Question:

I think everyone should be required to get a "license" to play golf, anyone agree?

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I'm fed up with the slow play and poor etiquette I see at courses. I think the USGA should require that everyone get a license to play, even if it was just a one hour class for free. Then you would have to show your license to play. It would weed out all the people who are too lazy to fix a ball mark, speed up the pace of play, and keep the courses in better shape.

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  1. It would be nice, but it wont happen.  Golf Courses all across the US are reporting dropping sales of rounds, and many have closed up shop entirely.  Do you really see a course/sport/industry turning away paying customers because they dont understand rules or etiquette?

    Still, it would absolutely be great if everyone knew/understood/followed the established rules and points of golf etiquette.


  2. YES.  This is a great question!   I play publics and its the worst.

    I will vote you in as USGA President if you can enact this law, sir!

  3. I don't think so although I do agree that many people do have poor ettiquette. I'm slow because I've only been golfing for a few years and I don't get out as much as i should i feel bad when there are a bunch of guys behind me and i know they're thinking god this girl needs to speed it up it's just something i can't really help...

  4. It's all a matter of perception...actually, there already is one: it's called a USGA handicap card. Golf is supposed to be about patience and precision, not elitism and snobbery. You want faster times and groups of no more than four players, join a country club and pay the 'privileged' green fees! You don't get to drive a Viper on what you pay for a Dodge minivan...

  5. I disagree that everyone should get get a license to play golf, everyone should have an equal oppurtunity, however slow play is a huge problem, the usga is even thinking of making golf hole (the cup) larger on the weekends just to speed up play. with a few more marshalls slow play could be solved

  6. I agree.

    I honestly think the majority of poor etiquette you see on the golf course is due to simple lack of knowledge. I remember when I first started playing I didn't even know what a divot tool was; though I don't think at the time I was skying too many balls onto the green, but still people need to be educated on how to play the game properly.

  7. amen brother i fully agree with you i say this all the time at my course i belive that all people should have to go through a training course or something to learn how to hit basic pitch shots drives and at least 2 irons or something to the degree.only then can they pass the gates to play that way we can all live in harmony.

  8. Maybe so, but remember.

    those who are free of sin may cast the first stone.

    have you considered that maybe you play too fast and have little patience.

  9. Much the same as how requiring driver's licenses has weeded out all speeding, moving violations, drunk drivers, etc.  Not to mention how well requiring a gun license has weeded out gun violence and illegal weapons, we hardly have ANY of that!

    I have the same frustrations as you, but the solution is not to alienate the offenders but to educate them.  Lead by example, repair two ball marks for every green you hit, and use that sand mixture on your cart to fill in the divots on the fairway.  You never know, the offenders may not have been as fortunate as you to have someone teach them the etiquette of golf.

    If you are unhappy about the pace of play, let the ranger and director of golf know, just make sure you are being reasonable.  4:20-30 for 18 holes ( I know, I know, we ALL can play in less time than that, but that's the standard)  The squeaky wheel is the one that gets the oil, being complacent will only encourage the poor performance.

  10. people are required to get a license to drive yet there are still slow, inconsiderate, morons behind the wheel.  Face it no matter where you go in life there will always be someone in the way slowing you down.

  11. I feel you buddy. It is very harsh to play especially in Muni course. However it is a social sport and putting license to play golf is not a good idea.  I wouldn't want Big Brother butting in with more restriction down to golf. I think we have more than enough "regulations" in life.

  12. You are right regarding the lack of etiquette, the slowness etc. but the fault lays with the course managers. Even at our country club , new players have no idea of what golf etiquette is all about. There should be classes at the public as well as the private courses and a rudimentary quiz after such classes. Until one passes the prospective player should not be allowed on the course. Wouldn't that sit well with the ACLU?

  13. You know its really funny tonight I have seen more rude comments about new golfers.  Well I'm a new Golfer and believe me your people are rude!  I have only played twice and The first time i played in tournament and I played with three other men that took there time and taught me things.  I was actually learning from them and I did pretty well.  This past Tuesday i played with another guy whom I used to work with now we played 18 holes in a little over three in half hours.  I didn't do great but we had fun and no one passed us.  

    Maybe you should remember your first round.  I do agree that everybody should read the Rules of the course.

    bottom line relax and if you need to rush maybe you shouldn't be playing that day!

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