I‘m German, I‘m just getting into golf, and I‘m quite old already (62)… but I‘d like to say a few words. Not a rant, just explanations. I hope. 😊 First thing: there are „short courses“ here and there that don‘t need a „Platzreife“ certificate (that‘s how it’s called, something like „course maturity“ maybe). They are usually only par 3 holes, in most cases six or nine holes, each with a length of something between 45 and 150 meters, so that there‘s still a chance for someone who never played before to get to the hole with a reasonable amount of time and effort. The real courses are restricted to people who have the certificate, and often enough (at least in the Berlin area) you need to have a handicap of 36 or 27 to be allowed to play. The test itself really is something that can be passed by anyone who really tries (I think - I actually didn‘t do it yet 😉). There‘s a pool of 170 different questions, of which you have to answer 30, and you can‘t have more than six mistakes (it‘s actually three for rules and three for etiquette, not any six). The questions are partly about rules, partly about etiquette, but as it‘s a limited number of questions in the pool, it‘s not hard to just click through it a few times (online on golf.de), than you have enough knowledge to pass. The practical test isn‘t that hard either: you have to play nine holes, the best six of those are rated, and you have to play net par on these six holes, so three over standard par per hole in average, not on each of the holes. So that should be something anyone would be able to achieve. And you don‘t have to take lessons to take the test, you just have to convince someone who‘s allowed to to let you take it. You have to pay a bit to take the test then, but it‘s possible. But if you‘re really new, taking lessons before you‘re allowed to play is a good idea in my opinion. Germany isn‘t England, where there are golf courses everywhere, so it‘s still something special, and having someone on a crowded course who has no clue and plays 278 or something isn‘t funny for the people playing behind that person. And of course it‘s good for the new player if he has lessons early on: if you play for a few years before taking lessons, you‘ll have a hard time getting rid of the bad habits you picked up during that long time, and the trainer will have a lot of work… Kudos if you managed to read this far… I hope it wasn’t too much.
Yes but - there are much better ways. And btw net par is 2 over for a 36 handicapper, not 3 over. The easiest way to get around slow play is give people a max handicap and they have to pick up after there are no more stableford points left. Reserve stroke play for those with 18 and under handicaps. I can't even fathom a score of 278. Even my very first game of golf in my 20's I shot about 110. At that stage, apart from putt putt, I'd never picked up a golf club in my life. And I was a cricketer so my swing resembled a cover drive. Even with just basic hand eye coordination a fit person in their 30s should be capable of 120 - 130 max.
That’s what the “10 stroke limit is for”… once u get to 10 strokes, you just pick your ball up & move on to the next hole. At that point, you aren’t playing for score anyways but rather to just get better with each shot.
This is why the Stableford system exists. In Switzerland where I play, if you have hit more than 3 over your handicap par, you are requested to pick up the ball (no points on that hole).
Hey Rick, I'm from Germany and unfortunately I have to contradict. The "license," as you call it, is an 8-10 hours class with a pro in theory and practice. It is usually about 100.-€ and should introduce in the basics. After that class you get the "Platzreife". Therefor you answer some questions about the rules and play 6-9 holes with the pro, to proof that you understood the basics. "Platzreife" means something like the "course maturity". And yes, this "license" is required to play about 80% of the golf courses in Germany. About 15% requires a HDCI of 36 and the rest is open for everybody. Finally the "Platzreife" sets most players between 54 and 75 strokes over par on a 18 hole course.
Finland has a similar license requirement. You get the license after a short course with a test in the end. The license is called a ”green card”. You need a grren card to join a club, and only by being a club member with handicap can you book a tee time on a proper golf course.
In Norway we used to have the Finnish system you describe here, but we’ve moved to more of a mix between that and what is described as the German system in the vid here where you need to do a couple of seminars, then some scheduled swing practice with a club trainer, then two 18-hole rounds with a pro before you become course approved. Not sure what the scoring requirements are (or if there is one), but once you finish you start out at hcp 54 and are approved for booking at any course that doesn’t specifically have a hcp requirement
I went to a local pitch and putt course for the first time in my life about a month ago with a friend, I am 34 years old, and I couldn't believe I have gone my whole life without discovering golf. I have become utterly obsessed, finding myself at the local pitch and putt courses on all of my days off work, endlessly scrolling golf videos. I have learned how to swing a club(poorly) from your videos. I am extremely eager to visit a golf course for the first time but I am not naïve and I know what kind of experience this will be, and as someone with no experience, no idea of etiquette, and no friends who play the game, its an utterly terrifying prospect I actually love the idea of a license, for someone in my position with no-one close to me playing the game , I don't really have any way to learn these things other then watching your videos. I live in Ireland with stunning courses all around me , 3 within a 10 minute drive. Cant wait to start visiting them but its going to take a long time, hoping your videos are going to help me get there :)
My Dad was a terrible golfer, but he taught me how to play. He was always on me about where to stand, where to walk, who goes first and having respect for other players. I don't know where I would have learned that if it wasn't for him. R.I.P. DH.
The memories you’ve made with your old man will go far beyond pars and birdies pal. And that’s what really matters in the end! Respect to you and your dad. RIP
The Netherlands has a very similar system so Germany is not the only country. As much as this is to ensure someone can shoot a min score, the licence is more to do with the rules, etiquette and safety.
When we play with newer golfers we say once you’ve shot double what par is for that hole just pick up your ball (I’ve recently moved out of that category where I don’t stop on double par I regularly shoot 102-108). It helps keep play going and it helps with discouragement from the new golfer. New golfers just need to get out and play and if their rounds are super long and frustrating it’s going to drive them away.
I misread the headline and thought it said "Golfer scores 278 through 72 holes". I'm like, what the heck, that's like shooting 69 four days in a row. 😂😂
I taught myself how to play golf. Never had a lesson in my life. The club I joined gave me a 28 handicap to start off with. Within two months, I won two competitions and reduced my handicap down to 12.
The club I'm a member of have a 'Get into Golf Scheme'. Members with low handicaps volunteer to take newcomers round the course, help them with their swing, shot selection, etiquette etc. to just introduce them to the game.
Played with a new golfer with no idea and wanted to count all his shots . After being 93 after 9 I explained the handicap cap system and the maximum shots you would have for the maximum men’s handicap . I said go max 10 shots as would still want to see him learning . Made him play more green side shots . Best part was he understood and did not play slow and we held no one up . Just over 4 hrs . Score count have been 200 but kept it realistic so he still enjoyed the game and not just give up and never play again
It`s the same in Denmark. You have to get a licence to play, it`s to encure the players know the rules, ethics and safty on the course and then they must play at least 4, 9 holes rounds, to get down to hcp 54. Most courses in Denmark have an hcp limit of 54. On my home course(par 71), it gives 58 extra strokes, so they have to clear the course in 129 strokes. I think it`s fine to have a golf licence.
learned all the etiquette rules as a kid by walking around the course with my dad. He played and I just walked around with him while he told me all the rules. And then once I knew all the rules down pat then I was allowed to play with him. He was a tough teacher but I'm always grateful for it now.
Best of luck to you friend, my prayer are with you! I lost my mom a couple years ago, and my brother a few months ago. Death is unfortunately part of life, but I pray you overcome whatever you’re dealing with. Jesus saves!
I actually love the idea of a license to play certain tees. There are plenty of times you play behind groups that should play the forward tees but don’t because of pride.
Agree, im terrible (50 ish handicap) and i can clear a round walking in 3.5 hrs no problem, sometimes faster. If i cant find the ball in 3 mins just take the penalty. You hit a shit shot, accept it. Step up, single practice swing and let it fly.
I've had the chance, (not by choice) to play with a few NEW golfers several times. We were very polite in guiding them and explaining things as we went along to help them. The one "rule" we had with them was once you were at triple bogey, you picked up your ball at that point and moved on. The courses are pretty crowded, and we always told them that "pace of play" was one of the most important things to adhere to. And we always encouraged new players to get lessons and put in a lot of time on the range.
I absolutely love the idea of a golf license. Nothing worse than playing a world class course being stuck behind a group of hacks zigzagging across every fairway to hit a ball every 50 yards.
I notice that when young, etiquette was hammered into us. These days I see people who have come late to golf not having any etiquette especially regarding letting faster groups through.
Especially a good majority of youtube golfers that are younger generation but they are doing inappropriate behavior stunts for views because golf is becoming big on UA-cam and they want those views
As part of a new membership to a club, having a get together where you can meet other new members, they go over course etiquette and basic rules, wouldn't be bad at all. One time thing, turns into a new member mixer, and it can only help. You'd never get away with this at public courses or make people do it before every round
An 1894 established golf club in Somerset used to require men to have a handicap of 24 (or less) to play on the 18 hole Old Course, this made much sense (in terms of speed of play and encouraging improvement) as the club also had a 9 hole course for other golfers.
Many years ago. My father was getting close to retirement and wanted to try golf. So we went to a course, it was a Saturday, right in the middle of the club competition. We got pelters from everyone on the course. Although we were letting other players play thru etc, It was an awful experience and he never played golf again. Always regretted that.
Have that in Norway to . written test easy mostly on safety ant etiquette , with question like what should you do when someone shouts Fore , etc.. and some time on the driving range with basic swing training , end it with playing some holes
I think the German system may be a bit too strict but it would not hurt for everyone who wants to play to be forced to take a few hours of lessons and a written test. When the pro signs off you get a card that states you're capable to play. Won't have to cost much and will give the player also the confidence to go out there and have fun!
@@rolirolster Doesn't have to be a long hard test, just a quick 10 minute multiple choice test to proof you've read a simple rule booklet. Could even be done as an oral test by the golf pro..
I had a friend that talked me into playing golf, I never played golf before we where in Maui Hawaii, the wife’s were going shopping I didn’t want any part of that so my friend said let’s go golfing. I rented clubs and golf shoes and we played Kapalua golf course for my first ever round. I shot 131 but there was about 4 shots I hit good and it sucked me in that was 1985 still play today at 76 years old.
I’ve always thought the starter at the golf course should demonstrate how to repair divots, and go through other golf etiquette before the round starts
In Spain, in order to get the golf handicap, which is normally demanded by every course, you have to go to a driving range and show that you can at least hit the ball with a different range of clubs and you also have to attend an online lesson of a couple hours regarding golf rules and safety.
As a person very new to golf it would be nice for courses to offer a slot that is only for beginners (charged at a higher price) where someone who works at the course goes round with whom ever is on that beginner tee time to ensure safety and etiquette is met around the golf course. Also to help people that are nervous to go on a course for the first time because they don’t know what to do.
For most people ( if you want to take up the game), Go to Driving range that has a putting green , bunker, pitching area and spend a few months practicing , I did this when my darling wife wanted to start playing Golf. I was able to give her the basics of the game like grip and stance and we had a blast going out 2-3 times a week. When she finally felt comfortable with irons and woods we went out in August. ( started in April). Because she had a little practice hitting the ball before she went to the course she absolutely fell in love with the game. Throughout the first year or two we worked together on her game and I helped her with her Golf Etiquette so she is aware of situations while playing. I have created a Golf monster who will want to golf in all types of weather. Bless my angel, best Wife ever !!
I’m putting this on the list of things that didn’t happen. No one would’ve sat through six and a half hours of that mess without telling that guy to just move his ball to the fairway. My wife started golf at the age of 46, and she was shooting in the 130s, because after a while, I told her to kick it out of the ditch and set it on some fluffy grass to tee it up a bit and take a half swing. There’s no way this guy sat through 278 shots and actually counted that, not buying it.
I wondered that myself. And if he did do that and counted every shot. What good did that do him? Enjoyment is the key to golf at all times, but especially when you first start. Not the score.
My girl is learning now and i just make all the holes 50 yard x gir and it makes it good for her. We move her back as she is getting better. It was 30 yard at first.
You ask the person when they’re scheduling a tee time “how much golf experience do you have on a scale from 1-5?”….if they’re below a 3 you send them to the driving range after a short video on golf etiquette. and when they feel like they are a 3 or above on golf experience they can play on the course 👍👍
I like courses that advise you on witch tee boxes to play based on your skill level even if that means playing the max forward tee's. I also think you can learn a lot of the edict and rules on short pitch and put courses with way less presser.
The etiquette part is where it gets me. Today i played my least enjoyable game. The group of 4 infront of the two of us literally took 4 shots to get of the tee box. We had to wait 20 mins every hole to tee of before they was safe away. We was constantly on there ass and just wouldnt let us pass. You could tell they wasnt really people who played but you should know basic stuff. Like you said its wasnt cause they was bad but wouldnt let others pass and was dangerous to others. If someone catches me up and they are playing better i havw no issue waiting at the next hole so they can get ahead and play.
A golf license is not a bad idea. I don't think we have a written test here in Sweden anymore (I could be wrong) but when I got my license or "green card" I had to do one. There are good things that comes out of this, like learning basic rules and how to behave, like letting players who are playing faster, behind you, pass. 6,5h rounds would create a lot of frustration with an average time of almost 22 minutes per hole. I'm not saying the test should be hard, but I think it's a good thing to have basic knowledge of the game, before playing 18 holes.
I just started playing about 3 half months ago. My very first game was a 151. My second was in the 130's. I'm currently between 100 and 115. I started with my driver and just practiced it over and over and then moved onto fairway. Now, I'm practicing chipping and pitching. My putting game has pretty much always been strong from the start. I had one bad game inbetween all this where it seemed I lost everything I learned and went home and researched what I was doing. If I was to recommend anything to the guy is that he take a week and just hit the driving range over and over with the driver. Watch youtube videos, take a lesson on just the driver, and concentrate on that. Then choose Fairway or Irons and focus on that for a week and then move on to chipping, pitching, and bunker because going out and not hitting a ball and not knowing why sucks. My noob setup is unconventional but it's built for a beginner. 12.5 lofted Driver, 11 Wood, 9 hybrid, 4 Hywood, 5 Hywood, 3 Wood, Pitching Wedge, 60 degree Wedge, 42 degree Chipping Wedge. I also have a left handed 42 degree chipping wedge for those rare occasions. I'll do Irons next year.
Played the other day with my buddy and his buddy who had never played before. Day before a holiday, packed course, and I’m shocked we finished in less than 4 and a half hours
A few things on the German golf license. There is no handicap requirement (it's mostly about proper etiquette and pace of play, you are required to show you're capable of an approach shot, but most places that offer you to take a test only have you play a few holes in the practical part of the testing), it's enforced from club to club at the club's discretion and with foreign golfers this often means they get a pass, if they're suspicious you might hold up other people, they might ask you for a local club card from where your from and if you can't provide one, at that point they might make a decision as to require you get your golf license before playing their course. I went to Amsterdam and Germany for a college vacation, and we got asked; and I almost had to get a license, and had it explained to me what that might entail (It would have been come back tomorrow and the next day for your testing, we might let you golf in three days.) Thankfully, because one of us was a member of a club back here in Wisconsin and had his card with him, they accepted that the rest of us were "his responsibility" and let us golf.
Love the idea of a golf license. SAFETY - Too many drunk people in North America hitting balls all over the place and not yelling fore. COURSE HEALTH - Too many people don't fix their balls marks, divots, etc. PACE OF PLAY - Too many people don't understand to keep pace, write their scores while still on the green, etc. ETIQUETTE - Too many people don't understand how to behave with others around them, throwing clubs, etc. RULES - Not as important as the other points, but good for those who want to actually know the rules of golf.
It's not the number of strokes taken, it's how quickly they are taken. I've played 6 hour rounds in a scramble where the group in front took 60 something
I don't disagree, however with speed of play I've been noticing something lately. I'm a 7-8 handicap, I hover in the middle so I'm not great but I'm not terrible. Most of my strokes are on the green I'm not the best putter but I've gotten better lol. I strike the ball well off the tee 285-300 it stays in play but not tons of control on left or right. my strength is irons and wedges I have lots of control with both. All this information leads me to my issue. Slow play is a killer, but so is people thinking it's speed golf. There is absolutely no reason to be teeing off when I'm hitting my 2nd shot. I'm not playing slow, sure I look my shots down but it's maybe a 15 second routine considering my 2nd shot is on or near the green. Some people need to slow down and enjoy the game a little bit.
I think something like a CBT (compulsary basic training) would be a good idea for example, you do a 2hr lesson with a pro, and you cover theory in that session too. That way etiquette can be explained, along with a basic swing lesson, maybe a bit of putting. Just enough so youre not going on the course completly blind. Its not a test, its just training woth some basic requirements to be met to complete it. It could be about £20, but you get your first round for free or reduced cost. Everyone has to do it once and get signed off. That way you still learn on the course, at your own pace, but you have some understanding of the game, safety and etiquette
Golf licence seems a bit crazy, but at most courses it does say on the first tee/on the scorecard where to leave your equipment, make sure you rake bunkers, avoid slow play, repair divots etc. As long as the person isn't holding anyone up & is happy to let people play through, then i dont see a problem, i played with a freind who had never played golf before the other week, he shot 150 over 18 but to gatekeep it to a score of 105 seems way too extreme, alot of people would have to stop playing!
The usual format they play is Stableford, at least in Holland it is which has a similar license, they translate their scores into points the trouble is they don't understand stableford and end up playing stroke play and never pick their ball up.
If someone want's to go out on the golf course for 6+ hours and shoot over 200, then I have no issue with that. However, if comparing this scenario to other sports, this kind of thing doesn't affect other people while they play. For example, if I want to play tennis as a beginner, I book a court out for an allocated time. Other sports are similar in the way we would book a time slot. The issue I feel with golf in this scenario is how do we manage a beginner/high handicapper's course etiquette so that it doesn't impact on other players. If they are letting people play through, repairing ball marks or divots, raking bunkers and following general course etiquette and rules, then I don't think how many shots they hit is even something that needs to be worried about. It all comes down to whether they are affecting others while they do it.
I picked up the game kinda late at 25 and yes, there are a lot of learning pains and embarrassing moments. But I loved it. Now there’s so many new people there’s not enough regulars to allow for learning curves. Personally I wish less people played lol
I play with a group of 20 guys every Saturday. We range from 2-25 handicap. We have a rule that no one cant go over triple bogey so we dont slow pace of play. I dont see anything wrong with this as we do play for a small amount of money and it allows the higher handicaps to remain competitive
I played Torrey Pines South a few years ago with my San Diego based son. We were paired with another twosome, one of whom must have been at around 150 when he finally called it quits after the 14th or 15th hole. Worst golfer I’ve ever played with. But he played quick ready golf and even with the high score didn’t slow us down too too much.
I could see having a staff member or marshall at the first tee monitoring players along with pace of play. So that new golfers once they reach double or triple bogey, regardless of where the ball is, just pick it up and move on to the next hole. Ridiculous to have a license though. Golf is already expensive enough without the added fees. If you expect more people to enjoy golf then you have to take away and not add more barriers.
In The Netherlands, one will have to obtain a golf skill certificate (passing a theoretical etiquette and rules exam as well as a practical exam over 4 or 5 holes) and that requirement predates the German one for quite some time. Training courses exist to obtain it in one or two days.
In Slovenia, we have a comparable "license" system. It requires 10 hours of practice with a professional, followed by one round of 9 holes with a pro. To obtain your handicap (HCP), you need to complete an additional round of 9 holes with a pro who will submit your scorecard. Additionally, you must be a member of a golf club, which is distinct from the course itself.
In Norway you need to take a three day course and a small online "quiz", and we use a 54 handicap system. But I think the general rule should be that you pick up the ball after a certain amount of shots. So with a 54 in handicap and a max stroke count of 9 per hole, you would need to complete all 18 holes between 162 and 126 strokes on a par 72 course.
I live in Switzerland and a license is also required and I believe other countries like Sweden require one. It includes etiquette, rules and the comprehension exam. Afterwards the on course with a pro who rates, scores and testifies your playing ability. So a decent round is a pass and a bad day is a retake. $$$ aside, in general it does help keep the game moving foward and a little safer.
Austrian here, I really advocate having some kind of test or training before going to the course. When I remember my start, all I would have done is diggin' the box or ruining everyones round. The first thing I would have learned would have been how to let trough the following flight over and over again. But there are courses for the licence taking only two weekends, so I don't think that this should be a barrier. Pricing of memberships, which are somehow mandatory here is far more problematic for a beginner golfer...
I'd never picked up a golf club in my life (apart from putt putt) and some mates talked me into playing in my 20s. Shot about 110 and even though I was the worst of the players on that day was immediately hooked. How can any fit 30yo with any king of hand eye co-ordination hit 278? I just find this story difficult to believe.
I like the idea of a 5 minute video. Also, I don't think a playing round is necessary. Have one of the staff watch you hit a dozen ball in a bay or one the range, and they'll be able to tell if you hit the ball well enough to play the course. All combined, this would only require about 15 minutes to complete prior to playing.
Golf is my favorite hobby in the world and I almost quit after the very first HOLE I ever played. I was 15 playing with a friend who was also 15. Neither of us ever had lessons or anything and neither of our parents or older siblings played, so we were out on our own, but we had the athletic background and had been to the range enough that we weren't TERRIBLE out there(certainly nowhere near 278). My mom bought me a set of clubs at a garage sale for $5 and it came with a really old push cart. We played the first hole and when we were on our way to the second hole the course marshal SCREAMED at me(I'm talking red in the face, saliva spewing from his mouth) because I rolled my push cart across the green. I apologized and tried explaining that it was my first time playing and I didn't know about that rule but he just kept yelling saying "every idiot with a set of clubs knows not to wheel his cart across the green". I just kept apologizing and ensuring him that it wouldn't happen again. I think a license is a step too far, but having a short post about the etiquette of golf and how it's played should be in every clubhouse or cart. How are people who didn't grow up playing golf supposed to know these things? I guess now you can probably go on UA-cam and find lots of videos about etiquette, but there are probably many people who start playing who don't really know that there is an official etiquette. I think the written test is fine, the playing test is way too far. I also think there should be a cap of like 10 per hole or something. Once you reach that point, just pick the ball up and move on to the next so you don't hold up the entire course.
It’s pretty standard in Canada to just use a double par rule. It you are on stroke 8 on a par 4 you typically just pick up. This ensures pace of play on crowded courses. If it’s a quiet day though nothing says you can’t keep whacking away.
I’m not a great golfer but I love the sport and I think I want to start offering help for new golfers and help with the first timers. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy golf
In Austria (and I dont't think it's that different in Germany) you've got to take lessons, then pass a test called "Platzreife" (course maturity) to play on the one course you made it on. This includes rules and etiquette. The next step is the tournament maturity (license) - after passing you get your HC (of usually 54) and are allowed to play on most courses ( worldwide - if there are no local restrictions ... e.g. HC 36 or 18) - and also you're entitled to participate in tournaments to improve your HC. With HC 54 you play a mean 3 over par on each hole, or 126 on a par 72 ... which should be ok on a not too busy day. With 278 you never won't get a course maturity. I think all that is fine ... Btw: 27 is a MID-handicapper ... 😁
I played in a group that met on Fridays to play a round. We would limit our score to triple bogey, then we picked up and moved on. We also skipped holes. If the group ahead of us was slow and would not invited or allow us play through, we would just jump over to the closest hole that we had not played yet. It probably looked like bad manners but we always made sure we were not going to effect another group's play. We only had one group ever complain about us jumping holes and they were just being ass hats because they thought we shouldn't do it, and they wanted to make a big deal out of it. We were starting pretty close to twilight golf hrs and our time out on the course was limited to around 2 hours.
With the advent of the interwebs, do you think anyone would not watch a you tube video on golf? They may find a 1000 ways to not play well but should find info that should mitigate some of these issues.
We do it about the same way in Denmark as Germany 👍. You start on a par 3 course, and then you have to go through 2 tests before you can play on the big course.
Sounds like Golf snobbery, all this license and not hitting over 200 you pay your money like everyone else if your holding people up let them play through. Fair play to the lad for giving it a go hope he keeps it up and improves and ignores all the haters
American here, there should absolutely be some sort of additional barrier to entry, whether in the form of an etiquette video, written test or club licensing. Courses are so overpacked lately, I am totally fine with another barrier to entry especially one that has the added benefit of making sure people understand some of the etiquette and procedures that help keep things moving on the course.
I don't know the right course of action here. But that's insane. My worst is a 134 and most of those were lost off the tee that day. I can't imagine hitting 15ish shots a hole. One thing that could be done is have a simulator and run the people through that for first time players at that course (play longest par 3, 4, and 5 and SI 1 if that isn't one of those three). With that result, give them the tee boxes they are playing and have the marshal visit that group frequently and randomly. With online booking systems, it should be easy to know who's played a course before or not. I think it is crazy that people can go buy clubs and then go straight to the course of their choosing and just hack away. I feel I'm terrible, and I'm always worried I'm taking too long.
In Southwest Florida most people use carts with GPS. If golfers fall behind the 4 hour pace of play the golf cart will alert the pro shop, starter and ranger. If you can’t keep up with the pace of play you will be asked to leave.
I remember my first round ever, id been to the range a handful of times, never really chipped or putted much. Went to a really cheap place with the lads, all of us new but some a little better than others. Think i shot 145 in the end, probably still with some breakfast balls etc. We werent slow (if anything we were really worried about this), and one of the guys knew a bit about ettiquette etc so that helped. I wouldnt say we were a hazard to others, enjoyment or otherwise - but we had all at least swung a club before at the range, and it was a quiet, cheap course. Couldnt imagine doing that at anywhere half decent, we were ripping chunks out of the fairway.
Quick correction: to get the license (called Platzreife) that is a requirement to play on most courses, you need to show a PGA pro as you said, that you have the ability to score 54 over par (so handicap 54), or 126 on a standard course, not 108. (+ the rules and etiquettes of golf yada yada yada) Often it doesn’t mean that you have to break 126 every time, just like you don’t shoot your handicap every game.
If it was perfect, and have a person just starting out, it would be perfect to have a SIM at your course, where can have beginner step up and check there stance and have them hit few balls to get idea if they need some one to accompany them during there round to help out.
I agree with requirement for a minimum handicap in order to be allowed to play and having some specific courses designated as "no HC required" for people who just want to hack the ball around. Golf is expensive, we put time aside to play most of time, but golf is not our whole life. You may take a few hours to play before setting out on an appointment or chore. If you are caught behind slow play you may have to leave your round early. New golfers are commonly not aware of etiquette regarding timeliness. I see it often. Very High handicappers should be required to play best ball scramble. But we all know this is never going to happen. Just keep hitting into the group in front of you to let them know to speed up.
There is a golfing license required for most courses in Sweden. You need to achieve a certain score and complete a written online test to recieve an official handicap. Before that you can only play a few different courses called Pay & Play.
That's a great idea for a vlog. Rick travels to Germany to gain a golf licence. Make this happen lol.
Yes this sounds awesome!
Erik Lang did this on either Skratch or Random Golf Club. If you have a handicap for a club that'll qualify you anyway.
Rick’s a pro so he would get it without the hassle
A golf license is one of the most German things I’ve ever heard of.
Papers please.
You both forgot to start your comments with "I'm not a racist, but..."
Made even more hilarious by the meme "Got a loicense, mate?!?!" 🤣
Great idea 💡 108 is a bit harsh though 😅
Go to the UK and you need a TV license just to watch TV at home. They're conditioned to love having a severe lack of freedom.
bro broke 300
Underrated comment
I‘m German, I‘m just getting into golf, and I‘m quite old already (62)… but I‘d like to say a few words. Not a rant, just explanations. I hope. 😊
First thing: there are „short courses“ here and there that don‘t need a „Platzreife“ certificate (that‘s how it’s called, something like „course maturity“ maybe). They are usually only par 3 holes, in most cases six or nine holes, each with a length of something between 45 and 150 meters, so that there‘s still a chance for someone who never played before to get to the hole with a reasonable amount of time and effort.
The real courses are restricted to people who have the certificate, and often enough (at least in the Berlin area) you need to have a handicap of 36 or 27 to be allowed to play.
The test itself really is something that can be passed by anyone who really tries (I think - I actually didn‘t do it yet 😉). There‘s a pool of 170 different questions, of which you have to answer 30, and you can‘t have more than six mistakes (it‘s actually three for rules and three for etiquette, not any six). The questions are partly about rules, partly about etiquette, but as it‘s a limited number of questions in the pool, it‘s not hard to just click through it a few times (online on golf.de), than you have enough knowledge to pass.
The practical test isn‘t that hard either: you have to play nine holes, the best six of those are rated, and you have to play net par on these six holes, so three over standard par per hole in average, not on each of the holes. So that should be something anyone would be able to achieve.
And you don‘t have to take lessons to take the test, you just have to convince someone who‘s allowed to to let you take it. You have to pay a bit to take the test then, but it‘s possible.
But if you‘re really new, taking lessons before you‘re allowed to play is a good idea in my opinion. Germany isn‘t England, where there are golf courses everywhere, so it‘s still something special, and having someone on a crowded course who has no clue and plays 278 or something isn‘t funny for the people playing behind that person. And of course it‘s good for the new player if he has lessons early on: if you play for a few years before taking lessons, you‘ll have a hard time getting rid of the bad habits you picked up during that long time, and the trainer will have a lot of work…
Kudos if you managed to read this far… I hope it wasn’t too much.
Yes but - there are much better ways. And btw net par is 2 over for a 36 handicapper, not 3 over. The easiest way to get around slow play is give people a max handicap and they have to pick up after there are no more stableford points left. Reserve stroke play for those with 18 and under handicaps. I can't even fathom a score of 278. Even my very first game of golf in my 20's I shot about 110. At that stage, apart from putt putt, I'd never picked up a golf club in my life. And I was a cricketer so my swing resembled a cover drive. Even with just basic hand eye coordination a fit person in their 30s should be capable of 120 - 130 max.
Your remark about the difference in number of courses between UK and Europe is spot on. I believe that's a major factor.
@@mondotv4216 The first handicap you usually get here is 54, that’s where my three over came from…
Ridiculous
That’s what the “10 stroke limit is for”… once u get to 10 strokes, you just pick your ball up & move on to the next hole. At that point, you aren’t playing for score anyways but rather to just get better with each shot.
This is why the Stableford system exists. In Switzerland where I play, if you have hit more than 3 over your handicap par, you are requested to pick up the ball (no points on that hole).
Hey Rick, I'm from Germany and unfortunately I have to contradict. The "license," as you call it, is an 8-10 hours class with a pro in theory and practice. It is usually about 100.-€ and should introduce in the basics. After that class you get the "Platzreife". Therefor you answer some questions about the rules and play 6-9 holes with the pro, to proof that you understood the basics. "Platzreife" means something like the "course maturity". And yes, this "license" is required to play about 80% of the golf courses in Germany. About 15% requires a HDCI of 36 and the rest is open for everybody. Finally the "Platzreife" sets most players between 54 and 75 strokes over par on a 18 hole course.
I love the idea of a golf license - as long as you play 18 holes in 4 hours 15 minutes or less, you pass.
Finland has a similar license requirement. You get the license after a short course with a test in the end. The license is called a ”green card”. You need a grren card to join a club, and only by being a club member with handicap can you book a tee time on a proper golf course.
Exactly the same in Sweden
In Norway we used to have the Finnish system you describe here, but we’ve moved to more of a mix between that and what is described as the German system in the vid here where you need to do a couple of seminars, then some scheduled swing practice with a club trainer, then two 18-hole rounds with a pro before you become course approved. Not sure what the scoring requirements are (or if there is one), but once you finish you start out at hcp 54 and are approved for booking at any course that doesn’t specifically have a hcp requirement
I went to a local pitch and putt course for the first time in my life about a month ago with a friend, I am 34 years old, and I couldn't believe I have gone my whole life without discovering golf. I have become utterly obsessed, finding myself at the local pitch and putt courses on all of my days off work, endlessly scrolling golf videos. I have learned how to swing a club(poorly) from your videos.
I am extremely eager to visit a golf course for the first time but I am not naïve and I know what kind of experience this will be, and as someone with no experience, no idea of etiquette, and no friends who play the game, its an utterly terrifying prospect
I actually love the idea of a license, for someone in my position with no-one close to me playing the game , I don't really have any way to learn these things other then watching your videos.
I live in Ireland with stunning courses all around me , 3 within a 10 minute drive. Cant wait to start visiting them but its going to take a long time, hoping your videos are going to help me get there :)
My Dad was a terrible golfer, but he taught me how to play. He was always on me about where to stand, where to walk, who goes first and having respect for other players. I don't know where I would have learned that if it wasn't for him. R.I.P. DH.
The memories you’ve made with your old man will go far beyond pars and birdies pal. And that’s what really matters in the end! Respect to you and your dad. RIP
That could be easily solved with simple leaflet given by the the golf club.
The Netherlands has a very similar system so Germany is not the only country. As much as this is to ensure someone can shoot a min score, the licence is more to do with the rules, etiquette and safety.
True, i’ve only got it about a year ago.
same in Poland - they call it green card.
When we play with newer golfers we say once you’ve shot double what par is for that hole just pick up your ball (I’ve recently moved out of that category where I don’t stop on double par I regularly shoot 102-108). It helps keep play going and it helps with discouragement from the new golfer. New golfers just need to get out and play and if their rounds are super long and frustrating it’s going to drive them away.
I misread the headline and thought it said "Golfer scores 278 through 72 holes". I'm like, what the heck, that's like shooting 69 four days in a row. 😂😂
I taught myself how to play golf. Never had a lesson in my life. The club I joined gave me a 28 handicap to start off with. Within two months, I won two competitions and reduced my handicap down to 12.
The club I'm a member of have a 'Get into Golf Scheme'. Members with low handicaps volunteer to take newcomers round the course, help them with their swing, shot selection, etiquette etc. to just introduce them to the game.
Played with a new golfer with no idea and wanted to count all his shots . After being 93 after 9 I explained the handicap cap system and the maximum shots you would have for the maximum men’s handicap . I said go max 10 shots as would still want to see him learning . Made him play more green side shots . Best part was he understood and did not play slow and we held no one up . Just over 4 hrs . Score count have been 200 but kept it realistic so he still enjoyed the game and not just give up and never play again
It`s the same in Denmark. You have to get a licence to play, it`s to encure the players know the rules, ethics and safty on the course and then they must play at least 4, 9 holes rounds, to get down to hcp 54. Most courses in Denmark have an hcp limit of 54. On my home course(par 71), it gives 58 extra strokes, so they have to clear the course in 129 strokes. I think it`s fine to have a golf licence.
Nope
learned all the etiquette rules as a kid by walking around the course with my dad. He played and I just walked around with him while he told me all the rules. And then once I knew all the rules down pat then I was allowed to play with him. He was a tough teacher but I'm always grateful for it now.
"I was a health and safety hazard to everybody on that slope" I'm dying 😂
Best of luck to you friend, my prayer are with you! I lost my mom a couple years ago, and my brother a few months ago. Death is unfortunately part of life, but I pray you overcome whatever you’re dealing with. Jesus saves!
108 is 6 shots per hole average. 75% of current golfers would have to quit if they brought that kind of rule into the UK! 😂
And Canada
I’m one of them.
I’ve been golfing for a year now and have yet to break 110.
I actually love the idea of a license to play certain tees. There are plenty of times you play behind groups that should play the forward tees but don’t because of pride.
In 2002 we played at St. Andrews Old course, at that time, if your from the US, the R&A required HSGA handicap of 20 or less.
My feeling is that the number 1 rule that new golfers should be taught is to move along. Slow play is a killer of the game!
That is true…..but let’s not forget that some golfers who have been playing for 40+ years, are still learning the rule.
Agree, im terrible (50 ish handicap) and i can clear a round walking in 3.5 hrs no problem, sometimes faster. If i cant find the ball in 3 mins just take the penalty. You hit a shit shot, accept it. Step up, single practice swing and let it fly.
I've had the chance, (not by choice) to play with a few NEW golfers several times. We were very polite in guiding them and explaining things as we went along to help them. The one "rule" we had with them was once you were at triple bogey, you picked up your ball at that point and moved on. The courses are pretty crowded, and we always told them that "pace of play" was one of the most important things to adhere to. And we always encouraged new players to get lessons and put in a lot of time on the range.
That's a great bowling score.
I absolutely love the idea of a golf license. Nothing worse than playing a world class course being stuck behind a group of hacks zigzagging across every fairway to hit a ball every 50 yards.
I notice that when young, etiquette was hammered into us. These days I see people who have come late to golf not having any etiquette especially regarding letting faster groups through.
Especially a good majority of youtube golfers that are younger generation but they are doing inappropriate behavior stunts for views because golf is becoming big on UA-cam and they want those views
As part of a new membership to a club, having a get together where you can meet other new members, they go over course etiquette and basic rules, wouldn't be bad at all. One time thing, turns into a new member mixer, and it can only help. You'd never get away with this at public courses or make people do it before every round
An 1894 established golf club in Somerset used to require men to have a handicap of 24 (or less) to play on the 18 hole Old Course, this made much sense (in terms of speed of play and encouraging improvement) as the club also had a 9 hole course for other golfers.
Many years ago. My father was getting close to retirement and wanted to try golf. So we went to a course, it was a Saturday, right in the middle of the club competition. We got pelters from everyone on the course. Although we were letting other players play thru etc, It was an awful experience and he never played golf again. Always regretted that.
Have that in Norway to . written test easy mostly on safety ant etiquette , with question like what should you do when someone shouts Fore , etc.. and some time on the driving range with basic swing training , end it with playing some holes
I think the German system may be a bit too strict but it would not hurt for everyone who wants to play to be forced to take a few hours of lessons and a written test. When the pro signs off you get a card that states you're capable to play. Won't have to cost much and will give the player also the confidence to go out there and have fun!
A written test? People are trying to play golf, not learn how to drive.
@@rolirolster Doesn't have to be a long hard test, just a quick 10 minute multiple choice test to proof you've read a simple rule booklet. Could even be done as an oral test by the golf pro..
Lmao stop it
I had a friend that talked me into playing golf, I never played golf before we where in Maui Hawaii, the wife’s were going shopping I didn’t want any part of that so my friend said let’s go golfing. I rented clubs and golf shoes and we played Kapalua golf course for my first ever round. I shot 131 but there was about 4 shots I hit good and it sucked me in that was 1985 still play today at 76 years old.
I’ve always thought the starter at the golf course should demonstrate how to repair divots, and go through other golf etiquette before the round starts
In Spain, in order to get the golf handicap, which is normally demanded by every course, you have to go to a driving range and show that you can at least hit the ball with a different range of clubs and you also have to attend an online lesson of a couple hours regarding golf rules and safety.
As a person very new to golf it would be nice for courses to offer a slot that is only for beginners (charged at a higher price) where someone who works at the course goes round with whom ever is on that beginner tee time to ensure safety and etiquette is met around the golf course. Also to help people that are nervous to go on a course for the first time because they don’t know what to do.
For most people ( if you want to take up the game), Go to Driving range that has a putting green , bunker, pitching area and spend a few months practicing , I did this when my darling wife wanted to start playing Golf. I was able to give her the basics of the game like grip and stance and we had a blast going out 2-3 times a week. When she finally felt comfortable with irons and woods we went out in August. ( started in April). Because she had a little practice hitting the ball before she went to the course she absolutely fell in love with the game. Throughout the first year or two we worked together on her game and I helped her with her Golf Etiquette so she is aware of situations while playing. I have created a Golf monster who will want to golf in all types of weather. Bless my angel, best Wife ever !!
I’m putting this on the list of things that didn’t happen. No one would’ve sat through six and a half hours of that mess without telling that guy to just move his ball to the fairway. My wife started golf at the age of 46, and she was shooting in the 130s, because after a while, I told her to kick it out of the ditch and set it on some fluffy grass to tee it up a bit and take a half swing. There’s no way this guy sat through 278 shots and actually counted that, not buying it.
I wondered that myself. And if he did do that and counted every shot. What good did that do him? Enjoyment is the key to golf at all times, but especially when you first start. Not the score.
My girl is learning now and i just make all the holes 50 yard x gir and it makes it good for her. We move her back as she is getting better. It was 30 yard at first.
You ask the person when they’re scheduling a tee time “how much golf experience do you have on a scale from 1-5?”….if they’re below a 3 you send them to the driving range after a short video on golf etiquette. and when they feel like they are a 3 or above on golf experience they can play on the course 👍👍
If you’re playing bad play bad quickly. Pick your ball up if needs be and drop it around the green.
Man’s an elite cricket batsman
I like courses that advise you on witch tee boxes to play based on your skill level even if that means playing the max forward tee's. I also think you can learn a lot of the edict and rules on short pitch and put courses with way less presser.
The etiquette part is where it gets me. Today i played my least enjoyable game. The group of 4 infront of the two of us literally took 4 shots to get of the tee box. We had to wait 20 mins every hole to tee of before they was safe away. We was constantly on there ass and just wouldnt let us pass. You could tell they wasnt really people who played but you should know basic stuff. Like you said its wasnt cause they was bad but wouldnt let others pass and was dangerous to others. If someone catches me up and they are playing better i havw no issue waiting at the next hole so they can get ahead and play.
A golf license is not a bad idea. I don't think we have a written test here in Sweden anymore (I could be wrong) but when I got my license or "green card" I had to do one. There are good things that comes out of this, like learning basic rules and how to behave, like letting players who are playing faster, behind you, pass.
6,5h rounds would create a lot of frustration with an average time of almost 22 minutes per hole. I'm not saying the test should be hard, but I think it's a good thing to have basic knowledge of the game, before playing 18 holes.
I just started playing about 3 half months ago. My very first game was a 151. My second was in the 130's. I'm currently between 100 and 115. I started with my driver and just practiced it over and over and then moved onto fairway. Now, I'm practicing chipping and pitching. My putting game has pretty much always been strong from the start. I had one bad game inbetween all this where it seemed I lost everything I learned and went home and researched what I was doing. If I was to recommend anything to the guy is that he take a week and just hit the driving range over and over with the driver. Watch youtube videos, take a lesson on just the driver, and concentrate on that. Then choose Fairway or Irons and focus on that for a week and then move on to chipping, pitching, and bunker because going out and not hitting a ball and not knowing why sucks.
My noob setup is unconventional but it's built for a beginner. 12.5 lofted Driver, 11 Wood, 9 hybrid, 4 Hywood, 5 Hywood, 3 Wood, Pitching Wedge, 60 degree Wedge, 42 degree Chipping Wedge. I also have a left handed 42 degree chipping wedge for those rare occasions.
I'll do Irons next year.
This makes me look like a prime Tiger Woods😂😂😂
In America, once you get a snowman, you pick it up and move to the next
Played the other day with my buddy and his buddy who had never played before. Day before a holiday, packed course, and I’m shocked we finished in less than 4 and a half hours
A few things on the German golf license. There is no handicap requirement (it's mostly about proper etiquette and pace of play, you are required to show you're capable of an approach shot, but most places that offer you to take a test only have you play a few holes in the practical part of the testing), it's enforced from club to club at the club's discretion and with foreign golfers this often means they get a pass, if they're suspicious you might hold up other people, they might ask you for a local club card from where your from and if you can't provide one, at that point they might make a decision as to require you get your golf license before playing their course.
I went to Amsterdam and Germany for a college vacation, and we got asked; and I almost had to get a license, and had it explained to me what that might entail (It would have been come back tomorrow and the next day for your testing, we might let you golf in three days.) Thankfully, because one of us was a member of a club back here in Wisconsin and had his card with him, they accepted that the rest of us were "his responsibility" and let us golf.
Love the idea of a golf license.
SAFETY - Too many drunk people in North America hitting balls all over the place and not yelling fore.
COURSE HEALTH - Too many people don't fix their balls marks, divots, etc.
PACE OF PLAY - Too many people don't understand to keep pace, write their scores while still on the green, etc.
ETIQUETTE - Too many people don't understand how to behave with others around them, throwing clubs, etc.
RULES - Not as important as the other points, but good for those who want to actually know the rules of golf.
Golf clubs should offer a ‘Golf Induction’ similar to that of Gyms when you sign up - but without forcing people to pay for a membership.
It's not the number of strokes taken, it's how quickly they are taken. I've played 6 hour rounds in a scramble where the group in front took 60 something
Rick shields didnt know that snowboarding is like putting? All in the hips baby, all in the hips
Etiquette and speed of play!!
I don't disagree, however with speed of play I've been noticing something lately. I'm a 7-8 handicap, I hover in the middle so I'm not great but I'm not terrible. Most of my strokes are on the green I'm not the best putter but I've gotten better lol. I strike the ball well off the tee 285-300 it stays in play but not tons of control on left or right. my strength is irons and wedges I have lots of control with both. All this information leads me to my issue. Slow play is a killer, but so is people thinking it's speed golf. There is absolutely no reason to be teeing off when I'm hitting my 2nd shot. I'm not playing slow, sure I look my shots down but it's maybe a 15 second routine considering my 2nd shot is on or near the green. Some people need to slow down and enjoy the game a little bit.
@@ryangardner8237
Agree 100% - have to enjoy the game otherwise why bother
I think something like a CBT (compulsary basic training) would be a good idea for example, you do a 2hr lesson with a pro, and you cover theory in that session too. That way etiquette can be explained, along with a basic swing lesson, maybe a bit of putting. Just enough so youre not going on the course completly blind. Its not a test, its just training woth some basic requirements to be met to complete it. It could be about £20, but you get your first round for free or reduced cost. Everyone has to do it once and get signed off. That way you still learn on the course, at your own pace, but you have some understanding of the game, safety and etiquette
Golf licence seems a bit crazy, but at most courses it does say on the first tee/on the scorecard where to leave your equipment, make sure you rake bunkers, avoid slow play, repair divots etc. As long as the person isn't holding anyone up & is happy to let people play through, then i dont see a problem, i played with a freind who had never played golf before the other week, he shot 150 over 18 but to gatekeep it to a score of 105 seems way too extreme, alot of people would have to stop playing!
Well it may sound crazy but in the license an insurance is included
The usual format they play is Stableford, at least in Holland it is which has a similar license, they translate their scores into points the trouble is they don't understand stableford and end up playing stroke play and never pick their ball up.
If someone want's to go out on the golf course for 6+ hours and shoot over 200, then I have no issue with that. However, if comparing this scenario to other sports, this kind of thing doesn't affect other people while they play. For example, if I want to play tennis as a beginner, I book a court out for an allocated time. Other sports are similar in the way we would book a time slot. The issue I feel with golf in this scenario is how do we manage a beginner/high handicapper's course etiquette so that it doesn't impact on other players. If they are letting people play through, repairing ball marks or divots, raking bunkers and following general course etiquette and rules, then I don't think how many shots they hit is even something that needs to be worried about. It all comes down to whether they are affecting others while they do it.
So if you need a license, how do you practice if a course won't let you on without one?
on the practice ground/range
I picked up the game kinda late at 25 and yes, there are a lot of learning pains and embarrassing moments. But I loved it. Now there’s so many new people there’s not enough regulars to allow for learning curves. Personally I wish less people played lol
I play with a group of 20 guys every Saturday. We range from 2-25 handicap. We have a rule that no one cant go over triple bogey so we dont slow pace of play. I dont see anything wrong with this as we do play for a small amount of money and it allows the higher handicaps to remain competitive
Maybe a tip or etiquette sign every three holes or so, that golfers would read as they get to the next tee box?
I love the Germans, I have relatives over there, but only a German would try and regiment fun. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Add Sweden to that list.
I played Torrey Pines South a few years ago with my San Diego based son. We were paired with another twosome, one of whom must have been at around 150 when he finally called it quits after the 14th or 15th hole. Worst golfer I’ve ever played with. But he played quick ready golf and even with the high score didn’t slow us down too too much.
I could see having a staff member or marshall at the first tee monitoring players along with pace of play. So that new golfers once they reach double or triple bogey, regardless of where the ball is, just pick it up and move on to the next hole. Ridiculous to have a license though. Golf is already expensive enough without the added fees. If you expect more people to enjoy golf then you have to take away and not add more barriers.
In The Netherlands, one will have to obtain a golf skill certificate (passing a theoretical etiquette and rules exam as well as a practical exam over 4 or 5 holes) and that requirement predates the German one for quite some time. Training courses exist to obtain it in one or two days.
In Slovenia, we have a comparable "license" system. It requires 10 hours of practice with a professional, followed by one round of 9 holes with a pro. To obtain your handicap (HCP), you need to complete an additional round of 9 holes with a pro who will submit your scorecard. Additionally, you must be a member of a golf club, which is distinct from the course itself.
In Norway you need to take a three day course and a small online "quiz", and we use a 54 handicap system. But I think the general rule should be that you pick up the ball after a certain amount of shots. So with a 54 in handicap and a max stroke count of 9 per hole, you would need to complete all 18 holes between 162 and 126 strokes on a par 72 course.
I live in Switzerland and a license is also required and I believe other countries like Sweden require one.
It includes etiquette, rules and the comprehension exam. Afterwards the on course with a pro who rates, scores and testifies your playing ability.
So a decent round is a pass and a bad day is a retake.
$$$ aside, in general it does help keep the game moving foward and a little safer.
Could you imagine being stuck behind that guy on the course.
Austrian here, I really advocate having some kind of test or training before going to the course. When I remember my start, all I would have done is diggin' the box or ruining everyones round. The first thing I would have learned would have been how to let trough the following flight over and over again. But there are courses for the licence taking only two weekends, so I don't think that this should be a barrier. Pricing of memberships, which are somehow mandatory here is far more problematic for a beginner golfer...
I'd never picked up a golf club in my life (apart from putt putt) and some mates talked me into playing in my 20s. Shot about 110 and even though I was the worst of the players on that day was immediately hooked. How can any fit 30yo with any king of hand eye co-ordination hit 278? I just find this story difficult to believe.
I like the idea of a 5 minute video. Also, I don't think a playing round is necessary. Have one of the staff watch you hit a dozen ball in a bay or one the range, and they'll be able to tell if you hit the ball well enough to play the course. All combined, this would only require about 15 minutes to complete prior to playing.
Golf is my favorite hobby in the world and I almost quit after the very first HOLE I ever played. I was 15 playing with a friend who was also 15. Neither of us ever had lessons or anything and neither of our parents or older siblings played, so we were out on our own, but we had the athletic background and had been to the range enough that we weren't TERRIBLE out there(certainly nowhere near 278). My mom bought me a set of clubs at a garage sale for $5 and it came with a really old push cart. We played the first hole and when we were on our way to the second hole the course marshal SCREAMED at me(I'm talking red in the face, saliva spewing from his mouth) because I rolled my push cart across the green. I apologized and tried explaining that it was my first time playing and I didn't know about that rule but he just kept yelling saying "every idiot with a set of clubs knows not to wheel his cart across the green". I just kept apologizing and ensuring him that it wouldn't happen again. I think a license is a step too far, but having a short post about the etiquette of golf and how it's played should be in every clubhouse or cart. How are people who didn't grow up playing golf supposed to know these things? I guess now you can probably go on UA-cam and find lots of videos about etiquette, but there are probably many people who start playing who don't really know that there is an official etiquette. I think the written test is fine, the playing test is way too far. I also think there should be a cap of like 10 per hole or something. Once you reach that point, just pick the ball up and move on to the next so you don't hold up the entire course.
Poor Lad. He just missed his “Beat 275” goal.
It’s pretty standard in Canada to just use a double par rule. It you are on stroke 8 on a par 4 you typically just pick up. This ensures pace of play on crowded courses. If it’s a quiet day though nothing says you can’t keep whacking away.
I’m not a great golfer but I love the sport and I think I want to start offering help for new golfers and help with the first timers. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy golf
In Austria (and I dont't think it's that different in Germany) you've got to take lessons, then pass a test called "Platzreife" (course maturity) to play on the one course you made it on. This includes rules and etiquette. The next step is the tournament maturity (license) - after passing you get your HC (of usually 54) and are allowed to play on most courses ( worldwide - if there are no local restrictions ... e.g. HC 36 or 18) - and also you're entitled to participate in tournaments to improve your HC.
With HC 54 you play a mean 3 over par on each hole, or 126 on a par 72 ... which should be ok on a not too busy day. With 278 you never won't get a course maturity.
I think all that is fine ...
Btw: 27 is a MID-handicapper ... 😁
I find it hard to believe that anybody could score that badly.
Yeah, this didn’t happen.
how about a Rick Shiels video on golf etiquette.
i dont mind time limits, if your shooting 300 just throw the ball in fairway if your out, or let people go ahead if your holding up
I played in a group that met on Fridays to play a round. We would limit our score to triple bogey, then we picked up and moved on. We also skipped holes. If the group ahead of us was slow and would not invited or allow us play through, we would just jump over to the closest hole that we had not played yet. It probably looked like bad manners but we always made sure we were not going to effect another group's play. We only had one group ever complain about us jumping holes and they were just being ass hats because they thought we shouldn't do it, and they wanted to make a big deal out of it. We were starting pretty close to twilight golf hrs and our time out on the course was limited to around 2 hours.
With the advent of the interwebs, do you think anyone would not watch a you tube video on golf? They may find a 1000 ways to not play well but should find info that should mitigate some of these issues.
We do it about the same way in Denmark as Germany 👍. You start on a par 3 course, and then you have to go through 2 tests before you can play on the big course.
Sounds like Golf snobbery, all this license and not hitting over 200 you pay your money like everyone else if your holding people up let them play through. Fair play to the lad for giving it a go hope he keeps it up and improves and ignores all the haters
American here, there should absolutely be some sort of additional barrier to entry, whether in the form of an etiquette video, written test or club licensing. Courses are so overpacked lately, I am totally fine with another barrier to entry especially one that has the added benefit of making sure people understand some of the etiquette and procedures that help keep things moving on the course.
I don't know the right course of action here. But that's insane. My worst is a 134 and most of those were lost off the tee that day. I can't imagine hitting 15ish shots a hole.
One thing that could be done is have a simulator and run the people through that for first time players at that course (play longest par 3, 4, and 5 and SI 1 if that isn't one of those three). With that result, give them the tee boxes they are playing and have the marshal visit that group frequently and randomly. With online booking systems, it should be easy to know who's played a course before or not.
I think it is crazy that people can go buy clubs and then go straight to the course of their choosing and just hack away. I feel I'm terrible, and I'm always worried I'm taking too long.
In Southwest Florida most people use carts with GPS. If golfers fall behind the 4 hour pace of play the golf cart will alert the pro shop, starter and ranger. If you can’t keep up with the pace of play you will be asked to leave.
Wow I never knew that
I remember my first round ever, id been to the range a handful of times, never really chipped or putted much. Went to a really cheap place with the lads, all of us new but some a little better than others. Think i shot 145 in the end, probably still with some breakfast balls etc. We werent slow (if anything we were really worried about this), and one of the guys knew a bit about ettiquette etc so that helped. I wouldnt say we were a hazard to others, enjoyment or otherwise - but we had all at least swung a club before at the range, and it was a quiet, cheap course. Couldnt imagine doing that at anywhere half decent, we were ripping chunks out of the fairway.
The name of rick’s new break series
Quick correction: to get the license (called Platzreife) that is a requirement to play on most courses, you need to show a PGA pro as you said, that you have the ability to score 54 over par (so handicap 54), or 126 on a standard course, not 108. (+ the rules and etiquettes of golf yada yada yada)
Often it doesn’t mean that you have to break 126 every time, just like you don’t shoot your handicap every game.
If it was perfect, and have a person just starting out, it would be perfect to have a SIM at your course, where can have beginner step up and check there stance and have them hit few balls to get idea if they need some one to accompany them during there round to help out.
It's often the case here that you need a handicap certificate before being allowed to play on many courses.
I agree with requirement for a minimum handicap in order to be allowed to play and having some specific courses designated as "no HC required" for people who just want to hack the ball around. Golf is expensive, we put time aside to play most of time, but golf is not our whole life. You may take a few hours to play before setting out on an appointment or chore. If you are caught behind slow play you may have to leave your round early. New golfers are commonly not aware of etiquette regarding timeliness. I see it often. Very High handicappers should be required to play best ball scramble. But we all know this is never going to happen. Just keep hitting into the group in front of you to let them know to speed up.
Main point to this is if your terrible and incredibly slow you should be limited to playing with mates on non medal days until your semi competent.
There is a golfing license required for most courses in Sweden. You need to achieve a certain score and complete a written online test to recieve an official handicap. Before that you can only play a few different courses called Pay & Play.
Next week : can Rick get his golf licence starting -10.
When I see someone shooting 278 my first thought is great, someone I can beat.
That man who shot 278 needs to be studied by Buddhist monks