Playing through. It’s one of the more intricate systems of etiquette in golf that not a lot of people talk about. Sometimes a round goes sideways by the third hole and the downward spiral just keeps on spiraling. We’ve all been there. But nobody likes it when pace is off.
If you’ve exhausted all your tactics to speed up play within your group and finally decide it’s time to let the group behind you pass, your first order of business is to gain the group’s attention.
A few demonstrative waves of the arms by each member of your group should do the trick. You shouldn’t feel uneasy or defeated by the fact that you need to let a group play through. You should celebrate the fact that you are aware of your surroundings and exercise common courtesy. You’re a winner.
Be respectful and friendly, and they’ll be on their merry way. Don’t forget to offer a courteous wave, accompanied by “Enjoy your round!”
But what if you are the group playing through, faced with the pressure of playing your next golf hole with an audience? Well, you just THINK you have an audience because the truth of the matter is, nobody is paying any attention to you at all. So go ahead. Golf like nobody’s watching.
This whole “playing through” matter doesn’t have to be a big deal if we don’t make it one. Let’s just be aware of our surroundings and realize that if you need to let a group play through, it has no bearing on your value as a human, or even as a golfer. And if you are playing through the group in front of you, don’t sweat it. This is practice for pressure situations on the golf course so it’s a win-win.
I encourage you to relish in this great game. And if you tend to “relish” a little slower than the group behind you, let them play through so everyone can get maximum enjoyment out of their day. The Golf Gods will reward you during your next round. That’s just how it works.