As each golf season passes, it seems golfers are practicing more and more. The amount of time golfers dedicate to practicing has even led many facilities to invest in upgrades at the driving range as well as adding short game practice areas. It goes without saying, but golfers should be working on their game at the areas dedicated to practice, not on the golf course.
Dropping several balls to hit into a green or rolling putts for several minutes in the middle of a round may seem harmless but this could impact the pace of play. The group behind you could catch up sooner than you think, resulting in them having to wait. Slowing down pace of play is a surefire way to create a negative golf experience for the following groups.
Practicing on the course also adds wear to the turf. A few divots or ball marks may not seem like much, but over an entire season this can add up – especially when you factor in how many courses continue to see significantly more rounds played compared to pre-COVID numbers. Divots and ball marks are not the only concern with increased wear. Practicing putting on the course increases foot traffic, which also places more stress on the turf.
It is proper golf etiquette to leave the course in the same condition you found it for those who will play later in the day. Practicing on the course certainly goes against golf etiquette and your fellow golfers will be the ones who are impacted.
Central Region Agronomists:
Paul Jacobs, agronomist – pjacobs@usga.org
Zach Nicoludis, agronomist – znicoludis@usga.org