[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Course Marshal"

A marshal is the police officer and assistant of a golf course.

A ‘marshal’ is a supervisor and course ranger who oversees the progress of play at a golf course.

In Korea, most players play with a caddie, so the exact meaning and duties of a marshal are not well known. When playing overseas without a caddie and riding a cart around the course, you can often see marshals patrolling a golf course.

The main duty is to help ensure smooth progress of the game. They find golf clubs left behind by golfers, handle emergencies by providing first aid and delivering medicine, and resolve various difficulties. They also give corrective instructions when players behave against etiquette, and in severe cases, they have the authority to stop play. In foreign countries, even if there is dissatisfaction such as excessive delay by the group ahead, directly shouting is considered rude. You must go through the marshal.

Although they have no legal authority, there are many disadvantages once they point out an issue. I once saw a golfer urinating on a cart wheel during play at a foreign air force base, and the marshal rushed over after a complaint from the group behind, stopped the play, and expelled the player from the course. In Houston, USA, I witnessed golfers caught playing unauthorized shots by returning to the 11th hole immediately after finishing the 16th hole. They were severely reprimanded and embarrassed by the marshal.

Some golfers enter with personal carts without paying green fees, disguising as if they have registered, and play for free. At quiet foreign golf courses, you must wear a tag proving payment so that even if stopped by a marshal’s inspection, you can confidently assert your rights. Of course, if you follow the rules well, you can often benefit from the marshal. If you need help, just say, "Marshal! I need some help," and you will quickly get the response, "How can I help you?"

During tournaments, a marshal also refers to those who control the gallery. They are the staff holding signs saying "Quiet Please!" and managing the audience inside the venue. In Commonwealth countries, they are sometimes called ‘ranger’, ‘ambassador’, or ‘players assistant’.

A(golfer): Marshal! I need some help, please.

B(marshal): How can I help you?

A: I think I lost my 9-iron.

B: Around which hole did you lose it?

A: I think it was the 13th hole.

B: Well, I’ll go look for it now. If I find your club, I’ll leave it at the proshop desk for you.

Text & Photo by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist