What are your golf rules when playing a round?

[right handed phil mickelson]

I don't mind people standing on the teebox while I'm hitting but just stand behind me please. I hate people in right in front of me while I'm hitting. Same thing goes for the fairway. And on the green I don't care because I'll make the putt anyway ;)

[brn14me]

I prefer people standing behind me on the tee box. More eyes on the ball helps me keep my head down as i'm not worried about where it's gonna go. I don't talk, stand in someone's line, or move around when they're about to hit the ball and have always gotten the same respect. Anytime I'm paired up with someone or a group I gear up mentally to play with a-holes but have been pleasantly surprised most every time.

[Ignorant]

I prefer people standing behind me on the tee box. More eyes on the ball helps me keep my head down as i'm not worried about where it's gonna go. I don't talk, stand in someone's line, or move around when they're about to hit the ball and have always gotten the same respect. Anytime I'm paired up with someone or a group I gear up mentally to play with a-holes but have been pleasantly surprised most every time.

You mean behind the ball, not behind yourself?

I do not really mind where people are standing as long as they are not too close to me so I can swing safely. Extra pair(s) of eyes behind the ball is also appreciated, especially when hitting against the rising/setting sun.

[pusher]

I try not to let talking bother me, but it does. I don't talk when others are preparing to hit. I wish others would do the same. In fact, I don't really care to talk to anyone until the hole is over with.
I find movement distracting.
Also, please stand far enough away so I don't hit you with my club or bump into you if I back off my shot. That goes for putting, too. Give others their space on the green.

[brn14me]

You mean behind the ball, not behind yourself?

yes - sorry behind the ball on the tee box

[Saig55]

If it's just a fun day to play than I am game for anything. It's about having fun. But I also know who to play with out of my group when I need it more serious. If I am paired with someone like that I just let them play on and I'll play by myself if I can.

[Fat Slice]

My rules would be:

1. Be quiet and keep still once I take my stance, which is about 6 seconds before I hit.
2. Don't stand TOO close to me
3. Do not try to give me unsolicited advice.
4. Don't have your moving shadow in my putting line.
5. Don't stomp on my line.

That's about it, really. I try and deal with it if people don't abide. For example, I won't say anything about #s 4 or 5, but I will nicely try and correct for #s 1, 2 and 3.

[kleraudio]

I dunno, Im pretty laid back, but I take my game seriously. Ill have a conversation about the past tournament all the way up to my backswing, and the second contact is made, its back to talking about something else. I really dont mind. If someone breathing too loud or walking ruins your concentration, I'd hate to see you when there is some money on the line and a little pressure.....

Maybe if its for huge money, I could understand. But I usually have a few beers and a good time. All while being VERY serious about my game...

Jim

[normdamarine]

You know, I use to be one of those "guys"!!! I use to get really bothered on the course when people use to move yada yada yada but you know what once I told myself it did not bother me, then I play a lot better... Unless someone does something really crazy like yell in my backswing then I will say something....

On another note, I take it personally when someone says something to me like, "don't leave it short" you might as well count it because I am going to make it then...

[spc lewis]

We usually play by the understanding that if you are going to talk DONT STOP. If you are going to be quiet STAY QUIET. Whatever you do keep it consistant. Actually the one guy in my normal group prefers people talking and even talking to him. That way he doesnt feel like people are watching his swing. kind of crazy but he plays better with people talking.

[Bullitt5339]

That's not crazy at all for someone who tends to think too much standing over the ball. I play with a guy that spends a lot of time over the ball sometimes ensuring that everything is perfect, and to be honest, when he spends too much time over the ball, he always shanks the shot. Too much thinking about it always kills a good shot to me.

If talking in the background breaks that trance for someone, I'm all for it. There's nothing like being relaxed on the course and just stepping up, and hitting the ball well.

[dbwood]

I've always thought I was quiet and polite but I must be doing something obnoxious, often when I play with strangers they have trouble breaking 100 but tell me they're normally in the 80's.

[Yukari]

That's not crazy at all for someone who tends to think too much standing over the ball. I play with a guy that spends a lot of time over the ball sometimes ensuring that everything is perfect, and to be honest, when he spends too much time over the ball, he always shanks the shot. Too much thinking about it always kills a good shot to me.

Aaaah! The old paralysis by analysis. It's similar to those who have a fear for success--you know the type. Those are the ones who when they know they are about to break 70, 80, 90, 100, or whatever for the first time, they will inevitably screw it up and "shoot" themselves out of having one of the best rounds. Of course, I have been guilty of that at least more than one occasion myself.

[FHopper]

Our rules are simple, ready play and don't be a prick. And of course the rules of golf as a duffer understands them.
Silence freaks would be out of luck at my regular course. It is at a university, next to the BB stadium. The announcers "practice" the batter announcements all the time so everywhere on the course you hear "Charley-don't call ma a tuna- Johnson now at bat", plus each player has his own music! It goes on and on and on. Sometimes the team simply has an iPod playing over the announcing system during the practice, rap, rock, alternative, etc. But hey, if you are not there for fun maybe you should try S&M.;

[Par Fore]

Play ready golf.....try not to move when someone is ready to swing.....otherwise, relax, enjoy the round, and do your best....

to the OP - that guy was a jerk, I've never had anyone ask me to stay off the tee box, what a baby......I can see his request going over real well with PHil or Ernie during a Pro-Am...."I know you guys are pros, but if you would please leave the tee box, refuse to move, and not have any fun at all, I might just be able to break 100 today and that would be super"

LOL