Golf Etiquette as we know it - Please read.

In matters of golf etiquette, I believe this combined group has afforded flexibility and experimentation while maintaining our reputation for playing in a consistent and fluid fashion; we play “ready golf” and pride ourselves on anticipating the next shot with a reasonable attachment to who is “away.” If you’re ready and you can see that the “away” person is going to take a bit more time, it’s a nod and then we hit.

Recently I played with a player who was loyal to a routine past the point of comfort. While I do understand routine and its companion (the hope for consistency and a successful shot), no routine should usurp or disturb the rhythm of the game. Looking at your companions and seeing how swiftly they engage their shots should be an indicator—one everyone should adopt (and normally adopts).

The practice swing (and God knows there should only be one over the ball) is the swing you hope to make. The repetition of swings that don’t relate to your planned swing takes time. I understand that in theory it loosens the swing and encourages a habit you might have had for decades. But more important to your teammates, you are punitively making them watch this “exercise” when you multiply this action on every swing; it can add up and take an enormous amount of time, and it’s exhausting to the onlooker. 137 practice swings by hole 12 are too many. (True story.)

Suggestions: While your teammates are addressing their balls, you should be addressing yours, taking those practice swings, and determining yardage info. And when it’s your turn, you’re already over the ball and prepared to hit it!

You’ve practiced your swings, you’ve aligned your stance, and, most importantly, you’ve kept up and not slowed the pace—and you show your appreciation for the rhythm of the game and your respect for the group.

ONE practice swing should be more than enough, and this includes chips, pitches, irons, woods, and especially putters. Take the glove off on the way to the green and plumb your ball marker so when it’s your turn to putt, the line is already agreed to. Bend over, and if you need to practice a putting stroke … well, if you must, do it and then sink the damn putt! ;-)

Trust what you know, what has been in you for decades. Watching someone take 10 to12 practice swings per hole is a root canal; don’t be a dentist!

Just sayin’ … We are all part of a team!

~ Raggio