Lee Miller (25.1)
Leicestershire, United Kingdom

GOLF LICENSE By lee miller on 30-Oct-2008 Comments(0)
GOLF LICENSE Having only taken up golf a couple of years ago I found my first couple of experiences a bit daunting as I'm sure most players did when they began. I had no clue over what the different colour tees meant, no idea what the red, yellow and white stakes were for and perhaps worst off all no clue about the rules. Not to mention etiquette as I obliviously trampled across my partners putting path and spent an eternity looking for my ball without letting the players behind play through. It took me about six months to learn most of the quirky gentlemanly ways golf has from playing with experienced golfers who patiently told me what I should be doing. By this stage I had embarrassed myself, annoyed everyone I had played with and possibly even damaged the courses. I put this down to the fact that everybody goes through this when they are learning. But why? I once witnessed a player hit his drive onto another green aside the hole we were playing. Before I could shout across to him he had played his second shot from off the green back onto the correct fairway taking a large chunk of green with it. He looked around innocently as a barrage of abuse came his way. This is a dilemma. He should know the rules before playing golf. Its his own fault. But how do you learn the rules? Would it be such a bad idea for a golf license to be introduced. I'm talking about a one off 3 hour session with a recognised Pro at the clubhouse in which he covers the basics of golf such as terminology, course layout, rules, etiquette, dress code etc. This should also include a practical demonstration on simple things like marking your ball on the green and how to repair your pitch marks, replacing divots etc. This should then be followed by a quick exam and then upon completion and a small fee to cover the costs a golf license should be issued. If courses then asked to see licenses before allowing players on the course this would then make golf safer, quicker to play and give confidence to beginners who will not have to feel like we did stepping onto the first tee. I am convinced this would make golf safer and more enjoyable for all without putting any potential new players off. We already have Pros at most courses up and down the land why not use them to educate beginners? They would be getting paid and the clubs would also be ensuring that any the non-educated hacker is a thing of the past.

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