Do you need a licence to play Golf?
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- Опубликовано: 11 июл 2024
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00:00 - 04:35 Last hole nerves at the PGA
04:36 - 07:50 We got to play Royal Troon!
07:51 - 11:52 Should everyone play off the back tees?
11:53 - 17:20 Why don’t people “enjoy” golf more?
17:21 - 22:03 Rick Shiels sponsors a golf event!
22:04 - 33:08 Should you need a golf licence to play golf?
33:09 - 35:24 - How do beginners enjoy playing more?
35:25 - 40:00 Rick Shiels deletes his social medias
40:14 - 44:14 Will Ludvig Aberg win a major before Rory?
44:15 - 49:21 LIV Golf in the UK!
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A few years ago I played golf with a couple on a par 3 course. The guy had played golf before hadn't played in a little while but he was pretty good knew what he was doing. His girlfriend had never played golf it was her first time. She had been a high school and college athlete so she had athletic ability. First hole she was so nervous with me watching. And on the second hole she was that way and she looked at me and said sorry I'm just really nervous. And I told her to relax we all have to start the game somewhere and nobody's great when they start playing golf. Has the round went on she relaxed and enjoy the game. Probably 6 months later I ran into her and boyfriend on a regular 18-hole golf course. They were so happy to see me and she had fallen in love with golf in one of the things she credited for enjoying it was my attitude on that day her first time out. And I've had that experience a few times over the last few years. Sometimes when someone's new and not real good he just need a little confidence booster that nobody's judging them
Everyone needs to follow the US High School rule pick up after 2x par for the hole, par 4 pick up after 8 etc... Let everyone play....
No, you should pick up after there's no stableford points left, which is usually after double bogey.
A ten on a par 5 is pretty bad. Triple bogey should be enough humiliation.
I'd say triple, once you get there, move on.
one good thing the golf license teaches people is picking up when you're at net double bogey (no more stableford points)
I was just about to post this. I thought it was a unwritten rule
This weekend at my local course I personally saw 8 people get kicked off the course, all first time golfers (17-21 young men) that were just there to drink and unleash chaos. They were running carts into each other, driving carts on greens, handbrake turns, and driving all over the course from hole to hole chasing eachother. Little to no golf was played. 2 carts overheated to the point where the engines shut off and wouldn’t start and were billowing out smoke and will need major repairs. I snapped a picture of their GPS tracking from the pro shop and it looked like a glitch. I don’t like the idea of a license to play but we could use a filter to stop those types of groups from damaging the course and ruining it for everyone else.
Then the problem is the Bob Does Sports/Dudebro nonsense they've been pushing. Honestly that group of idiots have done so much damage for golf, haven't they?
@@PJBlick I don’t know specifically if they are to blame, I’d say just social media glorifying being a disturbance mixed with boys being boys. I know they didn’t like the pro shop telling them they would see a minimum of $2k for cart repairs on their visa in the next week though 😂
@@two_toned_rooster Well, the thing is that these golf channels are influencers in all actuality. Some of them influence the skill, and class, of the sport. Then there's Dudebro/BDS that glorify acting a fool, getting drunk, obnoxious, partying in a golf cart/fratboy mentality. I'm thinking that this is influencing those types who come in with that kind of mentality. A bit of cause and effect, imho.
@@PJBlick To be fair BDS does actually play golf. They get drunk and do some silly stuff while playing but they're not being disrescectful to the game and course so I don't think we can blame them for the those that truly do disrespect the game. I just don't undersetand how people who are not going to take the game seriously would want to pay 60-200 bucks (without beer) to just get drunk and fuck around.
@@PJBlick I’m sorry maybe I don’t watch enough Bob does sports because I see bds being funny guys and messing with eachother, not actively trying to be a nuisance to the course. I’m thinking more whistlindiesel but they can’t afford to pay for what they break.
I play with my 2 small kids. Here are the rules for they follow that I suggest for all new players
1. Use the forward tees
2. if the drive is under 150yrds hit the 2nd shot from the fairway regardless of where the drive lands
3. Hit the next shot from the 100yrd marker (unless their last shot is sitting better)
4. If you're not on the green yet, pick it up and place it greenside to chip (1 chip max)
5. Max 3 putts
They'll hit about 100 shots. We play in 3hr30 to 3hr45
This is solid and a great way to bring new players into the game so they are enjoying themselves too
I (a 5 hdc) play regularly with someone who is a complete beginner. We regularly shoot a round in less than 4 hours, and i normally suggest that they start from the start of the fairway (on a par4 ) or where my ball lands on a par 5. Said person does not follow the strict golf scoring rules, but each time we play there skills improve and I ensure that they follow good golf etiquette. This way, they feel like they are learning to play golf, enjoy aspects of the game, but do not hold up the play even in a 4 ball. I think beginners playing with good players massively helps the beginners as they learn a lot, especially if the goods players are willing to teach them the rules, etiquette and skills to play even high handicap golf.
The problem is, with people not understanding it is a four hour game.
We went out last summer with a friend of mine summed index of phcp 5 and an 18-capper, who apologized for barging in to our twoball.
We welcomed him and gave him the space needed to play his game.
You wouldn’t believe his face after shaking hands at the 18th for the game, when he watched his watch and got understanding that we had finished in three hours and thirty-five minutes.
In skiing, people start on the beginner slope; in golf, they should start on a par 3 or a pitch & putt course.
Thats the idea, here in switzerland you can do your etiquette course and then play par 3 courses and sometimes some 9 hole courses. Then you train on those courses until you can hit 12 net stableford points (hcp 54) which isnt really that difficult
My local at Torrequebrada only allows 28 handicap and under. Simple.
I wish more people would take to heart your excellent point. Since I don't earn a living playing golf, my priorities, in order, are 1) have fun, 2) spend time with friends, 3) play well. I can accomplish the top 2 goals no matter what my score is. My wife constantly reminds me to have real expectations based on my limited play/practice time.
I worked as a golf teacher for 15years in Germany, the Platzriffer licence was great for golf teacher as students needed about 20hours of lessons before taking a 9hole playing test, they had to play double par or better on 6 of the 9holes plus a rules test before they could play alone on a golf course. It definitely gave them some idea on rules and etiquette plus a level of playing ability. I'd welcome it over in the UK mainly for safety to other people on the course!
I have played golf in Germany for over 20 and I think it is a bad idea, someone already pointed out it is keeping young people coming into the game, especially with soaring costs these days. And you can tell, German clubs have very few young members, 80% are pensioners. In uk, when I started playing, a member was ‘responsible’ for me, teach me about on course behaviour etc etc
Where did you come up with that 80%?@@AaronCollins-if6qr
@@AaronCollins-if6qr I second this. I am from Germany and the Platzreife creates an unnecessary entry barrier for the game (along with mandatory DGV membership that most places require). Also, it does not fulfil it's promises: unreplaced divots, unraked bunkers and unrepaired pitch marks everywhere. I also agree with what our pro said, that 95% of players don't know the rules. So what's the point of a license then?
Reduce the Platzreife courses to 3 hours and put Marshalls on the courses instead, who will tackle golfers over breaking rules and etiquette.
I'm from Germany and have started playing golf at 13 back in 2000. The "Platzreife" (literally "course maturity") does make a good amount of sense from my perspective and it was really poorly explained in that email. The "license" and membership is mandatory to play pretty much any course in Germany, yes, BUT that doesnt mean you have to be a member in an expensive club, it can also be an online golfclub like RGC and you then pay greenfee whereever you want to play. The license consists of theory (rules and etiquette), which just does make sense for anyone and gives guidance when you start, dont know anything and feel insecure about how to behave. And then the practical part requires you to be able to play around 54, so 126 on a Par 72 as a rough baseline. BUT that only requires a couple months of practice and probably a few lessons in order to avoid shooting 10-over on every hole. So the pro would take you out on the course, in my club max. 9 holes, and see if you can score somewhere around par +3 (Hcp 54) +1 (last shot for 1 Stableford). But nobody will tell you no if you miss it by a few
Courses and clubs should also need a license. That license should prohibit 6 to 8 minute tee time intervals.
Want to fix slow play? Don’t start the day putting 3 groups on every hole.
12+ minute intervals please and thank you.
Went to a course in Colorado. Had short tee times...less than 10 minutes. Our cart wasn't even ready at our tee time because they overbooked. Then, on the first hole, we got yelled at by the Marshall for pace of play, while we were 100 yards out and waiting on the group in front to finish putting. Big city course on the weekends are a JOKE. I will stick to my rural club and play literally whenever and how long I want....
@@JohnnyUtah13 this is why I don’t understand the hype for the “top” courses or resort courses. You want me to pay thousands (including the lodge or required hotel, caddie, etc.) to have 8 minute tee times and have a marshal up my ass for 5.5 hours?
Hard pass on that.
Been there, done it, don’t need it anymore.
Ten minutes is enough. Specially, if you are required to have a cart.
I totally cannot understand, how people are able to play over 4 hrs driving and riding.
One of my local courses does 9 minute intervals, and to make it worse they don’t really have a starter or any marshals. The screen on the carts have a pace timer, but that’s about it. Frankly it’s kind of insane, especially at $106 for fees and a cart.
I enjoy your videos. They are fun to watch and I very much appreciate your attitude and presentation - honestly your personality. I watch other content creators but your weekly break 75 is what I enjoy the most. And for perspective I play off scratch.
I don’t know if this is the same around the world, but in the US, there is almost a complete lack of etiquette and a lack of understanding how to play efficiently. Simple things like keeping up with the group ahead of you, being ready to hit when it’s your turn, not taking 12 practice swings, and here is my pet peeve; hitting a bad shot, then immediately grabbing a ball out of your pocket and hitting another one. Not stepping on someone’s line on the green, nonstop talking.
It should never take more than 4 hrs to play 18. I still see people looking at putts for way too long, then missing it by 10 feet.
Another huge problem where I live, is that former golf course property was sold to build houses. The population is going up and the public courses are decreasing. So the courses that are left, are stuffed with players.
A few years ago, I got sick of public courses, so I joined a CC, but I soon realized that they have tournaments every 10 seconds and every school has practice there. I couldn’t even get a tee time on my own course.
Golf is also getting back to an elite activity. The costs have skyrocketed. Everything associated with golf costs an arm and a leg. I play this crappy public course and they charge $22 to walk 9 holes at 5pm. I mean come on. If it was a nice course I wouldn’t complain, but it’s a goat trail.
Anyway, I could go on but…..
Here in Ireland its opposite problem, people play little too fast for my taste, probably due to fact here people who play golf are usually good at it. My group plays probably at normal speed but due to fact we arent that good yet we can take more time than good players. The upside of it becoming more elite is there will be less players on the courses which is good IMO. I like to take my time and enjoy myself when I am on the course. I rather play 9 slower holes than 18 fast ones and I rather pay more and have proper enjoyment. It was eye opening hearing Bryson say how he never goes on the course outside tournaments and he focuses on practice more and keeping his form. That's how golf should be, and any sport really, too many people play sports without any practice put in other than playing it.
i dont see an issue putting another ball down after hitting a shot if you are playing on your own, but for sure if you in a 3-4 ball
Its also the area. I live in the middle of a flyover state. I never have to wait for tee-times and we have a free men's night dinner once a month. Greens are immaculate. Yearly membership is $450. I assume you probably live in, at least, a moderately sized city by your description. That's the problem. There are just TOO MANY PEOPLE.
@@outlander234 Played in Ireland 3 times, and enjoyed every hole! Great relaxed people ...
see so many people spending time lining their putts up and sure that they don't really know why they are doing so, but have just seen it on the TV....especially when they then 4 putt!
I'm from Czechia, but live in the US now. In my homeland, you need a "green card" to be able to book tee times. This is a simple test of basic rules & etiquette and showing that you can at least make contact in the sport. It's a barrier, but arguably a VERY low one.
Now living in the US, I really wish it was a thing here. I get golf had a "snob" vibe and I'm glad that's going away, but I'm also more and more running into 5-somes and rude groups on courses. Some responsibility is on the course, but lot of it is on disrespect for the rules & etiquette on the course. Pitch marks left unrepaired.
This past weekend I played as solo, sandwiched behind a 6-some, 4-some, myself and then 5-some behind me. I knew I couldn't move too fast, but group ahead of me (that I caught on every tee since hole #2) instead of waving me through would wait for par 5 (497yds) to clear before hitting it about 180. When I laid up back from the green to wait for them to clear, they flipped me off, sat behind the green on purpose and then drove away. I knew they wouldn't let me go even if I asked and I didn't want to be hit into.
This is the first time I've had to walk off the course, but it's becoming more common.
Sometimes people don't regard 1 balls as having any rights as think they should join others - which they should really as helps with the flow.
But yes they sound like rude golfers, etiquette should be learned before playing.
I play in Austria now and they have some unofficial introductory assessment here too I think.
Last week I witnessed an American golfer pull his 3 wood left off the first tee. Ball went so far left it hit the buildings along from the Rusacks hotel with people walking on the road below. No shout of ‘Fore’. Maybe a licence is needed 😂
I worked at a golf course while finishing up uni. I quickly stopped asking, “How’d you play” and only ever asked, “Did you have fun out there?” Everyone answered the former, “Not great,” and the latter, “We had a great time!”
1st off Rick - massive thank you for taking the time to drive over to Longley Park on Sunday - I thought Jamie was yanking my chain when he said you'd been there in person to sign a ball for him, I believe your girls gave him some cheers, as well as a 'strike' from yourself when he hit an iron shot on a par 3.
We've got tickets for both JCB and Troon - gonna be an epic few weeks of watching golf - how cool is it to have these choices to watch world class golfers.
So we got Jamie on a par 3 course when he was 3 - just let them slowly learn the basic rules of the game - it's not that important at that age - gotta just let them have fun. I think it's more important for golfers to know where to look for the rules, than actually have a concise knowledge of the rules themselves. Having a golf license is a typically German thing - not sure I'd be a fan to be honest, and very much doubt it would help encourage people into the game.
Guy brings up some good points. I love these conversations. I think we all have to figure out what we want from Golf. We do it in other areas; work, relationships, gym, etc.
I played with a co-worker for a few years that consistently shot 120 -140. But he played his shots quickly and we got around without hindering play. He was a person that would have easily benefited from playing the red tees, but he didn’t want people thinking he was playing from the women’s tee. I’m all for more tee’s and getting people to understand it’s a process to move to the longer tees.
I agree. Play from the tees that allow you to have fun and improve your game. Most beginners can't make the fairway from the tips. Why do people torture themselves? Your friend who bombs it 300 probably cant hit a wedge anyway....lol
At my course in South Carolina we have an op 36 program for kids and a beginner clinic that works the same way for ladies. In addition to lessons they have scheduled 9 hole rounds. Every one starts from 25 yards until they can shoot par at that distance , then they move back to 50 yards, 75 etc. I think this is a fantastic way to introduce new players to the game. I wish we had pitch putt and short par 3 courses nearby as those are not only great ways to be introduced to the game but also develop the essential scoring shots from inside 100 yards that make golf more enjoyable.
You can play on a course if you don’t know how. Just have some sense and don’t expect to score or play your ball. Hit it, if it sucks, pick it up and drop further up with your playing partner. If you’re by yourself just give yourself a limit on each hole. Ok I’ve had 5 shots I’ll go drop it next to the green and chip and putt.
Basically, what I typed in another comment lol.
No regulation/license of course, but we should remove the stigma of the front tees as the lady's, 90% of golfers should play there, also, pickup after 8. Or at the very least pickup at 6-7 before on the green, go drop a ball on the green and putt I guess lol.
The should be called "front" "middle" and "back" or just colors etc. Play from the tees that allow you to have fun AND get better because you aren't constantly frustrated after the first shot.
If you’re not breaking 80 from the front tees you don’t move back. When you can break 80 from those next one you can move back again.
I played yesterday with two strangers who were both going off the furthest back tees. It was painful to watch.
Tees should have nothing to do with age or gender, if you can't make GIR then move forward
@@JohnnyUtah13 Damn right, Agent Utah.
@@A1BASEI read that Sam Snead said that. Makes a ton of sense.
For JV golf in high school, the rules at some tournaments was if you weren’t on by 7 you picked up and placed in the edge of the green. If you weren’t in by 12 you picked up, wrote 12 and put an asterisk by that on your card
After listening to this pod cast i only had one thing in my head...a Rick Shiels guide to golf for beginners...a video aimed to teach the totally new player
Golfclubs should have particular tee times or even a certain number of days per month dedicated to new players.
That way the expectations are set. The club can do the intro-to golf etiquette for each group, close down all the tees apart from the forward ones, and if you're a regular golfer and choose to play on those days then you know what you're in for and don't get to complain. You could even have members available as mentours for etiquette and rules (but not on course coaching!) if the group wants it.
This is a great idea. A bit like open mic nights at comedy clubs.
Some courses here has Black Mondays during summer time for people to get introduced into golf.
In Spain (at least in Madrid where I live) there are 2 things 1) The licence - it has a yearly fee of 100 ish euros you pay to your golf federation. You just apply for this and get it. Most courses require it to play, even on the 9 hole courses and pitch and putts. You can lose the licence if you do anything stupid - e.g. damage the course 2) The handicap - this gets awarded to you by a golf pro, usually the pro that is giving you classes. I had to pass a written exam on the rules of golf, including etiquette, and an assessment by the pro of your playing ability - in my case he was my teacher so just signed off. If he/she doesn't know you you might need to play a few holes or hit balls in the range with the pro. Most courses require a handicap for you to play on their main/big course.
That’s interesting, in the sense that none of that applies to foreigners coming over to play golf on the Costa’s
@@stuartellison6895 they'll probably come out and check your handicap if you're being a nuiscance and if you're not below the course handicap (-54 (open) or usually -36 or -20 for nicer courses) they can kick you off
@@stuartellison6895 I doubt they would want the bad publicity of preventing someone from playing after they paid out a lot of money for the trip. Where I play there is a lot of demand for golf but few courses so it is tightly regulated.
Haven't swung a golf club at an actual club for about 15 years but I can't get enough of the Pod .
I love playing golf, and some would say that I'm obsessed. I've been playing for about 25 years, stopped playing when I started having kids, and started up again about 3 years ago. My handicap is heading downward. I have good days and bad. There is one hole on my course that I will hit my "perfect" tee shot on, 95% of the time. Seeing the ball fly over the trees in the direction of OB, but with enough speed to fly it and land in the middle of the fairway. That kind of shot, no matter where is it on the course, that is hit as well as I can. That's what I strive to do more often and if I get some exercise along the way then that's just a bonus.
As I "learned" golf at the age of 35 in Germany. I was glad to be coached the basic understanding how to move on a golf cours, and to be teached all the rules. In general most of us are weekend golfers, the courses ar packed, an evereybodey should move the same speed, therefore you have to learn it in advance.
Quite an interesting point from the EAL video in Germany, is that when he asked people if they would rather scrap the license so you can just go straight out on the course and play, it blew their minds. They wondered why you wouldn’t do the license. They want people to have a level of competency before going out and playing.
Wish more amateurs had the same outlook on golf as Guy. Especially playing from the proper tees. Lost count of amateurs I’ve been paired with who can’t drive the ball 200yds, but still insist on playing the back tees.
It is not the tee/length of the course, but the pace. Oldies playing in the 90s still can finish in four hours.
Totally agree about the negative comments. It is sad what people will say online when we all know they would never say it to someone’s face.
Never forget Rick your #1 on YT golf for a reason, you’re genuine, pleasant and entertaining. Keep it up!
Negative comments arent always warranted but sometimes they are. Sorry but Guy and Rick have deserved some negative comments in particular their bias towards the PGA and their bashing of LIV!
@@matrix35 how do you define a warranted negative comment?
Love, how Guy appreciates that he is pretty much living every golfers dream.
In Switzerland you have to take a written test and you have to do a practical test with a teacher before you can have your golf license. Even to go to the practice pitch and range you have to have the permission from the teacher. The most clubs if you are over a 27 hcp you can’t play alone but you have to be accompanied by a pro or someone with a 10hcp or less
The Netherlands have this for longer than Germany. Where you have to get a license to be allowed to play basically everywhere. Formerly it was known as a GVB, nowadays you get handicap 54 after the tests. I think this system works fine. People learn etiquette and golf basics, making sure they are safe, and able to have fun
I've always said that mental health has 90% come to life since the start of social media we never had any of this before it and life in general since computers started it's a dangerous thing. Your out the Rick there will be stuppid comment but that's from people who hide behind social media you keep doing what you do enjoy life and we will watch with interest. 👍
As long as play is not held up, let anyone play. At least the person shooting 278 would realise that it isn't as easy as it looks and head straight off to the driving range and/or lessons..... or take up fishing instead. The golf partner should have suggested pickup and play shorter as they went round.
Can't wait to see Troon content. Take a look at Iona's bunker play on the 5 difficult holes at Troon. Phenominal stuff. Must do another colab with her Rick.
👏👏
if you can't break 80 on a average day keep moving up a tee box til you do , learn to score once your 75 or under on a regular basis then move back a tee , I found this was a great way to build my game with positive results instead of day after day of failure .
We also have a license in Croatia to play golf. It's either a license or being part of a golf club and having a hendicap. Otherwise you can't play.
But getting it is basically just a small test (you have to know the rules and how to behave on a course) + few holes with PGA pro on a course so that you're able to play and also behave.
My idea to help new golfers is local course having a “learning night” where it’s a shotgun start for 18 groups of 4 and they play like 3-4 holes for 5-10$ no carts or maybe darts are another 5$ and maybe the course can have employees or Marshalls out there to help people learn. Its cheap and it doesn’t affect an entire course with a super beginner doing 18 holes
Agree with 2xPar max score for the hole - it’s the best “improvement” scoring approach. It still allows you to have a few blowout holes that will impact your score and give you a measurable improvement score to play to but if people are on or near the green I never tell them to pick up.
I started playing golf at age 60 - I had to book lessons with a pro ... and to pass a test (license) to be allowed to play on a course - and another test (after lessons) for playing tournaments. I got HC 54 for a start.
Before that I had no idea of anything - so it was more than necessary.
( now I'm at HC 29 ...)
My wife and I are starting to play. We just play with one ball and switch back and forth with each shot. That way our pace of play is good and we aren’t holding up anyone up.
You are smarter than a lot of newbies!
Good on you! Hope you get better and can start playing your own balls regularly.
Maybe a little difficult to manage, but what would happen if, say, the starter gave a quick once over the way they do if you’re new to the course.
“You played here before?”
“No, first time”
“Excellent, welcome. What do you normally play off of?”
“Oh, this is our first time”
“Amazing! I’m going to recommend a few things: 1-play from forward tees. 2-we keep a 3 1/2 hour pace, so if you take more than 9 shots per hole, pick up your ball and head to the next tee. 3- if someone is catching up to you/waiting consistently for you, let them through.
You guys are going to have a great time
How long did that take, 3-4 mins? But….education is key.
To be allowed to play any course in Denmark you have to get a DGU card. (Danish Golf Union)
I volunteer as "rabbit leader" in my golfclub. Rabbit is what we call new players, and to get their DGU card, they first have to make 12 points two times on our 9 hole pay and play. Then they have to make 12 points two times on 9 holes on our 18 hole course.
When they play, they are accompanied by a rabbit leader (like me), and we help them with the rules and ethics of the game.
Edit. It's up to each club how they award DGU cards. But all I know off, have some kind of play/score tests like ours.
When i first learned the junior "tournaments" i played in had a double par rule. Once you got double par pick up the ball and when your partners get to the green you can putt and thats a good rule keeps pace up and doesnt make people feel as bad when theyre learning
I`ve gone through the golf license process in Germany. It`s not only there by the way, Switzerland and Austria have the same process.
Typically, clubs will offer a "Platzreife" course, which will include 3 to 5 days of instruction followed by the test. Each day there is a different focus (driver, putter, bunkers, etiquette, rules, iron shots, scoring etc). The test itself is 2 part. There is a multiple choice based on rules of golf as well as etiquette, followed by playing 9 holes, sometimes more, sometimes less. The PGA pro is looking to see you can execute on the theory you`ve learned.
Why do it?
Everyone knows the etiquette, knows how to score, can actually hit their clubs as they get one on one lessons for a week. So even new players are not really holding things up on the course.
For me, it was invaluable. My swing improved, understanding on putting, short game and bunkers was fantastic.
Why not do it?
It can be expensive, although it`s not as expensive as joining a private country club. My course cost me around 450 €
Should the UK do it? I think, something like it can be used on a volunteer basis, but then offer benefits for those who do it?
Otherwise you need someone who knows the game really well and can teach you the etiquette and rules for scoring.
I’m looking forward to seeing the pros on JCB. After seeing the course on Rick’s channel a few times, I feel like I know it as well.
I've always thought the more people who are introduced to the game the better, but like Rick mentioned new players should have a degree of guidance from peers. We recently started playing with my brother's friend who's never swung before, literally as new as it gets. We're both 20 handicaps, by no means good golfers, but we know how to keep pace. When we play with him we just do a scramble, let the guy get swings in while still doing our best to play quick. Most people don't care if you suck, just have some courtesy for those around you and do your part in keeping pace
when i was a youth every golf club asked for a proof of handicap before releasing a tee time to get a handicap card you had to be a member of a club so to play private clubs you had to be a member at one. We had to play at municipals luckily we had 2 very good courses locally. Now if you can afford you can play almost any course without them asking and you can get an official handicap without being a member somewhere.
I golf a couple of days a week. Usually just off the back and then off to work. I look at it like this, I'm going for a walk and golf gets in the way. It's helping me be less fat and that's the win.
We have quite a few novice golfers / young lads come and play our 9 hole course especially later on in the evening when the club shop is closed who obviously dont know how to play golf. They often share a single bag of clubs between two or three golfers and hack round the course. Members do go over and talk to them and they are often very friendly and jokey and are just enjoying hitting golf balls with their mates one of which obviously can play as has a set of clubs. As long as they are not inconveniencing other golfers, are courteous and don't damage the course then why not. It would be nice if they paid for their round though as the members and visitors in the day have to, our course is in the middle of the town surrounded by houses so you can just walk on.
If you're always hitting long irons/woods into par-4s or wedges into par-5s then you're probably playing the "wrong" tees.
Having said that, play whatever set of tees allows you to 1) keep up with the group ahead of you and 2) have fun (in that order).
Begginers: Learn propper etiquette before stepping onto any golf course. Its ok to pick up your golf ball if your struggling on holes. Play front tees. Ready golf. Place your ball on the fairway where your buddies are if u find yourself in the woods. Dont spend too mch time looking for a ball just drop one on a good lie and move on. Hope this helps.
I started playing golf at 34yo. The first time out on a golf course with my buddies (seasoned 20HDCPrs, lol) I just wanted to make sure I was playing at a good pace and not becoming a limitation for my friends to enjoy the game or other players. So 2x par and picked up my ball, if my tee shot was terrible (topped it, sliced OB, etc) I just dropped next to my cart partner just to keep up the pace. This went for about 5 rounds until I was able to hold myself and keep pace of play. Definitively you need someone that can guide you through this and not become a problem for others.
I see on the LIV site you can play JCB the Monday after the event
Played golf for 15 years in Australia. Moved to Europe and played golf in Germany for another 15 years. Came back to Australia and realized what a nightmare it is to play on courses where a fair amount of people a) have zero idea about etiquette (repair divots, pitch marks, rake bunkers, etc), and b) have no concern or are completely ignorant of those playing in the group behind them (slow play). Bring on the licence - minimum competency of shooting 120 average for example, and short instructional guidance regarding keeping the course in great condition, appropriate behaviour and pace of play.
we have some older guys play with us when we go away on a syndicate weekend we always play a 9 shots and pick up as a max score . just to keep things moving.
Not only in Germany, but also in The Netherlands and Belgium, a golf certificate (or license) is needed to play! (it is a similar format on which you will need to do a written and practical test).
Played on Monday evening with the goal of trying to break 90 (for the first time) was playing really well, for my standard. Then on the 17th went OB off the tee, ended up with a 9! Then bogey on 18th. Ended up shooting 90 exactly. Best score ever for me but felt like a massive failure! 😢 Golf is a funny game
I usually play to around 10, so a decent golfer and have just started playing with 4 new golfers. We play off yellows, never take 3 of the tee, just drop one roughly at the entry point of any hazard, don't currently play out of bunkers because they are dog shit at my local course anyway so they wouldn't get any value from taking 5 shots to get the ball out, and ensure we play at a reasonable pace. Usually takes 4 hours for a round.
The Green Card system is Finland is very efficient and definitely improves the experience for everyone. Basically, you take a couple of lessons and then play a couple of holes with a pro. The pro oversees how you play but also if you know your way around the course. It’s pretty straightforward and has been working well I think.
In Austria you need also a license to play on most golf courses (there are some exceptions). This is to make sure, that you know the basics of rules and etiquette and are decent enough to keep the pace of play. In the past, it was more restrictive but the requirements have become less strict over time.
When I started to play in the early 2000s, you would have a written tests about rules and etiquette and a test about your skills, mainly long strokes, putting, and chipping and playing 4 holes. In the practical exam you would have to score a certain amount of points for the license to be granted. For the long strokes men would have at least to reach a distance of 120m (if I remember correctly) while being within a corridor of certain width to get points. With chipping and putting, you would have to chip and put from a certain distance (20m chipping and 10m putting) to within a set distance to the hole. You would get 2 points if you were within and 3 points if the ball went into the hole. For each task, you would have a certain amounts of attempts. Then you would go and play 4 holes of stableford and the points you would get would also count towards your score. If the combined score was over a certain amount, you would be granted the license and acquire a handicap of 45.
Nowadays it is more relaxed and you have to score 12 Stableford points with a handicap of 54 over 9 holes to be granted the license.
Regarding the license - it's very similar in Switzerland. You need the so-called "course authorisation" (literal translation) to go on courses. In order to obtain this, you need to pass a theoretical exam (on etiquette, rules, scoring formats etc.) and a practical exam (either driving, chipping and putting or playing a number of holes in a certain amount of time). Most courses require a handicap of 54, 36, or lower. This makes total sense because we don't have nearly as many golf courses as the UK. It would be difficult to get a tee time if anyone could play anywhere. Slow play is still a problem here but I'm sure it would be much worse without the license requirement.
Same in the Netherlands
So I've always noticed that there are two main categories of sports: some sports can be played casually by anyone, but mastered by few; and others truly have a 'minimum' level of skill to even participate. My typical example is US Volleyball (especially the 'old' 15-point rules)-- it is possible for both teams to be so bad, that the game doesn't happen. You must be some minimum level of 'good' to even score, and if neither team meets that minimum, then there is no game, and neither team can win. Golf strikes me as that sort of sport. It is possible to be 'not good enough' to actually "play" golf. On a 350 yard par 4, if you can't hit more than 80-100 yards inside a 90-yard-wide target bubble, you can't really 'play' that hole. You just aren't 'good enough' to participate, and it sucks. Golf is an interesting sport because people who can 'play' must necessarily be better than a pure beginner. Consider the alternative like football (us soccer) where it's possible to be terrible but still run around with others and kick a ball. In Golf, if you can't do some minimum level of hitting a fairway, finding a green, and putting, you literally can't 'do' the sport-- and this is before we even consider pace of play. I mean literally for some some folks stuck in the 30+ hcp range, there are courses that they CANNOT participate at. They would card max for every hole because it's too long, too narrow, and too fast for their best play.
I don't know the answer, I just think golf is one of those sports (like US volleyball, and unlike football/soccer) where there is a 'minimum' skill required to even participate at all, let alone be 'good'.
Was up for going to the jcb for Liv but will be on a summer holiday with the kids. Little bit gutted but don’t tell the mrs 😂
On the licence issue my dad made it clear to me that i couldnt play either of our home courses until i could carry 150 yards. I now use the same rule with my freinds that havent played.
Also when playing with them ill just be looser with the rules. Dont make them re tee just go play the other side of water ect
In the Netherlands you need a license as well, mostly safety, rules & etiquette.
You first need a few lessons.
Then you take a test.
There is a 30 questions multiple choice test.
Then play 4 par 4 holes, where you can discard the worst hole, and with the remaining 3 holes average 7 (total 21).
You then get a club handicap of 54 and are allowed to play on course.
You then play off of 36 until you actually are handicap 36.
Only then you are allowed to play other courses.
Obviously this really sucks, as I played a course shooting 78; two weeks later in similar conditions I shot 113.
Interesting for me as a German to hear your reflections on the „licence“ system. Actually, when having passed the exam („Platzreife“) you receive a hcp of 54. On the one hand, that’s part of the German passion of overregulating everything in life, and indeed another barrier for people to enter the world of golf. On the other hand, it needs some sort of reliable preparation before someone comes to the course. I would suggest just a mandatory instruction about the most important rules and etiquette, combined with better opportunities to practice.
Had a pretty good year of golf won some money this year, had a lot of fun, but wow was it hard to get in 30s on 9 holes extremely hard to break 80, thankfully I'm breaking 75 pretty constantly but have worked extremely hard to get here. I can't beyond 6400 yards yet but course I play most days is right at it. I'm not a long hitter but good short game and don't miss many fairways and usually on green or very close in regulation. Shot my best 9 holes recently, 32 par 36.
I think the best thing to do for New golfers or newer golfers or golfers that aren't good is playoff shorter tees. I see so many people who aren't good at the game trying to hit from the tips. And it takes him forever to get through a hole. Play off the right tees. I'm 61 years old play about 150 times a year on the 12 handicap. I don't play off t's that are more than maybe 6200 yd. My average drive is about 245. Occasional playoff I'll play off the next set of tees. Even that extra 300,400 yards makes a big difference in the game. So that I can enjoy the game play an off the right tees is key.
My mate and I play once or twice a week,played a few years now but not a member of the club so no longer have a handicap we play matchplay and have a great time,when either of us go up two holes the other gets a shot next hole so keeps both heads up . every game is close though and neither of us get that angry that we want to give game up .no scorecards are ever in our hands now and we both love the pressure free situation.
In the Netherlands, you also need a license to play golf. This majorly to know safety rules and keep the speed in play since at some golf courses they are starting 3/4 four ball parings every 7 minutes.
No one played badly in that England game! Please get behind our incredible players, just like Rick they need the support 🙏
Hi there, usully in Germany for beginners almost every club requets a proof of HCP confirmed by the club pro. there is a practical test where the player usually plays 9 holes with a scroting average of triple bougy per hole. The theoretical test consists of ettiquette and rules to en sure a) safety and adequat behaviour on the course and b) enough knowledge that you can play in a comp. This HCP of 54 is usually good enough that you can keep pace of play as a guest in other clubs. it might be a hurdle to golf but it eases the pain for others you may play with...
I started playing golf this summer I’ve been to the range a bit and I’ve played about 7 rounds now and have a best score of 111 on my local course which is par 70. For practice I tend to go early in the morning on my own (I’m often the first person to tee off) so as I’m not slowing anybody down. If there is somebody behind me I’ll wait and let them play through. I’m playing tomorrow with some friends one is off 12 and one is off 18 and I’m hoping I don’t slow play down; that’s my only goal . I think the process of a golf licence would’ve put me off starting initially, but then again I had the common sense to not negatively interrupt anybody else’s enjoyment whereas others might not 🤷♂️
Unless it's the weekly comp, we play gentlemen's 10, pick it up even if we are doing our own comp between each other just to keep the game alive. If we have a first timer, we tell them to play ambrose, hit it, pick it up and play from the best ball, and go again. That way, they can always hole out, which is the best part and keeps the speed of play up
In Spain you need to pass a test too with two parts. First part is a written test with rules etc, and second part is a practical exam where you have to prove your level. Based on those two tests they give you a handicap, and a lot of golf course don't let people with a handicap higher than 36 play. Normally pace of play is acceptable in those golf courses.
Hi guy and rick,
I live in France and there is a licence here as well. It is not the same as in germany. The licence is made to found in part anyway the french golf federation. And include an insurance in case of accident on a course. It cost around 60€ for the all year. On the side each club has a school where beginners are encourage to go to pass the "carte verte" (green card) usually sold with some lessons and in which you have an exam on the basics rules and the exam is writen for the rules and there's one as well on the course with an score objective. But probably not as low as in germany. If you haven't got an handicap, you are required to have that green card to be allowed on a course.
about the more forward tees equals in lower scores question; there is a thing called operation 36 which uses that idea for new golfers in a playful way.
I tend to lean to the side of holding onto the control i have of my life vs. giving it to a governing body that may not uave my best interest. If you want to stop people from acting a fool, dont give them free reign on a few hundred acre piece of property for 5 hours. Send out golf course employees to check on all the groups and make sure everyone is abiding by the rules and regulations of the course. Dont make it difficult to get into the game.
100
Love the concept, however we want to grow the game, but it has to be enjoyable for everyone!!!
depending on the course, alot of times longer hitters, are hitting irons off par 4's. when you move tot he back tees. its almost diver every time, driver is ricks fav club, makes sense hed like using it more
Most courses aren’t so strict with getting a license. I think like Rick says etiquette is more important than the golf and the etiquette is after a certain amount of shots pick your ball up 😂
I enjoy golf much more since I quit keeping score. I finish a round and have no idea what my score was. I just focus on my good shots and enjoying them, and don't count strokes at all - and I enjoy the game much more.
I play with a lot of new players. We typically play better ball but in some situations we just play with a max score of double par. Once you double the par on a hole, you pick your ball up and move on.
happy to take the perks and plaudits, gotta take the rough with the smooth.
The easiest way to handle this is to set a shot limit per hole. For instance, when I was teaching my children how to play, I said after eight shots pick up the ball and move onto the next hole. That keeps the game moving and everyone has fun!
A golf license? What a horrible idea. You can't install ethics or courtesy with a license. Driver's licenses certainly don't give people good driving habits. Furthermore, it isn't necessarily the bad golfers who are holding up the course. The worst offenders at my home course are the older guys who play every single day. They don't play ready golf, but instead they'll play in groups of six or more, and they'll go to each players ball one by one and study the shots before hitting. Same on the putting green. They'll take the time to study each put like they need to sink this one to win the open. Generally, the newbies who are just trying to learn are the first to wave you through if you get behind them.
The guy in the example given shouldn't have shot a 200 something. He shouldn't even be keeping score at all until he gets better. Just pick up your ball and play from where the person you are playing with hits. No one should be shooting over like 8 on a hole. Just pick it up and move on at that point. I didn't even ever keep score until I was able to card at least a couple birdies and several pars per round. If you can't break 90, then just play and hit shots until you get better.
its a "license" in Norway as well , written test on rules etiquette etc.. , and 8 hrs of diving range / play tips on swing etc... its not like anyone dont pass the test
I’d love to see a video blog if you go to the live event at JCB with the crew.
I think a potential answer would be courses offering an inexpensive 3 or 4 hole round where a golf pro accompanies you for a few holes during non-peak hours and discusses etiquette, health and safety, and a few playing tips. It may take 45 minutes to an hour to play a few holes, but I think it would be a good option. You could do this with a larger group, with a couple of pros, almost like a clinic or something and a group of maybe 2 or 3 foursomes. Do it once a month at the course, call it an intro to golf crash round or something. Would likely be able to address a bunch of these concerns. Offer it to members or the general public at municipal courses and advertise it at the pro shop before a group pays for a round, that way you're not requiring more seasoned players to take that course before being allowed to play a round at that course. I don't know, something like that.
I enjoy playing in a stress free environment, I have stopped keeping score, I try to play scramble with my son, 9 holes as frequently as possible. I don't have the time or the energy to practice as much as I beed to to actually improve..
More par 3 courses or short courses is the way to help beginer golfers. Allowing them to hit full shots without slowing play on a normal course allows them to get introduced to etiquette and all the small things needed for golf. No one will care about pace of play on a par 3 or short course as you are just out there practicing and can just move to another hole.
I think it also falls onto other golfers. Myself, I would never take someone onto the course who had never played before or plays very, very little. The first thing I would do is say let's go to the range first and dial in your swing a bit before we go out on the course.
We also have a couple of courses that have 3 hole loops that they only charge a few bucks to play. So again, if I have someone who doesn't play or doesn't play much, I would take them there first, do the 3 hole loop and then you can also teach a bit of etiquette and how to play efficiently.
I'm new to golf and yes I do want to get better but I think it is more important to enjoy yourself and not put too much pressure on what you shoot
If you have a handicap from some other country you can play here in Germany. I made mine in 2001 in the USA where I originally come from and still use that to play here on course. But I think it makes it much harder and difficult for people to get into the game here. But I don't think it cost 300€ to get the Platzreife. They do have some public par 3 courses where you don't need it to play.
Ricks kids moving the tee's forward xD
Next time your in standrews Ricky. Play the dukes of the blacks. It’s ludicrous. It’s that long and hard from back there they held the European amateur a few years back and didnt use most of those tees. There’s a 280 yard par 3 straight up the hill😂 I’m a scratch golfer and I think Iv broken 80 off those tees once or twice in double figures attempts. Back to the point I was going to make, I find some kind of sadistic pleasure in playing in the hardest possible conditions tees, pins, weather. As long as it’s the same for everyone I’m all for it being tough.
The thing that I have noticed is that most golfers put themselves in bad positions because they are trying to hit shots that they aren't able to hit. My daughter is in a program called OP36 that has them playing from 25 yards and playing 9 holes as everything as a par 4. Once they get 36 or lower, they move back to the next yardage. It teaches them to focus on the short game since that is where a lot of strokes are at. My wife is starting to play as well and is starting at 100 yards and it is allowing her to have fun and not be worried about the lost balls off the tee. People need the correct tees to allow them to shoot a good casual score. The tees should be viewed beginner tees or handicap suggested tees, IE reds are for 20+ handicaps, so that everyone enjoys the game.
Interesting that Rick and Guy seemed seriously surprised about the “crazy” golf license in Germany. It seems like they thought it was something unique for Germany, when in fact most European countries have a similar system. I was quite surprised to learn that apparently anyone in the UK can just book a tee time and go play golf on any course? I had no idea that was the case in the UK.
In Sweden we have two types of courses, pay and play courses and green card courses. To play at green card courses you need to be a member of a golf club and have a green card, which means you need to pass a simple written test and be able to play at around hcp 56 level. The pay and play courses are usually shorter, easier, and cheaper than green card courses. They are perfect for beginners, and anyone can play. Many golf clubs have a normal 18-hole course and a short 6/9-hole pay and play course that is usually very cheap to play. This a win-win situation since it makes it easier for people to try golf, and it’s good for the club since the new golfer who plays at their pay and play course is probably pretty likely to book lessons with the local pro and join the club in the future.
I think this is a very good system, as it’s easy for anyone to try golf on the simpler courses. If you like it and get hooked, you immediately have a goal to strive for - getting that green card. I enjoyed playing at our local pay and play course for a summer or two, but then I really wanted that green card. So, the green card system wasn’t a barrier at all for me, instead it served as a motivation to become better at golf. I also think the green card system is good because it means that everyone who plays on the green card courses have a decent grasp on rules and etiquette, and even new green card holders won’t shoot 150+.