The game of golf, always regarded as a sport for gentlemen, can get pretty cutthroat as it gets more competitive. When every stroke can be the difference between victory and defeat, sportsmanship too often takes a backseat. A couple of PGA professionals, one from the U.S. and one from England, suggest a few games that can help promote sportsmanship and fair play.
Match Play
"Instead of counting every stroke," says Brent Studer, a PGA professional from Manasquan River Golf Club in Brielle, N.J., "make every hole a new game." This is known as match play. When one player holes the putt and his score cannot be beaten on that hole, the other player just picks up his ball and they move on to the next hole. "It can alleviate pressure," says Studer. "And, in general, can be more fun."
Alternate Shot
Work together. "In Europe we call the game 'foursomes,' " says Hugh Marr, a PGA professional and golf coach in Surrey County, England, "but in the U.S. it's often called alternate shot." It's one of the formats used in Ryder Cup matches. A two-player team plays the same ball, alternating with each shot. Before the match, it is designated which player will tee off on odd-numbered holes and which player will tee off on even-numbered holes. They compete against another twosome. "This game creates great camaraderie and encourages players to work with others, understanding what makes other people tick," says Marr. "It can be played with golfers of all ages, both male and female. At the youth level, it also encourages young people to come to terms with other people's failings.
The Pinehurst Format
Switch balls. "A fun variation on the game is known as the 'Pinehurst' format," says Studer. "Here, two partners tee off, then have to switch and hit each ether's ball for the second shot, and continue to hit alternate shots into the hole. This is a great format to promote sportsmanship because inevitably you will be putting your partner in less than favorable positions around the course, so there's a give and take that creates good spirit and sportsmanship."
The Scramble
Perhaps the most popular game at social outings is known as a scramble, and it works well to promote good will between players. In this format, four players work together as a team. Everyone tees off, then each player gets to play his second shot from the position of the group's best tee shot. After each player hits his second shot, the group proceeds again to the best shot. "It's always fun to see players in a foursome cheering each other on," says Studer. "It's a nice break from the normal head-to-head competition you see on the golf course."
References
- Brent Studer: PGA: Brielle, New Jersey
- Hugh Marr: PGA: Surrey, England
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