[비즈한국] Golf is quite conservative compared to other sports. The rules are strict, and etiquette exists in every corner and at every moment. Actions that violate etiquette can lead to one being labeled as uneducated or lacking refinement. However, even golf is changing with the times. The rules revised and announced by the R&A and USGA have become more casual in many ways, and golf attire has become more fashionable and unconventionally changed compared to the past. While screen golf sparked a debate over whether it’s golf or just a game, it was a result of combining advanced technology with golf, allowing people to get closer to the sport more quickly. Distance measuring devices have also brought significant changes to play. Distances that were once estimated by course markers and dependent on a caddie’s advice can now be seen clearly and precisely as exact numbers inside the lens.
The way we round in golf has also changed. "Joined golf," which was once thought to be popular only abroad, has spread widely in South Korea. In the past, golfers formed a team of four by considering various factors to find the most suitable people who wouldn't disrupt the mood. As a result, golfers who didn't have many golfer friends found it difficult to go out for a round because they lacked members, and they often felt the stress of having to "assemble" a group.
What freed us from all this hassle and labor is "joined golf." Joined golf eliminates the common golfer question of "When are you free?" Golf apps are now overflowing with numerous join-in tee times. Even golfers who initially felt reluctant or hesitant about playing with strangers soon realize after trying it once or twice that joined golf is a truly "convenient way" to enjoy the sport at any time and course they desire. After all, not all acquaintances are comfortable to play with, are they? The argument that playing with unknown strangers is more comfortable than playing with uncomfortable acquaintances holds quite a bit of weight in the world of joined golf.
Joined golf is certainly a great form of golf that allows you to focus purely on the game. South Korean golfers are now very accustomed to it. Based on my experience playing joined golf, most partners were good golfers with manners and etiquette. However, as is the case with everything, I’ve had bad memories too. Some golfers have experienced "no-shows" who didn't appear at the course, and others have encountered the worst kind of bad manners, vowing never to join again. What kind of partner am I in joined golf? Could I be the problematic one? What are the things to keep in mind? I’ve compiled the things to watch out for in joined golf into a set of rules. Here are the 10 Commandments for joined golf.
1. Don’t be late. They are strangers.
Don't say, "Has someone arrived? Since it's a join, I don't know who they are."
Because they are strangers, you can't even contact them.
Sometimes, they have clearly arrived at the golf course and loaded their bags onto the cart,
but they aren't at the starter because they're in the restroom or somewhere else.
Let’s show up at least 15 minutes early.
2. Refrain from asking personal questions. That person doesn’t want to know about you.
I’ve had a case like this.
How old are you, what do you do for a living... how is that industry doing these days,
which university does your son attend?
It’s not a confirmation hearing, for goodness' sake.
3. Don’t try to become personally close. Some people came because they want to avoid personal relationships.
Some people just want to play with strangers while remaining strangers.
Trying too hard to become friends can be burdensome to some.
If you click, you will naturally become friends.
4. Don’t force alcohol. People come to joined golf specifically to avoid that.
Very occasionally, even when no one wants to,
there are members who try to turn the break after the first 9 holes
into a drinking party.
5. Don’t make bets. You don’t know each other well enough.
Sometimes, people have ended up losing money in joined golf
after being caught in an awkward betting situation.
6. Don’t be stingy with your reactions to a "good shot."
Even though we just met,
we are companions for 5 hours,
so it's good to be expressive with your "good shot" reactions.
7. Don’t give lessons. That person might be a better player than you.
The world is wide and there are many experts.
You might end up humiliated for acting like a know-it-all.
8. Keep the PDA moderate. People came to focus on golf.
I saw on social media that a couple who joined a group
kissed on the green after making a birdie,
and showed constant affection in the cart,
making the round very difficult for others.
9. Be precise with money. Accurate settlement is the virtue of a join.
I haven't experienced it yet,
but it’s said that there are "eat and run" cases even in joined golf.
10. Don’t talk too much. You might end up meeting someone who talks even more.
I remember meeting a very chatty golfer
and I spent the whole time avoiding them
and staying away from their vicinity.
Of course, most golfers are not like this. The so-called "troublemakers" of joined golf are likely a minority. These 10 points are addressed to that minority, though it seems unlikely they will actually read this article.
Who is the author, Kang Chan-wook?
An advertiser and writer. Starting as a copywriter at Cheil Worldwide, he is currently the CEO of the video production company "Sidae-ui Siseon" (Perspective of the Era). Passionate about golf, he obtained his USGTF teaching professional certification, and with his love for writing, he has published golf books such as "The Joy of Golf," "Bad Golf," "Sincere Golf," and "Golf Thoughts, Thinking Golf." He runs the YouTube channel "Bad Golf," where he shares various stories and thoughts surrounding golf with readers and viewers.