Reader Email : Two Issues

I have played sports at a high level all my life and still do ( lacrosse, weight lifting, martial arts ). I started golf as a game to be played with family and friends since my life is pretty busy and required something a little less testosterone related.

My two issues are:

1. Why must we be paired up? More people on the course is more money but I don’t want to play with complete strangers when I need to spend time with my wife or other family members! This has become a real issue, actually to the point that we are walking away from tee times.
2. Why is it that other golfers seem the think that firing a golf ball at you while on the fairway or green is OK? Slow play is not the issue here and complaints to the marshals in some cases works. I guess people don”t know the energy released by a golf ball on contact with a human skull! In all but one case last year and one already this year I have had to defend myself or the person(s)I have been with with very poor results for the other parties. No charges due to the circumstances but these actions continue at all types of courses, Rockway Glen, Copetown Woods, Mystic Golf. I don’t want to stop playing but I thought this was a non-contact game?

PS: Good article on putting in the spring magazine, currently seeing Rob Hannah.

Received from Miles

Thanks for the feedback.  You have raised two very valid points and we’ve posted your issues in hope that the industry is listening.

If I may chime in … (and I am by no means an expert on this)

1. Why exactly golf is played in foursomes I really don’t know but tend to agree that it is not in our nature to want to do many things with perfect strangers.  The feeling is generally an obtrusive one and in many cases actually deters from the overall experience. People tend to act differently (less relaxed) when in the company of those they do not know.  Many golfers are already a little anxious when on the course (it’s a very difficult game) and a strange pair of eyes only exaggerates that feeling – not a good combination.  On the flip-side I suppose the idea behind grouping allows the golf course to maximize their revenue and it is their property so, granted, they have autonomy.  I’ll also add that on occasion, with the right set of circumstances, playing alongside someone new can be refreshing and by the end of the round quite interesting – but this is probably more due to individual personalities than anything else.
2. As far as people hitting the ball far too soon and creating dangerous situations / environments – this unfortunate and too common a practice is, to say it politely, ridiculous.  I attribute this to the passive aggressive nature of many golfers.  The sense of entitlement both on and off the course in our society is definitely skewed.  Golf has a built in courtesy (correct etiquette) of letting a faster group play through when appropriate. However, when there is no room in front or behind and some guy unleashes his 460cc ego of fury before the group ahead has cleared the area is, well, I don’t have an internet friendly term for that.  And it is perfectly within any group’s right to inform a marshal.  I also believe it is the responsibility of the individuals within Mr Testosterone’s group to point out the error of his ways.  In the end he just believes he is somehow more important or better than anyone else -  He’s not.  Taking matters into ones own hands (literally) is probably not the best course of action either. Golf courses need to understand that the ‘user experience’ encompasses far more than just course maintenance. Hopefully, they are listening and hopefully you enjoy your next round free from frustration and or disruption.