For a fan of golf, there’s nothing quite as exciting as heading out to a pro golf tournament and watching the players display their skill on the course.
It’s the equivalent of watching a Formula 1 race, minus the loud engines, and it makes for a fantastic day spent out in the sun and getting to see how the pros take each other on.
When attending this kind of event, there are some rules that should be followed. Tournament etiquette is important to ensure that the golfers are not distracted while trying to make a difficult shot, and being respectful is generally expected while behind the lines. Here we will look at some general tips for properly watching a pro golfing event.
1. Don’t Engage The Players
For fans that like to watch the sport but have not played it themselves, they may not be aware of how distracting it can be to be spoken to when trying to make a shot. And this is something that is essential for the pros; they need to be able to play without having any distractions whatsoever.
To this end, it’s advised to always remain quiet when they are playing, and to never try and talk to or engage with the players in any way. In fact, doing so can often lead to a player being asked to leave or even escorted out.
2. Never Pick Up The Balls
Another rule to always keep in mind, and one that should be obvious to most, is that the balls should never be touched under any circumstances. There have been instances in the past of fans going to pick up the balls that have landed outside of the ropes, believing that once they are no longer on the course, they are no longer in play, and can be touched.
This can completely destroy a player’s round and can also lead to being taken away from the tournament by security.
3. Keep Still During Shots
When making a complex shot, a pro player needs to be able to do so without absolutely any distractions at all. Even a fan that’s shifting their position while behind the lines can throw a player off and cause them to lose focus.
When taking a shot, all fans need to remain as still as they possibly can, and even holding their breath is advised to try and minimise any movement. Once the shot has been taken and the ball is in the air, it’s okay for the fans to start moving around, and to go back to their game of blackjack online.
4. Watch The Alcohol Consumption
It’s fairly common for alcohol to be sold at golfing events, and it often represents an important source of revenue for the sport and the organisations hosting it. And while there’s nothing wrong with having a few beers, it’s a good idea to try and limit how much is consumed.
There’s nothing worse than a fan that’s had too much to drink causing issues and leading to distractions for the players.