[Golini Etiquette②] "From Afar, Quietly"

At the teeing ground, be quiet, bring extra balls, confirm the ball to play, watch your 'baekkop', and limit practice swings to 2-3 times.

When the partner takes the tee shot, watch quietly from a distance.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] The field excites me.

That's why I tend to talk more than usual. Standing on the teeing ground of the 1st hole even makes me slightly nervous. I might make mistakes without realizing it. Once the tee shot order is decided, I focus on my companion's play. Even if chatting, I fall silent when entering the routine for the swing. Noise can interfere with the shot. For an enjoyable round, mutual consideration is necessary. If the player is an expert, they also check the tee placement and address direction.

Sometimes, a golfer stands right behind to closely watch the opponent’s tee shot. This can come into the line of sight during the shot. It is sufficient to watch from a distance. Before your own tee shot, prepare extra balls and tees. Even tour players who make golf their profession get nervous at the 1st hole tee shot. If the tee shot goes out of bounds, you have to hit again. It is wise to save time by bringing balls and tees in advance.

Players confirm each other’s balls. When using the same product, special markings are made. Balls cannot be changed during the hole. After holing out, replace the ball and inform your companions. Be careful when placing the tee as well. The ‘navel’ must not be out. Shots must be made within the teeing area. This is a rectangle extended two clubs behind a straight line connecting two tee markers. It is acceptable to take stance outside this area.

The tee placement is decided according to ball flight and course shape. For a slice, it is wise to use the right side; for a hook, the left side. This is a know-how to utilize the fairway more broadly. Some teeing grounds are sloped. You need to find a flat spot to complete the desired shot. Sometimes during practice swings, the ball may be hit or fall due to vibration. If there is no intention to hit the ball, it is no penalty. You can place the ball back and hit again.

However, if you swing with the intention to hit the ball, the situation is different. Even if the ball is not hit, it counts as one stroke. Golf is a sport with companions. You must also consider the pace of other groups. Some golfers take excessive practice swings. Two to three practice swings are appropriate. Place the tee, aim at the target from behind, swing lightly to relax muscles, set your stance, and then confidently take the shot.