Etiquette: Walking off the green...

[raynorfan1]

Players should stay on or near the green. Caddies are not players - they should to attend to their business in the most effective way possible.

[Arb8889]

First person to hole out should always leave the green and get ready for next tee shot, same with 2nd player to hole out, 3rd player to hole out should grab the flag as 4th putts out and replace the flag so at least two players are ready to tee off on the next hole. This is more of modern etiquette to expedite pace of play. Three people should NEVER be waiting around watching one person putt, kills pace of play. My two cents

[sui generis]

First person to hole out should always leave the green and get ready for next tee shot, same with 2nd player to hole out, 3rd player to hole out should grab the flag as 4th putts out and replace the flag so at least two players are ready to tee off on the next hole. This is more of modern etiquette to expedite pace of play. Three people should NEVER be waiting around watching one person putt, kills pace of play. My two cents

 

Whew, that's how I see it, too. We're in the minority here, though. If I'm last to putt I don't need three other players standing around to offer their atta boys (or more likely commiserations.) Let's get on with it!

[BlackDiamondPar5]

First person to hole out should always leave the green and get ready for next tee shot, same with 2nd player to hole out, 3rd player to hole out should grab the flag as 4th putts out and replace the flag so at least two players are ready to tee off on the next hole. This is more of modern etiquette to expedite pace of play. Three people should NEVER be waiting around watching one person putt, kills pace of play. My two cents

 

Are you saying you recommend the first two to putt out should go to the next tee box before the last man has putt out?

 

I'm with you about someone replacing the flag for the last guy to putt out. We also make sure we pick up the last guys wedges (if he used any) to hand off to him. I also get not having everyone waiting on the green-- the other two should be ready to move to the next tee box, but we generally don't head over to the next tee box until everyone is done. Of course if we've fallen behind or are being pressed, then we would do as you suggested.

 

Not criticizing at all, as I'd rather play with someone overly efficient than under efficient :) I was just curious.

[SadTrombone]

First person to hole out should always leave the green and get ready for next tee shot, same with 2nd player to hole out, 3rd player to hole out should grab the flag as 4th putts out and replace the flag so at least two players are ready to tee off on the next hole. This is more of modern etiquette to expedite pace of play. Three people should NEVER be waiting around watching one person putt, kills pace of play. My two cents

 

None of this is necessary to play fast.

[Greenie]

I don't usually walk off the green early, unless there's a particular player who is just pathetically slow & there's a group waiting behind us. I'll sometimes walk off early to try to get the message across that we need to pick up the pace (it rarely works though, I'll admit). People who are pathetically slow don't usually pay much attention to hints to pick up pace. :taunt:

 

Even though I think it is rude to leave the green while others are still putting I'll do it too when we have that slow player in our group to try and help speed things up. I've also played with that person who will mark his ball that is 6 inches from the hole instead of putting out then finish up like it is the putt of his life. I find it really slows down play so I'll head to the next tee. We have one person that never picks up the flag. Everyone in our group has mentioned his lack of replacing the flag to him. We have all walked off the green before while he was the last one putting. He has finished up and walked off the green leaving the flag laying on the green. I have always expressed my concerns in these situations to these people first but as you say most people are not concerned and they go about their usual play.

[Llortamaisey]

I think it's a polite way to subtly tell someone they're taking way too much time on the putting green. Unfortunately telling someone they're effing slow can be considered confrontational by some.

[Arb8889]

First person to hole out should always leave the green and get ready for next tee shot, same with 2nd player to hole out, 3rd player to hole out should grab the flag as 4th putts out and replace the flag so at least two players are ready to tee off on the next hole. This is more of modern etiquette to expedite pace of play. Three people should NEVER be waiting around watching one person putt, kills pace of play. My two cents

 

Are you saying you recommend the first two to putt out should go to the next tee box before the last man has putt out?

 

I'm with you about someone replacing the flag for the last guy to putt out. We also make sure we pick up the last guys wedges (if he used any) to hand off to him. I also get not having everyone waiting on the green-- the other two should be ready to move to the next tee box, but we generally don't head over to the next tee box until everyone is done. Of course if we've fallen behind or are being pressed, then we would do as you suggested.

 

Not criticizing at all, as I'd rather play with someone overly efficient than under efficient :) I was just curious.

 

Yes, 3 people should NEVER be watching one person hit a shot. Obviously this isn't necessary to play fast, it's just a solution to golfs biggest problem which is slow play

[rsj1360]

First person to hole out should always leave the green and get ready for next tee shot, same with 2nd player to hole out, 3rd player to hole out should grab the flag as 4th putts out and replace the flag so at least two players are ready to tee off on the next hole. This is more of modern etiquette to expedite pace of play. Three people should NEVER be waiting around watching one person putt, kills pace of play. My two cents

 

Are you saying you recommend the first two to putt out should go to the next tee box before the last man has putt out?

 

I'm with you about someone replacing the flag for the last guy to putt out. We also make sure we pick up the last guys wedges (if he used any) to hand off to him. I also get not having everyone waiting on the green-- the other two should be ready to move to the next tee box, but we generally don't head over to the next tee box until everyone is done. Of course if we've fallen behind or are being pressed, then we would do as you suggested.

 

Not criticizing at all, as I'd rather play with someone overly efficient than under efficient :) I was just curious.

 

Yes, 3 people should NEVER be watching one person hit a shot. Obviously this isn't necessary to play fast, it's just a solution to golfs biggest problem which is slow play

There are a lot of reasons for others in the group watch the guy who is hitting. For example, 1) being able to react if he hits the ball toward you, 2) being able to help him spot his ball if it heads towards the woods, 3) politeness (which trumps speed).

[TheInfidel]

I think provided you haven't lost time on the group in front or are under tournament pressure to play to the clock it's considered polite to wait around the green, caddies included. The caddies at the R&A, Kingsbarns, Carnoustie don't walk ahead.

 

That said, on the PGA Tour it's an indication of how some players will not wait around for those who want to spend their 30's and 40s lining up a putt, picking a club or standing with their eyes closed.

 

I think Sneds could walk to the next tee, scope out a hot dog stand, eat it, take a dump, hit driver down the middle and still be waiting for Jason and Jordan to line up their 6 footer on the previous hole.

[6Aces]

This says it all. Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

I would also add that while it is proper for the first player to have hold out to get the flagstick, the flagstick does not make any noise if it remains lying on the putting green if there are players who have yet to hole out. Picking it up and letting the flag flap in the wind could be disturbing.

[TheCityGame]

First person to hole out should always leave the green and get ready for next tee shot, same with 2nd player to hole out, 3rd player to hole out should grab the flag as 4th putts out and replace the flag so at least two players are ready to tee off on the next hole. This is more of modern etiquette to expedite pace of play. Three people should NEVER be waiting around watching one person putt, kills pace of play. My two cents

 

None of this is necessary to play fast.

Furthermore, it's like treating your golfing companions like they're just a hindrance to efficient throughput of your system.

 

"Sorry, friend, can't watch you putt, it increases tee off time by 20 seconds."

 

The point is to go play golf and hopefully finish as fast as possible. The point is not to just walk around as fast as possible, and do what you can to fit a golf game in.

[mact3333]

Ok this is a true story.

 

Playing the road hole on the old course and my friend slices one onto the hotel roof. Then he pulls one left off teebox into the tall stuff left. Looks for ball for 10 minutes with groups behind us. Then skulls ball across the green and into bunker. Everyone finished long ago. He now has a 4 footer for probably a 9. We were behind now and I turned away right before he putted and walked to next hole but did turn around last second to see he missed the putt. He got mad at me for not staying on green to watch his putt and he took the 4 footer he missed cause I didn't watch it.

 

We were not happy with each other as we were playing for 200.00.

 

And he wouldn't change his score on that hole and I lost by 1 frikking stroke.

[chippa13]

This says it all. Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

I would also add that while it is proper for the first player to have hold out to get the flagstick, the flagstick does not make any noise if it remains lying on the putting green if there are players who have yet to hole out. Picking it up and letting the flag flap in the wind could be disturbing.

 

Simple solution is to hold the flag tight to the pin while the rest of the group is putting out. There is no rule against holding it with two hands.

[SadTrombone]

This says it all. Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

I would also add that while it is proper for the first player to have hold out to get the flagstick, the flagstick does not make any noise if it remains lying on the putting green if there are players who have yet to hole out. Picking it up and letting the flag flap in the wind could be disturbing.

 

Simple solution is to hold the flag tight to the pin while the rest of the group is putting out. There is no rule against holding it with two hands.

 

Simple solution, and I assumed pretty common knowledge. You can also peg the flag to the fringe (if you're standing off the green) using the top of the flag itself. Handy in case you're writing down scores while waiting for 2-3 others to putt out.

 

Ok this is a true story.

 

Playing the road hole on the old course and my friend slices one onto the hotel roof. Then he pulls one left off teebox into the tall stuff left. Looks for ball for 10 minutes with groups behind us. Then skulls ball across the green and into bunker. Everyone finished long ago. He now has a 4 footer for probably a 9. We were behind now and I turned away right before he putted and walked to next hole but did turn around last second to see he missed the putt. He got mad at me for not staying on green to watch his putt and he took the 4 footer he missed cause I didn't watch it.

 

We were not happy with each other as we were playing for 200.00.

 

And he wouldn't change his score on that hole and I lost by 1 frikking stroke.

 

No you didn't. He was disqualified for an incorrect scorecard. You won.

[Sun Devil]

Wow ... some different responses.

 

Golf is a social game and that is why we have rules on etiquette. Proper etiquette (not caddies) is to be near or on the green for all putting. This isn't speed golf. I'm all for speeding up play, but I'm pretty sure you're not going to get golfers to running to the next tee while the last guy putts. Especially if there is money on the line. Part of the fun is watching your FC miss putts for a push or a win (fun golf games, nothing serious).

 

I can think of 2 all important reasons for leaving the green before the last person has putted.

 

1. bathroom break

 

2. and the holy grail of reasons ..... cute cart girl waiting and it's your turn to buy drinks.

[rockinar]

First person to hole out should always leave the green and get ready for next tee shot, same with 2nd player to hole out, 3rd player to hole out should grab the flag as 4th putts out and replace the flag so at least two players are ready to tee off on the next hole. This is more of modern etiquette to expedite pace of play. Three people should NEVER be waiting around watching one person putt, kills pace of play. My two cents

 

 

1st player holes out and goes to the next box???? So does #2?????? WTH??? This is you idea of "etiquette"? LOL What about the cart partners still on the green? They get to walk to the next hole? Are you a Millennial?

 

 

If you hole out first and head to the next box, I would bring the flag with me and hand it to you on the tee box and tell you to go put it in the hole or I'm going to shove it up your a-hole.

 

Nobody holes out and goes to the next box.

 

You can't tee off anyway because it would be a penalty. And what if #3 and #4 guy birdied? You going to ditch flag duty, ditch your group, AND walk on players bird?

 

Common etiquette is 1st guy to hole out gets flag duty. You can hole out and go piss or hit on the cart girl. You DO NOT go to the next box to "get ready" for anything while your group is still on the green. Keep your butt on or at least near the green.

[Guia]

Players stay until everyone has completed the hole. I don't use caddies, but they can move out when ever they want.

 

Smart to stay until everyone finishes, I know players that give themselves a putt if not watched. I like to help them stay honest.

[deadsolid...shank]

I do leave the green early on occasion. Usually when we have five or six players and a fairly complicated game going on. I do all the score keeping so I head back to the cart to get started on that.

[thug the bunny]

I'm a little surprised at the absence of speed based replies on this thread. Any other pace related thread would be packed with replies like 'pace of play is the #1 concern, and any and all measures should be take to mitigate it, up to and including no social interaction and infringement of golf etiquette'. But here in this thread, most are saying leaving the green to head to the next tee is rude.

 

Whaaaa? Am I still on WRX? A parallel dimension WRX perhaps?

[SadTrombone]

I'm a little surprised at the absence of speed based replies on this thread. Any other pace related thread would be packed with replies like 'pace of play is the #1 concern, and any and all measures should be take to mitigate it, up to and including no social interaction and infringement of golf etiquette'. But here in this thread, most are saying leaving the green to head to the next tee is rude.

 

Whaaaa? Am I still on WRX? A parallel dimension WRX perhaps?

 

This isn't a pace related thread. This is just a thread about someone being a d* and leaving the green area early.

[thug the bunny]

I'm a little surprised at the absence of speed based replies on this thread. Any other pace related thread would be packed with replies like 'pace of play is the #1 concern, and any and all measures should be take to mitigate it, up to and including no social interaction and infringement of golf etiquette'. But here in this thread, most are saying leaving the green to head to the next tee is rude.

 

Whaaaa? Am I still on WRX? A parallel dimension WRX perhaps?

 

This isn't a pace related thread. This is just a thread about someone being a d* and leaving the green area early.

 

But as others have pointed out, if someone leaves the green and tees off while the others are finishing putting that will speed things along. So this is a pace related thread. And, as I said I'm quite surprised that there isn't a ton of WRXers saying that it should be done, given the premium that so many of them put on fast play..

[SadTrombone]

I'm a little surprised at the absence of speed based replies on this thread. Any other pace related thread would be packed with replies like 'pace of play is the #1 concern, and any and all measures should be take to mitigate it, up to and including no social interaction and infringement of golf etiquette'. But here in this thread, most are saying leaving the green to head to the next tee is rude.

 

Whaaaa? Am I still on WRX? A parallel dimension WRX perhaps?

 

This isn't a pace related thread. This is just a thread about someone being a d* and leaving the green area early.

 

But as others have pointed out, if someone leaves the green and tees off while the others are finishing putting that will speed things along. So this is a pace related thread. And, as I said I'm quite surprised that there isn't a ton of WRXers saying that it should be done, given the premium that so many of them put on fast play..

 

It will? Do the others teleport to the tee when the ball rattles the bottom of the cup?

 

They're still going to have to wait.

[thug the bunny]

I'm a little surprised at the absence of speed based replies on this thread. Any other pace related thread would be packed with replies like 'pace of play is the #1 concern, and any and all measures should be take to mitigate it, up to and including no social interaction and infringement of golf etiquette'. But here in this thread, most are saying leaving the green to head to the next tee is rude.

 

Whaaaa? Am I still on WRX? A parallel dimension WRX perhaps?

 

This isn't a pace related thread. This is just a thread about someone being a d* and leaving the green area early.

 

But as others have pointed out, if someone leaves the green and tees off while the others are finishing putting that will speed things along. So this is a pace related thread. And, as I said I'm quite surprised that there isn't a ton of WRXers saying that it should be done, given the premium that so many of them put on fast play..

 

It will? Do the others teleport to the tee when the ball rattles the bottom of the cup?

 

They're still going to have to wait.

 

Have you ever played golf? If one player goes over to the next tee and hits, there is one less person and one less shot to hit when the rest arrive there. I believe the math can be stated as 4 shots - 1 shot = 3 shots, and 3 < 4, which equals less time. But if the course is backed up then that one guy is going to be standing there until everyone else arrives anyway.

 

Apologize for being facetious, in a strange mood tonight ;-)

[rogolf]

I'm a little surprised at the absence of speed based replies on this thread. Any other pace related thread would be packed with replies like 'pace of play is the #1 concern, and any and all measures should be take to mitigate it, up to and including no social interaction and infringement of golf etiquette'. But here in this thread, most are saying leaving the green to head to the next tee is rude.

 

Whaaaa? Am I still on WRX? A parallel dimension WRX perhaps?

 

This isn't a pace related thread. This is just a thread about someone being a d* and leaving the green area early.

 

But as others have pointed out, if someone leaves the green and tees off while the others are finishing putting that will speed things along. So this is a pace related thread. And, as I said I'm quite surprised that there isn't a ton of WRXers saying that it should be done, given the premium that so many of them put on fast play..

 

It will? Do the others teleport to the tee when the ball rattles the bottom of the cup?

 

They're still going to have to wait.

 

Have you ever played golf? If one player goes over to the next tee and hits, there is one less person and one less shot to hit when the rest arrive there. I believe the math can be stated as 4 shots - 1 shot = 3 shots, and 3 < 4, which equals less time. But if the course is backed up then that one guy is going to be standing there until everyone else arrives anyway.

 

Apologize for being facetious, in a strange mood tonight ;-)

 

If what you've described happens in a tournament, the player who hit the tee shot has left his assigned group in breach of Rule 6-3b and is disqualified.

[thug the bunny]

 

This isn't a pace related thread. This is just a thread about someone being a d* and leaving the green area early.

 

But as others have pointed out, if someone leaves the green and tees off while the others are finishing putting that will speed things along. So this is a pace related thread. And, as I said I'm quite surprised that there isn't a ton of WRXers saying that it should be done, given the premium that so many of them put on fast play..

 

It will? Do the others teleport to the tee when the ball rattles the bottom of the cup?

 

They're still going to have to wait.

 

Have you ever played golf? If one player goes over to the next tee and hits, there is one less person and one less shot to hit when the rest arrive there. I believe the math can be stated as 4 shots - 1 shot = 3 shots, and 3 < 4, which equals less time. But if the course is backed up then that one guy is going to be standing there until everyone else arrives anyway.

 

Apologize for being facetious, in a strange mood tonight ;-)

 

If what you've described happens in a tournament, the player who hit the tee shot has left his assigned group in breach of Rule 6-3b and is disqualified.

 

Good point. Once, at our LPGA tournament, I watched Dottie Mochrie (now back to Pepper) 3 putt for a bogie, and she fairly marched right off the green to the next tee while her group finished. I followed her, wanting to get a good spot for the next tee shot, and I said, 'don't worry Dottie, the next hole is a par 5 you can get it back'. She didn't wave, nod, pause, or in any way acknowledge my earnest encouragement. Just set shoulders, head down, rigid jaw. A guy was walking next to me, and commented, 'you should be glad she didn't punch you in the face'.

 

Anyway, she didn't get penalized, and I have seen the same many times on the PGA on TV..

[b.helts]

If what you've described happens in a tournament, the player who hit the tee shot has left his assigned group in breach of Rule 6-3b and is disqualified.

No. You're making assumptions that are not evident in the post. It is possible that would be the case. It is not absolute, given the post you responded to.

[MtlJeff]

I carry my bag, so i often leave it right off the green fairly close to where the hole is. After putting out, if someone else has the flag, i will go stand next to my bag right off the green.

 

I think it's a bit rude to be well off the green. I think a couple of guys around the fringe with one guy holding the flag though is fairly normal.

[rogolf]

If what you've described happens in a tournament, the player who hit the tee shot has left his assigned group in breach of Rule 6-3b and is disqualified.

No. You're making assumptions that are not evident in the post. It is possible that would be the case. It is not absolute, given the post you responded to.

 

Here's the post I was responding to:

 

Have you ever played golf? If one player goes over to the next tee and hits, there is one less person and one less shot to hit when the rest arrive there. I believe the math can be stated as 4 shots - 1 shot = 3 shots, and 3 < 4, which equals less time. But if the course is backed up then that one guy is going to be standing there until everyone else arrives anyway.

 

Apologize for being facetious, in a strange mood tonight ;-)

 

There is no assumption made, it clearly says the player hit his tee shot. If the tee shot is struck before all players in the group have holed out on the previous hole, that player has left the group and is disqualified.

[b.helts]

If what you've described happens in a tournament, the player who hit the tee shot has left his assigned group in breach of Rule 6-3b and is disqualified.

No. You're making assumptions that are not evident in the post. It is possible that would be the case. It is not absolute, given the post you responded to.

 

Here's the post I was responding to:

 

Have you ever played golf? If one player goes over to the next tee and hits, there is one less person and one less shot to hit when the rest arrive there. I believe the math can be stated as 4 shots - 1 shot = 3 shots, and 3 < 4, which equals less time. But if the course is backed up then that one guy is going to be standing there until everyone else arrives anyway.

 

Apologize for being facetious, in a strange mood tonight ;-)

 

There is no assumption made, it clearly says the player hit his tee shot. If the tee shot is struck before all players in the group have holed out on the previous hole, that player has left the group and is disqualified.

 

You are very clearly assuming the player tees off before the rest of the group has finished putting.