etiquette

Happy Father’s Day 2026

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment
JimDad

30 years ago. How time flies!

I have the best Dad in the world! I am sure this statement is being lauded around the world again and again. Of course, we think our father was the greatest because of the positive impact he had on our lives, but really, my Dad was the best. Unfortunately, our time together was far too short and over the past 25 years, I sure could have used some of his sage wisdom to get me through some tough times. Fortunately, my father-in-law was there to help fill some of the void and I am grateful for his advice, wisdom, and love along the way.

My Dad taught me so much that it is difficult to list it all. He demonstrated how to be a father through kindness and love that he showed towards my Mom everyday, how to stand up and be accountable for my actions, when to sacrifice for the good of the family, and how to have fun on life’s journey. He taught me that friendship is more important than money and to treat everyone as if they were your friend. His life lessons are the core of my being and for that I am ever grateful to my Dad

He taught me how to fish, the importance of tipping your barber, how to build a cottage, how to play horseshoes, how to hang a picture straight (well I am still learning that lesson), how to ride a bike, and why it is important to spend time with the ones you love. I could go on and on, but I think you get the point.

My Dad was always around for us. His greatest gift to my siblings and I was time. He played games with us, took us places, and understood when to give us our space. He always made the time for everyone and never demonstrated frustration or disappointment when asked for help. My Dad showed me the value of personal discipline in all areas of my life. Looking back, he always seemed to know what to do at the right time.

Also, my Dad taught me how to play golf! He taught me how to swing and how to use of the different clubs. He taught me the importance of etiquette, fixing your ball marks, and where to stand on the green when someone was putting. He showed me all the fundamentals that are essential to being a good golfer. These lessons and more, I have used repeatedly for 40 years. I have taken my Dad’s knowledge and passed them on to many people as his lessons were valuable both on and off the course.

I have the greatest Dad in the world. Although he is gone, he is in my heart and I talk to him everyday! Today is a special day for all Dads. It is a day to express how grateful we are for everything they did to make our lives better.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

My Top 5 Rules of Golf That Are Not Rules

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

As 2017 comes the lists will be flying. If you can think of a topic, then a list will be created. I thought I would get my golf list in before you are inundated with white noise. The list I am presenting is not pet peeves or complaints, but unwritten rules I follow to make my round of golf pleasurable. They would follow into the category of etiquette in some cases, but I think you will get the gist. They work for me and I think they will work for you, so grab a coffee, sit in a comfy chair, and enjoy! Continue reading →

Are You a Golf Snob?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 13 Comments

This question, “Are you a golf snob?” is making you think right now. Being called a golf snob is not good for our ego, but I think we can handle it! There are many types of golf snobs, but I have narrowed it down to four with the help of OOBGolf. I have modified some of their categories, but the real inspiration for this article came from a question I asked on twitter yesterday. (if you have a Twitter account don’t forget to vote)

Continue reading →

Ready Golf to Eliminate Slow Play

/ The Grateful Golfer / 10 Comments

My last article on Slow Play sparked some interesting conversation. This is a real issue for most avid players and the solution, as I found out, cannot be found in one specific area. For this, I think we can all agree that continuous reminders and education are part of the solution to reduce slow play. I purposely used the word ‘reduce’ because I am not sure slow play will ever be eliminated.

I would like to thank MM Golf Studio for asking such a great question!

What is ‘ready golf’?

I know I talk about it all the time, I have touched on the topic from time to time, but I have never really provided a complete answer. Continue reading →

Golfing In Formation

/ The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

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This is a typical sight on a golf course. Everyone moves along at a steady place and as happenstance has it, we are all aligned in a golfing formation the would rival the RCAF Snowbirds or the USAF Thunderbirds!

When playing in a foursome, where people stand during someone’s shot is very important. It is critical to great golf etiquette and has a direct impact to the shooter. When waiting for someone to play it is important to understand field of view, proximity, and respecting their personal space.

Field of view is pretty self explanatory. It is important that the waiting player not stand in a sport where the player can see them during their shot. So, those players who stand directing behind the player during a swing should move off the side to stay out of the field of view of the player. Everyone golfer is different and it is important to know where to stand. Personally, I am not usually fussed where people stand, but I would prefer if they stood at a 45 degree angle,   about 10 feet away. However, that is not always possible, so I have learned to be flexible.

Proximity is important for noise. If you are close enough for a player to hear you doing anything, you are too close. I have played with many players who fidget with things while waiting, they end up breaking the ambient noise of the golf course. All I can suggest is that the person waiting stop fidgeting or move further away from the person making the shot.

Last is personal space. I enjoy talking to my fiends on the golf course. That usually means that we stand nearer to each other when playing. Unfortunately, some strangers like to stand to close and quietly chat when someone is talking. I do not like this, actually I suggest most golfers feel the same way. I recommend that a 5 foot ring when talking to someone you do not know well is a good distance. If you have to get closer because you a have to whisper something during someone’s shot, maybe it can wait.

Golfing in formation is important. Proper etiquette is important so everyone can enjoy their precious time on the links. What do you think? Do you have other formation tips?

I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!