Mastering Golf Etiquette: Pace of Play and Consideration for Others with SisterGolf

Mastering Golf Etiquette: Pace of Play and Consideration for Others with SisterGolf

Mastering golf extends beyond perfecting your swing; it also requires a deep understanding of the game’s rules, etiquette, and social customs. Gaining confidence in these areas is essential for women seeking to use golf for professional advancement and relationship-building. 

At SisterGolf, we focus on providing structured instruction to help navigate the golfing environment easily. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of pace of play, teach you how to stay considerate of others on the course, and explain how SisterGolf’s lessons and play dates can enrich your golfing journey.

When is Learning Appropriate on the Golf Course?

Golf is a game of continuous learning, and every round offers a chance to improve your skills. However, it’s essential to understand when and where learning is most appropriate on the golf course. For beginners, SisterGolf offers workshops, webinars, and play dates designed to create a supportive environment for learning golf basics and etiquette. Practicing new skills or seeking guidance during casual rounds with friends or at designated practice areas is an excellent way to learn without disrupting the flow of the game.

Importance of Pace of Play:

Pace of play is crucial in golf, and maintaining a steady pace is not only beneficial for your game but also essential for the enjoyment of others on the course. Playing at a consistent speed becomes even more critical when participating in tournaments. Beginners might not always be aware of this aspect of the game, but understanding and adhering to the recommended pace ensures everyone can enjoy their time on the course.

Slowing Down Players and Staying Considerate:

Nobody wants to feel rushed while playing golf, but it’s crucial to be considerate of others. If your group is consistently falling behind, it may be necessary to speed up play or let players behind you play through. Here are some tips to keep the pace moving and show consideration for others:

  1. Be prepared: Before it’s your turn, have the right club selected and know the distance to your target.
  2. Play ready golf: When it’s safe and appropriate, hit your shot when ready, rather than adhering strictly to the farthest-from-the-hole order.
  3. Limit practice swings: While helpful, limit them to avoid excess delay.
  4. Pacing with the group ahead: Maintaining a reasonable distance from the group in front of you ensures everyone can play comfortably.
  5. Leave the green promptly: Once you’ve finished putting, quickly move to the next tee and allow the following group to approach the green.

Navigating Golf Etiquette with SisterGolf:

At SisterGolf, we understand that beginners might not be familiar with every aspect of golf etiquette. Our lessons and play dates provide the perfect opportunity to learn the game, essential golf etiquette, and customs. We believe in creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where women can build confidence and forge lasting connections while mastering the complexities of golf.

Gain Confidence on the Green:

SisterGolf is a pioneering force in supporting and empowering women by harnessing the potential of golf. As you begin your golf adventure, remember the significance of a consistent pace of play and consideration for fellow players. 

Visit our workshops page for more information on our webinars, practice dates, and workshops to enrich your golfing experience further. With SisterGolf by your side, you’ll refine your golf expertise and unlock the game’s immense value for professional and personal development.

Breaking Barriers: How Shella Sylla is Revolutionizing Women’s Golf in Birmingham

How Shella Sylla is Revolutionizing Women’s Golf in Birmingham

Shella Sylla moved to Birmingham in 2013 with two plans: to be closer to her sister and to launch a company that teaches women how to use golf to get ahead in business. 

Settling in with family went well. But trying to get people to understand the concept of SisterGolf, her new professional and business development company, was a struggle for the former bank executive from Miami, who learned to play golf to improve her sales on a work team made up of all men. 

When she attended events and meetings to spread the word about SisterGolf in Birmingham, people were confused about her business. Was she a golf instructor? Was she a nonprofit? Was she solely focused on teaching Black women how to play golf?

She didn’t let the questions deter her. Since she was new in town, she worked to build her foundation. She also improved the messaging of her website content, which underwent four redesigns. 

She had to remain strong when she set up her vendor table at events because some women turned away at the mere mention of golf. “I’m not being facetious. They would turn around and sprint away like there’s the plague,” Sylla said. “I had a few people come over and say, ‘I could never do that,’ or ‘That’s just not for me.’”

There was so much fear and intimidation around golf and women that it shocked Sylla. 

But she knew this was something people needed in the Birmingham area. In late 2013-early 2014, she posted on social media that she was hosting an informational meeting on how women can play golf in business. To her surprise, a lot of women attended. That meeting is what gave her the impetus to continue. 

There was interest. She just needed to get the word out more. 

Sylla forged a relationship with Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham and started doing post-work events and Saturday morning sessions that attracted more women. She then offered a four-week golf education workshop at Innovation Depot, covering golf etiquette, scoring, what to wear, golf terminology, golf rules, how to set a tee time, etc. Several women who had been going to the golf course with their spouses for years told Sylla that her course taught them more than their husbands knew. 

“That made me feel like I was definitely bringing value,” Sylla said, adding she is now working on offering a digital online class later this month. In April 2024, she will return with her group golf lessons. On March 20, she will host a monthly webinar for SisterGolf members. She also works with companies and organizations in providing workshops, which are open to women of all races.

“Every time I felt like giving up, I got a call the next day from someone or ran into someone who said, ‘Shella, thank you so much. I used this and it helped me in this fashion.’ Or ‘I just played in my first tournament by myself, and I connected with a CEO…'” she said. 

Most of her workshops are held at Highland Park Golf Course. Practice sessions are held at area golf courses with public access. And because golf can be an expensive sport, Sylla offers resources on where women can find deals on golf clothes and discounts on equipment. 

“I still feel like I’m on a journey and there is more to go,” she said.