🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 124 (from laksa189)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa124.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://golf.com/lifestyle/playing-golf-with-beginner-rules/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://golf.com/lifestyle/playing-golf-with-beginner-rules/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/playing-golf-with-beginner-rules\/","crawl_time":1760425892,"first_indexed_time":1690923772,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,golf!\/lifestyle\/playing-golf-with-beginner-rules\/ s443","src_root_hash":"3311349442413738924","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Playing golf with a beginner? Here's how to take the pressure off","meta_descriptions":["If you're an experienced golfer, here are etiquette pointers for playing with someone who is just learning the game."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Ted from Wisconsin writes : A friend who just took up the game has asked me to join him for what would be his first round on an 18-hole course. Up until now, he has only hit balls on the driving range and hacked it up on a local par-3 track. I like the guy; he’s my friend. But at this point, he still tops or whiffs a lot of shots. I’m not sure he’s ready for a real course, and I worry about our holding everybody up if we head out together. I’m not sure I want to be a part of that. Should I accept his invite or concoct an excuse for why I can’t make it? Dear Ted:  The  Etiquetteist  has a friend who says he wants to launch a “Shrink the Game” campaign as a way of culling the herd of newbies who have clogged his local course since the  Covid boom . He’s joking (sort of). But his commentary gets at something real. For all the high-minded talk in golf about “ growing the game ,” most of us don’t like crowds, especially when we’re stuck behind them, and even less so when those crowds include players who are just learning the ropes. It’s the golf equivalent of NIMBYism (we want more people to play, provided they aren’t in the group in front of us), and no one is more guilty of it than many of the game’s most powerful figures; if golf’s poohbahs really believed the populist messages they often spout, then places like Seminole and Pine Valley would become public-access. Now,  that  would make an interesting campaign. But the Etiquetteist digresses. To your question. You’ve probably heard it said that in golf, it’s not how, it’s how many. In fact, the opposite is true. What matters isn’t the number of strokes you take but how you go about taking them. Who cares if your friend tops every other shot? The group behind you shouldn’t, so long as your mate moves at a reasonable pace and knows to pick up when he’s taken too many whacks.  Question is, is he familiar with those elements of etiquette? As you may be aware, in some European countries new golfers are  required to pass the equivalent of a driver’s test  before they’re allowed onto regulation courses. In the U.S., there is no such barrier to entry. It’s a free for all. With any luck, while learning the rudiments of grip and stance, your friend has also learned some of the  etiquette basics , so he knows to be mindful of holding up others. But there’s no guarantee that anyone has introduced him to the fundamentals of how to move around a course, which — let’s face it — can be subtle and elusive. It helps to have a teacher. Or a role model, at least. That’s where you come in. Rather than concoct an excuse to avoid playing with your friend, you should embrace the opportunity. You might start by having a conversation with him before you head to the course so you can gauge how well he understands what’s expected of him, and clarify any questions he might have. There’s no need to turn this into a confrontational or condescending exchange. Just talk it out, like two mature adults.  If you follow only 5 rules of golf etiquette, make them these 5 rules By: \n                Alan Bastable              And when you do get to the course, you can add to the education by offering gentle guidance when it’s needed, and leading by example throughout the round. By day’s end, your friend may even come to the realization that he needs more practice on shorter courses before he takes on a full 18 again. But the Etiquetteist has a feeling that your pal will catch on quickly. In golf, who we learn from can make all the different. We see this all the time in junior golf programs like The First Tee and Youth on Course. Recently, none other than Tom Watson  launched a program  that pairs beginners with on-course mentors as a way to offer the sort of guidance all new golfers need. That’s just the sort of aid you can give your friend. In doing so, you won’t just ensure that he doesn’t bother people playing behind him; you’ll help him have more fun as well. It’s tough to learn this game — not just the swing but the etiquette around it. And it’s more enjoyable when we all know what we’re doing. What you’re doing is a favor to your friend. Someday, that friend may do the same for another golfer who is just starting out. Call it patience and generosity. Pass it on.","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=28200087&cv=3.9.1&cj=1)\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/playing-golf-with-beginner-rules\/#main)\n\n[Golf Logo](https:\/\/golf.com\/ \"Golf logo. 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[The Fully Equipped Collection](https:\/\/shop.golf.com\/pages\/storefront\/golffe)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/link.golf.com\/join\/5tc\/new-signup-lists)\n  - [Hot Mic](https:\/\/link.golf.com\/join\/5tc\/hot-mic-signup)\n  - [Monday Finish](https:\/\/link.golf.com\/join\/5tc\/monday-finish-signup)\n  - [Play Smart](https:\/\/link.golf.com\/join\/5tc\/play-smart-signup)\n  - [Top Stories](https:\/\/link.golf.com\/join\/5tc\/top-stories-signup)\n  - [Our Picks](https:\/\/link.golf.com\/join\/5tc\/our-picks-signup)\n  - [Sign Up for All](https:\/\/link.golf.com\/join\/5tc\/new-signup-lists)\n- [InsideGOLF](https:\/\/golf.com\/insidegolf\/)\n\n- [Join Now](https:\/\/golf.com\/subscription\/sign-up?utm_source=golfcom&utm_medium=joinnow_nav)\n- [Log In](https:\/\/golf.com\/login?utm_source=golfcom&utm_medium=login)\n\nPlaying golf with a beginner? Here’s how to take the pressure off\n\nSHARE\n\n- Share on Facebook\n- Share on Twitter\n- [Share by Email](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/playing-golf-with-beginner-rules\/)\n\nInsideGOLF Fall Special:\n\n[Extra \\$25 Credit](https:\/\/golf.com\/subscription\/sign-up\/?utm_source=golfcom&utm_medium=announcementbanner)\n\nx\n\n[Lifestyle](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/)\n\n# Playing golf with a beginner? Here’s how to take the pressure off\nBy:   [Josh Sens](https:\/\/golf.com\/writers\/josh-sens\/)\n\nAugust 1, 2023\n\n- Share on Facebook\n- Share on Twitter\n- [Share by Email](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/playing-golf-with-beginner-rules\/)\n\n![beginner golfer](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/beginner.jpg)\n\nEmbrace the opportunity to play with a new golfer.\n\ngetty images\n\n*Ted from Wisconsin writes*:\n\n*A friend who just took up the game has asked me to join him for what would be his first round on an 18-hole course. Up until now, he has only hit balls on the driving range and hacked it up on a local par-3 track. I like the guy; he’s my friend. But at this point, he still tops or whiffs a lot of shots. I’m not sure he’s ready for a real course, and I worry about our holding everybody up if we head out together. I’m not sure I want to be a part of that. Should I accept his invite or concoct an excuse for why I can’t make it?*\n\nDear Ted:\n\nThe [Etiquetteist](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/okay-to-play-two-balls-one-round-single\/) has a friend who says he wants to launch a “Shrink the Game” campaign as a way of culling the herd of newbies who have clogged his local course since the [Covid boom](https:\/\/golf.com\/travel\/courses\/los-angeles-tee-times-robots-ai-muni-mondays\/).\n\nHe’s joking (sort of). But his commentary gets at something real. For all the high-minded talk in golf about “[growing the game](https:\/\/golf.com\/travel\/courses\/growing-the-game-look-like-pitch-and-putt\/),” most of us don’t like crowds, especially when we’re stuck behind them, and even less so when those crowds include players who are just learning the ropes.\n\nIt’s the golf equivalent of NIMBYism (we want more people to play, provided they aren’t in the group in front of us), and no one is more guilty of it than many of the game’s most powerful figures; if golf’s poohbahs really believed the populist messages they often spout, then places like Seminole and Pine Valley would become public-access. Now, *that* would make an interesting campaign.\n\nBut the Etiquetteist digresses.\n\nTo your question. You’ve probably heard it said that in golf, it’s not how, it’s how many. In fact, the opposite is true. What matters isn’t the number of strokes you take but how you go about taking them. Who cares if your friend tops every other shot? The group behind you shouldn’t, so long as your mate moves at a reasonable pace and knows to pick up when he’s taken too many whacks.\n\nQuestion is, is he familiar with those elements of etiquette?\n\nAs you may be aware, in some European countries new golfers are [required to pass the equivalent of a driver’s test](https:\/\/golf.com\/instruction\/rules\/country-golfers-rules-etiquette-exam\/) before they’re allowed onto regulation courses. In the U.S., there is no such barrier to entry. It’s a free for all. With any luck, while learning the rudiments of grip and stance, your friend has also learned some of the [etiquette basics](https:\/\/golf.com\/instruction\/rules\/5-rules-golf-etiquette-make-it-these-rules\/), so he knows to be mindful of holding up others. But there’s no guarantee that anyone has introduced him to the fundamentals of how to move around a course, which — let’s face it — can be subtle and elusive. It helps to have a teacher. Or a role model, at least.\n\nThat’s where you come in. Rather than concoct an excuse to avoid playing with your friend, you should embrace the opportunity. You might start by having a conversation with him before you head to the course so you can gauge how well he understands what’s expected of him, and clarify any questions he might have. There’s no need to turn this into a confrontational or condescending exchange. Just talk it out, like two mature adults.\n\n[Rules](https:\/\/golf.com\/instruction\/rules\/)\n\n[![golfer in cart](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/cart.jpg)](https:\/\/golf.com\/instruction\/rules\/5-rules-golf-etiquette-make-it-these-rules\/)\n\n> [If you follow only 5 rules of golf etiquette, make them these 5 rules](https:\/\/golf.com\/instruction\/rules\/5-rules-golf-etiquette-make-it-these-rules\/)\n\nBy:   [Alan Bastable](https:\/\/golf.com\/writers\/alan-bastable\/)\n\nAnd when you do get to the course, you can add to the education by offering gentle guidance when it’s needed, and leading by example throughout the round. By day’s end, your friend may even come to the realization that he needs more practice on shorter courses before he takes on a full 18 again.\n\nBut the Etiquetteist has a feeling that your pal will catch on quickly.\n\nIn golf, who we learn from can make all the different. We see this all the time in junior golf programs like The First Tee and Youth on Course. Recently, none other than Tom Watson [launched a program](https:\/\/golf.com\/news\/tom-watson-mentorship-lifetime-golfers\/) that pairs beginners with on-course mentors as a way to offer the sort of guidance all new golfers need.\n\nThat’s just the sort of aid you can give your friend. In doing so, you won’t just ensure that he doesn’t bother people playing behind him; you’ll help him have more fun as well. It’s tough to learn this game — not just the swing but the etiquette around it. And it’s more enjoyable when we all know what we’re doing.\n\nWhat you’re doing is a favor to your friend. Someday, that friend may do the same for another golfer who is just starting out. Call it patience and generosity.\n\nPass it on.\n\n## Latest In Lifestyle\n2 days ago\n\n[Does this viral cocktail have health benefits? A nutrition specialist weighs in](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/does-viral-water-hazard-cocktail-have-health-benefits\/)\n\n5 days ago\n\n[Baycurrent Classic betting guide: 5 picks our gambling expert loves this week](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/baycurrent-classic-betting-guide-5-picks\/)\n\n1 week ago\n\n[My 7 favorite products of the year — so far](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/my-favorite-products-of-the-year\/)\n\n1 week ago\n\n[The keys to making complex and satisfying mocktails at home](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/keys-to-making-crowd-pleasing-mocktails-at-home\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/joshsens.jpg)\n\n#### Josh Sens\nGolf.com Editor\n\nA golf, food and travel writer, Josh Sens has been a GOLF Magazine contributor since 2004 and now contributes across all of GOLF’s platforms. His work has been anthologized in The Best American Sportswriting. He is also the co-author, with Sammy Hagar, of Are We Having Any Fun Yet: the Cooking and Partying Handbook.\n\n- [Author Twitter Account](https:\/\/www.twitter.com\/JoshSens)\n\n## Related Articles\n[Rules](https:\/\/golf.com\/instruction\/rules\/)\n\n[![golf ball sitting on divot in fairway](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/bad_lie2.jpg)](https:\/\/golf.com\/instruction\/rules\/divots-fairway-rules-golf-etiquette-unfair-lies\/)\n\n[Should you get free relief from absurd lies? The Etiquetteist weighs in](https:\/\/golf.com\/instruction\/rules\/divots-fairway-rules-golf-etiquette-unfair-lies\/)  By:   [Josh Sens](https:\/\/golf.com\/writers\/josh-sens\/)\n\n[Lifestyle](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/)\n\n[![back tees on hole at bethpage black](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/back_tees.jpg)](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/bad-golfers-back-tees-distance-etiquette\/)\n\n[Should bad golfers be banned from playing back tees? The Etiquetteist weighs in](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/bad-golfers-back-tees-distance-etiquette\/)  By:   [Josh Sens](https:\/\/golf.com\/writers\/josh-sens\/)\n\n[Instruction](https:\/\/golf.com\/instruction\/)\n\n[![golfer chasing golf cart on golf course](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/golfer-chasing-golf-cart.jpg)](https:\/\/golf.com\/instruction\/9-ways-play-faster-cart-golf\/)\n\n[9 ways to play faster cart golf](https:\/\/golf.com\/instruction\/9-ways-play-faster-cart-golf\/)  By:   [Jessica Marksbury](https:\/\/golf.com\/writers\/jessica-marksbury\/)\n\n[Lifestyle](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/)\n\n[![gambling golf](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2024-12-27-at-12.57.32%E2%80%AFPM.jpg)](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/sandbagging-wagering-etiquette-cheating\/)\n\n[I lost a bet to a sandbagger. Did I have to pay? The Etiquetteist weighs in](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/sandbagging-wagering-etiquette-cheating\/)  By:   [Josh Sens](https:\/\/golf.com\/writers\/josh-sens\/)\n\n[Lifestyle](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/)\n\n[![a golfer tees off on the golf course](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/golfer-tees-off.jpg)](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/high-handicappers-mulligans-etiquette\/)\n\n[Pro says high-handicappers could play faster doing this. Is it a good idea?](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/high-handicappers-mulligans-etiquette\/)  By:   [Josh Sens](https:\/\/golf.com\/writers\/josh-sens\/)\n\n[Lifestyle](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/)\n\n[![two golfers shaking hands on green](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/etiquette.jpg)](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/a-i-advice-golf-etiquette-slow-play\/)\n\n[Can A.I. help golfers with golf etiquette? We found out](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/a-i-advice-golf-etiquette-slow-play\/)  By:   [Josh Sens](https:\/\/golf.com\/writers\/josh-sens\/)\n\n[Lifestyle](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/)\n\n[![lose-up of a golf ball with the flag of South Korea realistically rendered in 3D.](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/South-Korea-golf-ball.jpg)](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/8-ways-south-korean-golf-course-etiquette-differs-us\/)\n\n[8 ways South Korean golf course etiquette differs from the U.S.](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/8-ways-south-korean-golf-course-etiquette-differs-us\/)  By:   [Josh Sens](https:\/\/golf.com\/writers\/josh-sens\/)\n\n[Lifestyle](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/)\n\n[![A golfer tees off as his playing partners look on.](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/first-tee-timing.jpg)](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/etiquette-tee-time-slow-play-showing-up\/)\n\n[How long before my starting time do I need to show up on the first tee?](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/etiquette-tee-time-slow-play-showing-up\/)  By:   [Josh Sens](https:\/\/golf.com\/writers\/josh-sens\/)\n\n[Lifestyle](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/)\n\n[![A pair of clean golf shoes alongside a golf glove and a ball.](https:\/\/golf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/golf-shoes.jpg)](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/shoe-cleaning-private-club-etiquette\/)\n\n[At a private club, should I feel obligated to have my shoes cleaned? \\| The Etiquetteist](https:\/\/golf.com\/lifestyle\/shoe-cleaning-private-club-etiquette\/)  By:   [Josh Sens](https:\/\/golf.com\/writers\/josh-sens\/)\n\nSign up for GOLF's Newsletters\n\nGet the latest news, the hottest instruction tips, new product releases, golf media insider reports and more delivered directly to your inbox. 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URL	https://golf.com/lifestyle/playing-golf-with-beginner-rules/
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First Indexed	2023-08-01 21:02:52 (2 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Playing golf with a beginner? Here's how to take the pressure off
Meta Description	If you're an experienced golfer, here are etiquette pointers for playing with someone who is just learning the game.
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Boilerpipe Text	Ted from Wisconsin writes : A friend who just took up the game has asked me to join him for what would be his first round on an 18-hole course. Up until now, he has only hit balls on the driving range and hacked it up on a local par-3 track. I like the guy; he’s my friend. But at this point, he still tops or whiffs a lot of shots. I’m not sure he’s ready for a real course, and I worry about our holding everybody up if we head out together. I’m not sure I want to be a part of that. Should I accept his invite or concoct an excuse for why I can’t make it? Dear Ted: The Etiquetteist has a friend who says he wants to launch a “Shrink the Game” campaign as a way of culling the herd of newbies who have clogged his local course since the Covid boom . He’s joking (sort of). But his commentary gets at something real. For all the high-minded talk in golf about “ growing the game ,” most of us don’t like crowds, especially when we’re stuck behind them, and even less so when those crowds include players who are just learning the ropes. It’s the golf equivalent of NIMBYism (we want more people to play, provided they aren’t in the group in front of us), and no one is more guilty of it than many of the game’s most powerful figures; if golf’s poohbahs really believed the populist messages they often spout, then places like Seminole and Pine Valley would become public-access. Now, that would make an interesting campaign. But the Etiquetteist digresses. To your question. You’ve probably heard it said that in golf, it’s not how, it’s how many. In fact, the opposite is true. What matters isn’t the number of strokes you take but how you go about taking them. Who cares if your friend tops every other shot? The group behind you shouldn’t, so long as your mate moves at a reasonable pace and knows to pick up when he’s taken too many whacks. Question is, is he familiar with those elements of etiquette? As you may be aware, in some European countries new golfers are required to pass the equivalent of a driver’s test before they’re allowed onto regulation courses. In the U.S., there is no such barrier to entry. It’s a free for all. With any luck, while learning the rudiments of grip and stance, your friend has also learned some of the etiquette basics , so he knows to be mindful of holding up others. But there’s no guarantee that anyone has introduced him to the fundamentals of how to move around a course, which — let’s face it — can be subtle and elusive. It helps to have a teacher. Or a role model, at least. That’s where you come in. Rather than concoct an excuse to avoid playing with your friend, you should embrace the opportunity. You might start by having a conversation with him before you head to the course so you can gauge how well he understands what’s expected of him, and clarify any questions he might have. There’s no need to turn this into a confrontational or condescending exchange. Just talk it out, like two mature adults. If you follow only 5 rules of golf etiquette, make them these 5 rules By: Alan Bastable And when you do get to the course, you can add to the education by offering gentle guidance when it’s needed, and leading by example throughout the round. By day’s end, your friend may even come to the realization that he needs more practice on shorter courses before he takes on a full 18 again. But the Etiquetteist has a feeling that your pal will catch on quickly. In golf, who we learn from can make all the different. We see this all the time in junior golf programs like The First Tee and Youth on Course. Recently, none other than Tom Watson launched a program that pairs beginners with on-course mentors as a way to offer the sort of guidance all new golfers need. That’s just the sort of aid you can give your friend. In doing so, you won’t just ensure that he doesn’t bother people playing behind him; you’ll help him have more fun as well. It’s tough to learn this game — not just the swing but the etiquette around it. And it’s more enjoyable when we all know what we’re doing. What you’re doing is a favor to your friend. Someday, that friend may do the same for another golfer who is just starting out. Call it patience and generosity. Pass it on.
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Here’s how to take the pressure off SHARE - Share on Facebook - Share on Twitter - [Share by Email](https://golf.com/lifestyle/playing-golf-with-beginner-rules/) InsideGOLF Fall Special: [Extra \$25 Credit](https://golf.com/subscription/sign-up/?utm_source=golfcom&utm_medium=announcementbanner) x [Lifestyle](https://golf.com/lifestyle/) # Playing golf with a beginner? Here’s how to take the pressure off By: [Josh Sens](https://golf.com/writers/josh-sens/) August 1, 2023 - Share on Facebook - Share on Twitter - [Share by Email](https://golf.com/lifestyle/playing-golf-with-beginner-rules/) ![beginner golfer](https://golf.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/beginner.jpg) Embrace the opportunity to play with a new golfer. getty images Ted from Wisconsin writes: A friend who just took up the game has asked me to join him for what would be his first round on an 18-hole course. Up until now, he has only hit balls on the driving range and hacked it up on a local par-3 track. I like the guy; he’s my friend. But at this point, he still tops or whiffs a lot of shots. I’m not sure he’s ready for a real course, and I worry about our holding everybody up if we head out together. I’m not sure I want to be a part of that. Should I accept his invite or concoct an excuse for why I can’t make it? Dear Ted: The [Etiquetteist](https://golf.com/lifestyle/okay-to-play-two-balls-one-round-single/) has a friend who says he wants to launch a “Shrink the Game” campaign as a way of culling the herd of newbies who have clogged his local course since the [Covid boom](https://golf.com/travel/courses/los-angeles-tee-times-robots-ai-muni-mondays/). He’s joking (sort of). But his commentary gets at something real. For all the high-minded talk in golf about “[growing the game](https://golf.com/travel/courses/growing-the-game-look-like-pitch-and-putt/),” most of us don’t like crowds, especially when we’re stuck behind them, and even less so when those crowds include players who are just learning the ropes. It’s the golf equivalent of NIMBYism (we want more people to play, provided they aren’t in the group in front of us), and no one is more guilty of it than many of the game’s most powerful figures; if golf’s poohbahs really believed the populist messages they often spout, then places like Seminole and Pine Valley would become public-access. Now, that would make an interesting campaign. But the Etiquetteist digresses. To your question. You’ve probably heard it said that in golf, it’s not how, it’s how many. In fact, the opposite is true. What matters isn’t the number of strokes you take but how you go about taking them. Who cares if your friend tops every other shot? The group behind you shouldn’t, so long as your mate moves at a reasonable pace and knows to pick up when he’s taken too many whacks. Question is, is he familiar with those elements of etiquette? As you may be aware, in some European countries new golfers are [required to pass the equivalent of a driver’s test](https://golf.com/instruction/rules/country-golfers-rules-etiquette-exam/) before they’re allowed onto regulation courses. In the U.S., there is no such barrier to entry. It’s a free for all. With any luck, while learning the rudiments of grip and stance, your friend has also learned some of the [etiquette basics](https://golf.com/instruction/rules/5-rules-golf-etiquette-make-it-these-rules/), so he knows to be mindful of holding up others. But there’s no guarantee that anyone has introduced him to the fundamentals of how to move around a course, which — let’s face it — can be subtle and elusive. It helps to have a teacher. Or a role model, at least. That’s where you come in. Rather than concoct an excuse to avoid playing with your friend, you should embrace the opportunity. You might start by having a conversation with him before you head to the course so you can gauge how well he understands what’s expected of him, and clarify any questions he might have. There’s no need to turn this into a confrontational or condescending exchange. Just talk it out, like two mature adults. [Rules](https://golf.com/instruction/rules/) [![golfer in cart](https://golf.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cart.jpg)](https://golf.com/instruction/rules/5-rules-golf-etiquette-make-it-these-rules/) > [If you follow only 5 rules of golf etiquette, make them these 5 rules](https://golf.com/instruction/rules/5-rules-golf-etiquette-make-it-these-rules/) By: [Alan Bastable](https://golf.com/writers/alan-bastable/) And when you do get to the course, you can add to the education by offering gentle guidance when it’s needed, and leading by example throughout the round. By day’s end, your friend may even come to the realization that he needs more practice on shorter courses before he takes on a full 18 again. But the Etiquetteist has a feeling that your pal will catch on quickly. In golf, who we learn from can make all the different. We see this all the time in junior golf programs like The First Tee and Youth on Course. Recently, none other than Tom Watson [launched a program](https://golf.com/news/tom-watson-mentorship-lifetime-golfers/) that pairs beginners with on-course mentors as a way to offer the sort of guidance all new golfers need. That’s just the sort of aid you can give your friend. In doing so, you won’t just ensure that he doesn’t bother people playing behind him; you’ll help him have more fun as well. It’s tough to learn this game — not just the swing but the etiquette around it. And it’s more enjoyable when we all know what we’re doing. What you’re doing is a favor to your friend. Someday, that friend may do the same for another golfer who is just starting out. Call it patience and generosity. Pass it on. ## Latest In Lifestyle 2 days ago [Does this viral cocktail have health benefits? A nutrition specialist weighs in](https://golf.com/lifestyle/does-viral-water-hazard-cocktail-have-health-benefits/) 5 days ago [Baycurrent Classic betting guide: 5 picks our gambling expert loves this week](https://golf.com/lifestyle/baycurrent-classic-betting-guide-5-picks/) 1 week ago [My 7 favorite products of the year — so far](https://golf.com/lifestyle/my-favorite-products-of-the-year/) 1 week ago [The keys to making complex and satisfying mocktails at home](https://golf.com/lifestyle/keys-to-making-crowd-pleasing-mocktails-at-home/) ![](https://golf.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/joshsens.jpg) #### Josh Sens Golf.com Editor A golf, food and travel writer, Josh Sens has been a GOLF Magazine contributor since 2004 and now contributes across all of GOLF’s platforms. His work has been anthologized in The Best American Sportswriting. He is also the co-author, with Sammy Hagar, of Are We Having Any Fun Yet: the Cooking and Partying Handbook. - [Author Twitter Account](https://www.twitter.com/JoshSens) ## Related Articles [Rules](https://golf.com/instruction/rules/) [![golf ball sitting on divot in fairway](https://golf.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bad_lie2.jpg)](https://golf.com/instruction/rules/divots-fairway-rules-golf-etiquette-unfair-lies/) [Should you get free relief from absurd lies? The Etiquetteist weighs in](https://golf.com/instruction/rules/divots-fairway-rules-golf-etiquette-unfair-lies/) By: [Josh Sens](https://golf.com/writers/josh-sens/) [Lifestyle](https://golf.com/lifestyle/) [![back tees on hole at bethpage black](https://golf.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/back_tees.jpg)](https://golf.com/lifestyle/bad-golfers-back-tees-distance-etiquette/) [Should bad golfers be banned from playing back tees? 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We found out](https://golf.com/lifestyle/a-i-advice-golf-etiquette-slow-play/) By: [Josh Sens](https://golf.com/writers/josh-sens/) [Lifestyle](https://golf.com/lifestyle/) [![lose-up of a golf ball with the flag of South Korea realistically rendered in 3D.](https://golf.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/South-Korea-golf-ball.jpg)](https://golf.com/lifestyle/8-ways-south-korean-golf-course-etiquette-differs-us/) [8 ways South Korean golf course etiquette differs from the U.S.](https://golf.com/lifestyle/8-ways-south-korean-golf-course-etiquette-differs-us/) By: [Josh Sens](https://golf.com/writers/josh-sens/) [Lifestyle](https://golf.com/lifestyle/) [![A golfer tees off as his playing partners look on.](https://golf.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/first-tee-timing.jpg)](https://golf.com/lifestyle/etiquette-tee-time-slow-play-showing-up/) [How long before my starting time do I need to show up on the first tee?](https://golf.com/lifestyle/etiquette-tee-time-slow-play-showing-up/) By: [Josh Sens](https://golf.com/writers/josh-sens/) [Lifestyle](https://golf.com/lifestyle/) [![A pair of clean golf shoes alongside a golf glove and a ball.](https://golf.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golf-shoes.jpg)](https://golf.com/lifestyle/shoe-cleaning-private-club-etiquette/) [At a private club, should I feel obligated to have my shoes cleaned? \\| The Etiquetteist](https://golf.com/lifestyle/shoe-cleaning-private-club-etiquette/) By: [Josh Sens](https://golf.com/writers/josh-sens/) Sign up for GOLF's Newsletters Get the latest news, the hottest instruction tips, new product releases, golf media insider reports and more delivered directly to your inbox. 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