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Guide to Golf Etiquette
Many of us hit the links for a relaxing day with our friends. Others of us have traded the office for the front nine, and made golf outings an essential part of our business regimen.
But, playing a round of golf with your closest friends isn't quite the same as 18 with your boss. There are a few important differences that you'll need to keep in mind when stepping on the course with your superior.
Golf Apparel
With Friends: When you're with friends you still have to abide by the etiquette of the club at which you're playing, but you can get away with being more casual, especially if you aren't an avid golfer. If you don't have the proper attire in your closet, you can always borrow a golf shirt from a friend without worrying too much about the fit, or even step on to the course in tennis shoes.
With the Boss: If your boss asks for you to accompany him for a day on the course make sure you're overdressed, especially if it's your first outing. While the atmosphere will likely be more casual because you are away from the office, you want to let your superior dictate the level of formality. A nice short sleeve golf shirt tucked into a pair of khaki pants will allow you to be comfortable but also adequately dressed.
Golf Cart Driving
With Friends: We get it, it's fun to drive a golf cart at top speed down the fairway, and when you're with your buddies there's nothing wrong with that. As long as you aren't breaking any course rules or distracting the other golfers, put the pedal to the metal and do your best to locate that ball you just drove into the woods.
With the Boss: First things first, give your boss the option to be in control of the cart. If he happens to relinquish driving responsibility to you, drive responsibly and make sure you guys make it to each hole in one piece. If for some reason there are multiple carts and you are each driving, keep the urge to race and play bumper cars under wraps.
On Course Protocol
With Friends: The etiquette of golf is pretty strict, basically dictating that when another player is shooting the rest of the party should be silent, giving the player the best opportunity to take the shot. Obviously when you're with your friends, this best-practice tends to go by the wayside, and you have carte blanche to critique your friend's form or compliment him on his sweater.
With the Boss: Be genial and respectful, even if your boss is a terrible golfer. If his ball sails into the rough, it was the wind. If his tee shot ends up in the water, the driver was faulty. Furthermore if you happen to be a good golfer, don't get hyper competitive and embarrass the man who signs your paychecks.
The Cooler
With Friends: Golf and beer go hand in hand. When you're out for a round with your friends it's okay to put a few away before the back nine, so long as you've designated a driver to get the group home.
With the Boss: Don't, we repeat, don't be that guy. If your boss wants to have a drink or two while you guys golf then it's perfectly fine to join him, but monitor your intake so you don't lose your dignity, and your job.
Last, but certainly not least, if you have never golfed before, don't accept your boss's offer to play a few holes. Call up your friends to go through a few practice rounds before you step up to the tee with a seasoned businessman. Good luck!
