the man who ig his opponent the
If 1t sees fit, entertain all visiting players gratui-
tousiy hut the sentiment OF t9e sport IS against
and no favor Whatever charges he inours he IS
his own bills for meals drinks. cigars caddie hire
and whatever else he calls for during HIS stay.
points. aptly termed the et1gette Of the game.
tnar goH 5S f1 are tb tr 90 rsSRe So az an
general rules Of the sport and such local rules
visited