what kind of player are you in the group?

[Fourputt]

I picked #2, although if someone is talking quietly over by the ball washer or the like it doesn't bother me as long as they don't STOP talking during my backswing. In other words, if you're going to talk, then keep talking. If I'm in my routine and I haven't paused to stare at you, then you clearly aren't bothering me. I will let you know when it's gone too far. I'm certainly more particular about it when I'm playing in a tournament.

[TigerCurtis333]

I love to talk but not while people are hitting.

[Ben]

I'm not much of a conversationalist when I'm in a normal social situation, let alone on the golf course. I don't mind a little talk back and forth though, maybe for a hole or two, but not the entire round.

[geezer]

^^ +1 on that.

I don't talk much either. But, sometimes, I have to do alot of listening on the course. I'm getting good at that!

[poirot]

I go for 3. But when my game is going bad I will get upset if people are talking while I am ready to swing.

[CG031]

I'll talk but when I am in my preshot routine and over my golf ball I want people to stop for a little and let me focus in. If I'm just practicing my game out on the course and not really playing for score I don't even care if people talk on my backswing, it generally doesn't bother me. It's happened so many times I've learned to deal with the distraction and not let it hurt my game.

[GaijinGolfer]

Unless you are a pro golfer who is playing for hundreds of thousands of dollars and have sponsors to keep happy, its just a game.
Some people take their game way too seriously...

[polodinks]

i mean if i hear whispering its ok it dont bother me

[twentywontowin]

I'm nowhere near that great of a golfer so a little noise doesn't bother me.

I'm a 200+ average league bowler though and the noise never bothers me or breaks my concentration, so my nerves are probably a little bit more used to background distractions.

[B-Rizzle]

Always stfu when someone is swinging!

[clemsontiger]

I talk a lot with the people that I play with. But when it comes time to hit the ball, I am all business and expect a little etticate.

[blue3715]

i just prefer to play my own game.. Impress myself is my focus.

[Big Padrigo]

it's supposed to be fun so a little chat helps keep the mood light. However as soon as I see someone start their pre-shot routine I'll shut-up and signal to others they should do likewise. When it's my turn I expect the same.

[linda]

I like to chat during the game but I don't talk and I don't like to hear somebody talking during the shot. That's why I "hate" my teacher, He keep talk to me when I play.

[Anand]

All depends on the situation. During casual rounds with friends tee-to green between shots we take the opportunity to catch up, shhot the s**t, etc. As soon as a club is pulled from the bag, I stop talking and walking (unless I'm 30+ yards away, in which case I may continue walking a little bit, and stop when my partner is into thier pre-shot.

For me a pre-shot routine is just as important as the shot itself. I need to concentrate fully from the moment I've chosen my club. So I certainly stop talking at this point, and appreciate others doing the same.

When we appraoch the green to chip, putt, etc. It's almost always all business until we've all holed out. Of course, good shots are always acknowleged.

//Anand