I am across the following information on a website for a newly opened golf course in Vietnam. While it may seem rather elementary it probably would do not harm for this type of information to be more frequently shared with many golfers in the US and elsewhere. Over the years I have discovered that far more effort is given in developing golf countries to ensure that golf etiquette is followed as so many golfers these area are broadly unaware of the nuances of the sport.
In terms of dress I recall being in China 10 years ago and the Sales Executive for of the club was insistent he would play 9 holes with me. He was clearly a beginner but extremely keen to play…for some reason I went to the first tee ahead of him. When I turned around I knew I was in for a long afternoon. He was still wearing his jacket and tie as he made some practice swings. As I recall we had a good time but that was a first! Maybe he had seen pictures of the Great Triumvirate!
The Chinese are also notorious for their cell phone use. If you have the opportunity to attend a professional golf event in China, it is entertaining on both sides of the ropes as you have a group of spectators with even less understanding of the etiquette involved. Cell phones and animated conversations close to the action are par for the course!
Having played the game for 40 years it is all second nature to me, and it is so easy to forget the many quirks to golf etiquette. If I come across a new golfer I try to make them feel as comfortable as possible and explain the “rules” recognizing that I would be similarly lost in another sporting arena.
About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+
