Alright so I finally decided to step up to an executive course today looking at tee times for regular courses I figure it is a decent value to move up and with a little practice on an Exec course I can move to a place such as Kissena park which for a midweek tee time with cart is around 30 bucks. Having previously only played par 3's mostly Heartland in Edgewood, NY I am not used to using woods and my driver in a real world golf scenario. So getting to Bay Park about 13 miles from my house immediately I realize I am about 50 years younger than anyone but who cares golf is a lifetime game I pay my 20 and the guy pairs me up with a 60-70 year old couple with a ride on car I have a pull cart. I am so nervous my first tee shot consisted of whiffs and slices so I move it along still keeping pace (this is a 300 yd par 4). The next holes are Par 3's I am much more comfortable and my shots start settling in nicely I am making par or one over (gave up on scoring).
On the third hole right near the green of a 160 yd par 3 I hit a nice lob shot close to the pin which is on the front of the green and pick up my putter now my bag was parallel to the green about 15 yards off of it with nothing behind facing the direction to the next tee box so I wait for my other group members to finish their approach shots. All of a sudden while setting up a putt for par this old guy comes steaming up in his cart yelling something about not parking behind the green, I assume he is talking to others my group because in my mind a cart is the thing you ride on (I have never used a pull cart until today) so I don't even turn around meanwhile this guy is rudely yelling finally he points to my bag on the cart I immediately apologize saying I am a newbie and I didn't know this bit of etiquette the other guy says calmly yeah it’s a rule but he was a bit harsh his wife was taken a back and noted she was happy not to be paired with that guy. Here is my question should he have really been teeing off 160 yds away from the green being played by the group ahead? Otherwise I don't see how this helps instead of being easily able to putt in and move quickly I would have to go around the green to get my stuff? Also how do you guys deal with rude older players If I knew he was talking to me I would have apologized and assertively said I don't appreciate the tone etc. (he was yelling the same way I would if someone hit a wild shot at me and didn't yell fore)
A few holes later they approach the tee box as we are waiting for some very good but very elderly ladies in front of us this time on a 190 YD Par 3 I pull my 5 wood out as I hit it really nicely on the previous hole they immediately pull up and his wife starts telling me I hit too far away from the ball, I figure ok honest advice I am nervous playing larger holes previous hole was 350 YD dogleg and I probably didn't pay attention to ball position thanked her kindly and started taking practice swings as I haven't hit woods in over 2 weeks. This 90 year old Julia Child looking lady starts critiquing my swing and giving loud analysis I wanted to say something but just ignored her tips keep in mind she was doing this while my playing partner was teeing off. So I get in the box disregarding everything she told me because she hits her driver 28 yards and set a perfectly hit 5 wood shot 190 parallel to the hole hit a lob wedge to the green and two putt in for one over. Our group managed to play one hole without comments from the peanut gallery but then we got stuck behind the other group I just walked far away from the group finally I take a tee shot and Hit a stinger with my six and it hardly reaches the fairway I know exactly happened I was going to use a five but wanted extra loft so I pulled a six teed the ball high and got way underneath it and it hit off the top off my club she shouts some comments I was going to fire back but figured 6'2" 200 LB college kid yelling at a little old lady doesn’t look great so I just walked away.
The thing that got me was this was my first time playing holes over 150 YDS I kept up, yeah I lost a few balls but I made par on the last par 4 with a 280 YD drive I fixed all my divots and tried to be nice but these guys had to nitpick. Sorry for the long story it’s just this group ruined a nice day for me and I am wondering if this is common at a lot of executive courses for the money and Aggravation I would rather Play Kissena and skip half the holes in which I hit a bad lie. I don't want to come out bashing senior plays I have played with guys in there 60-70s and had a great time listening to stories and watching how they set up shots in fact I remember playing in a foursome at a pitch in putt with 3 senior players was one of my favorite days playing golf.
Full Version: What should I have done in this situation
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Some people are just like that. Where do you live? Perhaps someone on here can pair up with you and take you around the course to help with your etiquette comfort level or suggest a mens club that could do the same.
I live in NY Kew Gardens specifically pretty close to some decent courses, My buddies don't golf I am trying to get my sister boyfriend into it he played years ago and is pretty good at the range but I think he is scared to play at a real course from a bad experience he always shys away from playing Par 3's even when I offer to drive.
Do not let anyone ruin your day! Enjoy the game & find yourself a regular group to play with that is better than you. It will improve you game faster than anything else trying to beat better players.
You're not getting off to a good start by saying "Also how do you guys deal with rude older players". I am 59; play to a 1.2 on a 6900 regulation track. I find considerably more young males verses older folks don't know how to behave in public. 
Two things typically happen on executive courses, one is many that frequent the course are beginners, while others that frequent are older folks unable to play regulation any longer, so they feel it's their course, some Marshal, or try to at least. My wife and I visit a difficult executive course and know ill mannered people first hand, but they are not exclusive to executive tracks.
Last weekend during my second 18, I was put with a couple of young 20 something bucks that thought driver should be used on every hole. Only problem was neither of them could hit it remotely straight, they even whiffed. At first it was entertaining, but after awhile I was waiting for ever while they looked for lost balls and hit 3 to get to my one, all while slowing the field behind us. They couldn't even hit their hybrids or irons; yet they were champs at pounding down the suds. They especially liked carrying on when the cart girl came around, this while I was trying to play golf. They should have just gone to a bar. Both were close to drunk by 15 and ended up making a 4-4.5hr rd into a 5+ carding well over 100; idiots, down right idiots that should be stuffed into a trash can...
My point - AGE has nothing to do with being RUDE. Rude ill mannered people come in all shapes, sizes and from all kinds of cultures. How you deal with them depends on how well mannered you are. Be polite until such time as you have to spank them; something daddy should have done long ago. Whew – I got that off my chest.
Two things typically happen on executive courses, one is many that frequent the course are beginners, while others that frequent are older folks unable to play regulation any longer, so they feel it's their course, some Marshal, or try to at least. My wife and I visit a difficult executive course and know ill mannered people first hand, but they are not exclusive to executive tracks.Last weekend during my second 18, I was put with a couple of young 20 something bucks that thought driver should be used on every hole. Only problem was neither of them could hit it remotely straight, they even whiffed. At first it was entertaining, but after awhile I was waiting for ever while they looked for lost balls and hit 3 to get to my one, all while slowing the field behind us. They couldn't even hit their hybrids or irons; yet they were champs at pounding down the suds. They especially liked carrying on when the cart girl came around, this while I was trying to play golf. They should have just gone to a bar. Both were close to drunk by 15 and ended up making a 4-4.5hr rd into a 5+ carding well over 100; idiots, down right idiots that should be stuffed into a trash can...
My point - AGE has nothing to do with being RUDE. Rude ill mannered people come in all shapes, sizes and from all kinds of cultures. How you deal with them depends on how well mannered you are. Be polite until such time as you have to spank them; something daddy should have done long ago. Whew – I got that off my chest.
QUOTE (Pepperturbo @ Jul 20 2009, 06:07 PM) 
You're not getting off to a good start by saying "Also how do you guys deal with rude older players". I am 59; play to a 1.2 on a 6900 regulation track. I find considerably more young males verses older folks don't know how to behave in public. Two things typically happen on executive courses, one is many that frequent the course are beginners, while others that frequent are older folks unable to play regulation any longer, so they feel it's their course, some Marshal, or try to at least. My wife and I visit a difficult executive course and know ill mannered people first hand, but they are not exclusive to executive tracks.
Last weekend during my second 18, I was put with a couple of young 20 something bucks that thought driver should be used on every hole. Only problem was neither of them could hit it remotely straight, they even whiffed. At first it was entertaining, but after awhile I was waiting for ever while they looked for lost balls and hit 3 to get to my one, all while slowing the field behind us. They couldn't even hit their hybrids or irons; yet they were champs at pounding down the suds. They especially liked carrying on when the cart girl came around, this while I was trying to play golf. They should have just gone to a bar. Both were close to drunk by 15 and ended up making a 4-4.5hr rd into a 5+ carding well over 100; idiots, down right idiots that should be stuffed into a trash can...
My point - AGE has nothing to do with being RUDE. Rude ill mannered people come in all shapes, sizes and from all kinds of cultures. How you deal with them depends on how well mannered you are. Be polite until such time as you have to spank them; something daddy should have done long ago. Whew – I got that off my chest.
Two things typically happen on executive courses, one is many that frequent the course are beginners, while others that frequent are older folks unable to play regulation any longer, so they feel it's their course, some Marshal, or try to at least. My wife and I visit a difficult executive course and know ill mannered people first hand, but they are not exclusive to executive tracks.Last weekend during my second 18, I was put with a couple of young 20 something bucks that thought driver should be used on every hole. Only problem was neither of them could hit it remotely straight, they even whiffed. At first it was entertaining, but after awhile I was waiting for ever while they looked for lost balls and hit 3 to get to my one, all while slowing the field behind us. They couldn't even hit their hybrids or irons; yet they were champs at pounding down the suds. They especially liked carrying on when the cart girl came around, this while I was trying to play golf. They should have just gone to a bar. Both were close to drunk by 15 and ended up making a 4-4.5hr rd into a 5+ carding well over 100; idiots, down right idiots that should be stuffed into a trash can...
My point - AGE has nothing to do with being RUDE. Rude ill mannered people come in all shapes, sizes and from all kinds of cultures. How you deal with them depends on how well mannered you are. Be polite until such time as you have to spank them; something daddy should have done long ago. Whew – I got that off my chest.
I am not saying older golfers are rude but I am wondering how you go at it a younger guy I would probably be more direct with him I have the respect for your elders thing stuck in my head I am wondering how you politely tell someone to "sod off" did I do the right thing for apologizing and ignoring them. I don't have a problem telling an 18 year old to back off older players are more difficult that being said I never meant to offend its just a different segment to deal with. I prefer to play with older players as they know more about the game and tend to be more friendly than the super competitive lawyer type who yell at you for exhaling while they tee off. Cigar nut is right though I shouldn't have let it get to me I lost concentration from the disaster on the first tee I knew what I was doing (wind mill overdone swings) it was just one of those golfers worst nightmares stepping into the box and whiffing around in front of people that's what makes golf difficult the mental aspect. Actually I wanted to clarify the bag thing if you are on a par three and the following group cant tee off until you leave why do you have to put the cart behind the green when leaving it to the side allows for a quicker departure it just doesn't make any sense to me.
I've never faced what you describe with older folks, even when I was young. But if I did, I am aways polite but authoritative, even when telling talkers to be quite or move away from the tee, or when telling people behind me don't stand there; always stand off to the side of the tee box, and stand still so body movements don't get caught in a players peripheral vision.
There are no written rules regarding where to leave a push/pull cart except maybe LOCAL ones which tend point the player towards the next tee box. When the wife and I walk any course (we walk a lot even regulation courses) when nearing the green we leave our push carts off in the direction of the next tee; never along side or in the front of the green we're currently finishing up on.
Also, many exec/regulation courses have a "wave up" rule on Par3's which done correctly speeds up pace of play. Meaning when you reach the green, you mark your ball then you and your tee group take your bags or push carts to behind the green far enough away so those on the tee can hit up to the green; when they are moving to the green, your group putts out and moves off to the next green. You do NOT mark your score card until you leave the green area and near the next tee.
Maybe that was the idea at that course but nobody was waving people up... not uncommon for newbies or rude people. Its easy to tell a beginner by where he leave his push/pull cart or riding cart. As a side note, you have to learn not to take comments from onlookers so seriously.
Another consideration always hit the club you're confident you can hit off the tee... leave driver in your bag on exec courses. Only older folks pull driver mostly because they can't hit that far. Executive courses are where your able to get iron and wedge practice on 280-320yd par 4's, not meant for even me to hit driver (250yds carry). Besides most of the holes on executive courses are very close to one another; making errant balls costly to those nearby. I typically don't pull a wood on a hole under 360yds, because I can birdie it just as well using 2i and 8/9/PW in.
There are no written rules regarding where to leave a push/pull cart except maybe LOCAL ones which tend point the player towards the next tee box. When the wife and I walk any course (we walk a lot even regulation courses) when nearing the green we leave our push carts off in the direction of the next tee; never along side or in the front of the green we're currently finishing up on.
Also, many exec/regulation courses have a "wave up" rule on Par3's which done correctly speeds up pace of play. Meaning when you reach the green, you mark your ball then you and your tee group take your bags or push carts to behind the green far enough away so those on the tee can hit up to the green; when they are moving to the green, your group putts out and moves off to the next green. You do NOT mark your score card until you leave the green area and near the next tee.
Maybe that was the idea at that course but nobody was waving people up... not uncommon for newbies or rude people. Its easy to tell a beginner by where he leave his push/pull cart or riding cart. As a side note, you have to learn not to take comments from onlookers so seriously.
Another consideration always hit the club you're confident you can hit off the tee... leave driver in your bag on exec courses. Only older folks pull driver mostly because they can't hit that far. Executive courses are where your able to get iron and wedge practice on 280-320yd par 4's, not meant for even me to hit driver (250yds carry). Besides most of the holes on executive courses are very close to one another; making errant balls costly to those nearby. I typically don't pull a wood on a hole under 360yds, because I can birdie it just as well using 2i and 8/9/PW in.
QUOTE (Pepperturbo @ Jul 20 2009, 08:38 PM)
I've never faced what you describe with older folks, even when I was young. But if I did, I am aways polite but authoritative, even when telling talkers to be quite or move away from the tee, or when telling people behind me don't stand there; always stand off to the side of the tee box, and stand still so body movements don't get caught in a players peripheral vision.There are no written rules regarding where to leave a push/pull cart except maybe LOCAL ones which tend point the player towards the next tee box. When the wife and I walk any course (we walk a lot even regulation courses) when nearing the green we leave our push carts off in the direction of the next tee; never along side or in the front of the green we're currently finishing up on.
Also, many exec/regulation courses have a "wave up" rule on Par3's which done correctly speeds up pace of play. Meaning when you reach the green, you mark your ball then you and your tee group take your bags or push carts to behind the green far enough away so those on the tee can hit up to the green; when they are moving to the green, your group putts out and moves off to the next green. You do NOT mark your score card until you leave the green area and near the next tee.
Maybe that was the idea at that course but nobody was waving people up... not uncommon for newbies or rude people. Its easy to tell a beginner by where he leave his push/pull cart or riding cart. As a side note, you have to learn not to take comments from onlookers so seriously.
Another consideration always hit the club you're confident you can hit off the tee... leave driver in your bag on exec courses. Only older folks pull driver mostly because they can't hit that far. Executive courses are where your able to get iron and wedge practice on 280-320yd par 4's, not meant for even me to hit driver (250yds carry). Besides most of the holes on executive courses are very close to one another; making errant balls costly to those nearby. I typically don't pull a wood on a hole under 360yds, because I can birdie it just as well using 2i and 8/9/PW in.
I don't know if the wave on rule would help as the group ahead was slower the woman in our group was teeing off while they were on the green and we still had to wait so I feel waving in would cause more congestion. As for the driver I understand what you mean I am definantly not good enough to hit the 2 and I was using my 3h but isn't it important to get real world experience with the driver for example hole 9 was quite wide and long probably 350 I was bordered by the ocean and deep rough could I have used an iron or a 5 wood maybe but I need to get the feel of hitting the driver on a course otherwise I am going to show up to a bigger course later, clueless on how to hit it. I just feel a bit overwhelmed I dunno I'll head back later next week if my schedule opens up I would love to move up to full size already especially with all these nice courses at my doorstep.
P.S. Do I have to observe the cart behind the green rule if I am hoofing a stand bag it still dosen't make sense to me on a par 3 unless waving up
It is difficult as a beginner being unfamiliar with the rules and etiquette. As you play more often, you will become more comfortable with the routine. It is real helpful if you have a more experienced buddy to play with.
In most cases, motorized carts should be kept on the paths near tees and greens. When walking and carrying or using a pull cart, it is not acceptable to park or pull them on the green or collar, but other than that, there is no rule that I know of about where to leave your bag. As a matter of expediency, etiquette indicates you should leave your bag/pull cart to the side or behind the green in the general direction of the next tee so that you can more quickly clear the area when the hole is completed.
In your case, 15 yards from the green on the side toward the next tee, I'm not sure why someone would tell you that was wrong, unless they have a rule that treats pull carts like motorized carts and you are supposed to keep them on the path? I would have stopped by the pro shop on the way out and asked about that.
As for unsolicited advice, I never understood this. I would just politely thank them and tell them you are more comfortable trying different things on the practice range. If they don't get the clue, then you have to politely tell them to STFU.
It will get better!
In most cases, motorized carts should be kept on the paths near tees and greens. When walking and carrying or using a pull cart, it is not acceptable to park or pull them on the green or collar, but other than that, there is no rule that I know of about where to leave your bag. As a matter of expediency, etiquette indicates you should leave your bag/pull cart to the side or behind the green in the general direction of the next tee so that you can more quickly clear the area when the hole is completed.
In your case, 15 yards from the green on the side toward the next tee, I'm not sure why someone would tell you that was wrong, unless they have a rule that treats pull carts like motorized carts and you are supposed to keep them on the path? I would have stopped by the pro shop on the way out and asked about that.
As for unsolicited advice, I never understood this. I would just politely thank them and tell them you are more comfortable trying different things on the practice range. If they don't get the clue, then you have to politely tell them to STFU.
It will get better!
your original post reveals a little golf naivete on your part...
i would suggest finding a partner with more experience that wouldnt mind showing you the ropes of public golf. everybody has to learn somewhere, from someone. better to learn from someone you know, rather than the hard way (as your op indicates).
i would suggest finding a partner with more experience that wouldnt mind showing you the ropes of public golf. everybody has to learn somewhere, from someone. better to learn from someone you know, rather than the hard way (as your op indicates).
QUOTE (tmfool @ Jul 21 2009, 09:03 AM)
your original post reveals a little golf naivete on your part...
i would suggest finding a partner with more experience that wouldnt mind showing you the ropes of public golf. everybody has to learn somewhere, from someone. better to learn from someone you know, rather than the hard way (as your op indicates).
i would suggest finding a partner with more experience that wouldnt mind showing you the ropes of public golf. everybody has to learn somewhere, from someone. better to learn from someone you know, rather than the hard way (as your op indicates).
I know what you mean I try to be as polite as possible especially in new surroundings I still don't understand the "rule" plus I never use a cart. I know some very experienced college level players but part of me doesn't want to annoy them. Its like when I snowboard and some newbie comes along and I have to teach them it ruins my day plus these guys never play on short courses. I'll see I think having a partner really helps break the ice and tension plus it makes it easier to pair with groups who keep to themselves.
Was this round at Christopher Morley, Cantiague Park, or one of the other Nassau County executive courses?
EDIT: Never mind, you said Bay Park in your first post. I'd try the two I mentioned above. You may get fewer retirees there.
EDIT: Never mind, you said Bay Park in your first post. I'd try the two I mentioned above. You may get fewer retirees there.
I'm really having trouble following the O.P. (a bit too many run-on sentences...) When she says "You swing too far from the ball", are you saying some old broad comes up to you and starts telling you how to swing? This person isn't even in your own group?
I'd find a different place to play. The old milkshakes probably don't like some young gun coming in there and stealing their tee times.
I'd find a different place to play. The old milkshakes probably don't like some young gun coming in there and stealing their tee times.
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