I am still a bit agitated as evidenced by my posting this situation. November naturally is a slow time for golf in the Great Lakes region. Today I went over to the local Muni as a single. There was no one on the tee or waiting so I took off as a single. On the 7th hole I ran into a 5-some. I quietly stood off to the side while all 5 players hit their tee shots to a 130 yard par 3 hole. I sort of expected them to say "go ahead and hit and we can all walk up". However, they proceeded to walk forward, not even acknowledging me. When they were about half way to the hole one player turned and said, "If you want to hit up, go ahead because otherwise you will be doggin us all round. Most normal people would just skip a hole."

Frankly I was stunned. Here is this guy telling me "normal" etiquette required me to walk past them and play the next hole. I was not going to hit because there were now 5 prime targets in front of me. So I picked up my bag and walked to the next hole. The gentleman who had bothered to speak to me asked me if I was going to hit up and I said, "No, I am going to be a normal person."

Ultimately, I was so bothered I left them a note on the 10th tee, thanking my new "friend" for the lesson on etiquette but reminding them that in a polite world they might have given me 30 seconds to hit up and pass them. I signed my name on the note to let them know I was not some anonymous critic and if someone had a problem with my comments, they could find me in the phone book.

I would hit just because they offered to let me play the whole and hit while they were walking up. Any responsibility for getting hit was on them at the time. Yes they should have let you skip (go) ahead and play the hole ahead of (before) them.


Sometimes people make golf suck.

Some people are just oblivious to the world around them. It seems many of those people play golf as part of a slow group.

You know...I've gotten into the habit of asking others if they will allow me to play through if the way ahead of them is clear especially if they look like they don't play a whole lot. I can usually tell how much someone has played by watching him tee up regardless of whether he hits a good shot or not. But a fivesome is usually a dead giveaway unless the course is busy and assigning fivesomes (which happens aroune these parts).

That said, I would have corrected the bloke when he made the crack about normal people. I would have said something like, "I paid for 18, I intend to play 18".

But then again, I'm not one to avoid confrontation.

What's up with you people? The guys told you to play through and you denied because you're afraid you hit them? Greenfeeplayers

Well, if it were me and i came upon a 5 some, i would have asked before they started walking if they minded if i played through since they were a 5 some. If they gave me any s#it i'd comment on how it's not only bad etiquette to play as a 5 some but worse etiquette to not allow faster groups through and the time spent playing the hole could just as easily be spent notifying the clubhouse of their conduct.

Sometimes people DO make golf suck.

When I come up with a group on the T, as a single. I immediately ask " Mind if I t off with you guys on this hole"

when faced with an obvious request it takes a real dick head to ignore you or say no...

almost got into a fight with a knuckle head. They demanded to play through. Two of us walking, threesome in front. We are on there heals through 11 holes. Two some catches us waiting on the threesome to hit there second shot. Told the guy no he could not play through but could join us. He declined.

Went around us after hitting his second shot into us while we are on the green par 4. Catch him on the next hole, now we are waiting for him while he is waiting for the 3some. Now another 3some demands to play through us. Not only no but hell no. As we have already teed off when they arrive, one calls us a vulgar name. Just kept walking. He then throws a golf ball at my son. I asked them "really over a golf game' there is no where to go."

Last summer a group of alcohol pickled hackers tee off on a par three while we are on the green. Twice one nearly hit my 15 year old son. I walked over to get there cart number and call the pro shop. On of them sucker punched me. Unbelievable, I of course defended my self and apprehended them under citizens arrest. About 20 years ago i had received my black belt in tae kwon do. Crazy what you run into on the course today.

@gmsmith - I hear you. Have not seen a report of gun play on a course but it is coming.

I guess the fella that wanted to rumble with your group selected the wrong person!

Earlier this year two local men had their Golf bags stolen, along with their valuables.... Two fellows drove up next to their cart, which was parked near a road, one jumps out and takes off with the cart, the other follows him down the road several hundred yards. They stop and grab the bags off the back of the cart, and throw them into their truck, and zoom away. They didn't get everything though, the two golfers were left standing on the green with their putters.