Basic training

One of the most challenging aspects of being a golf course superintendent is the seasonal nature of the work and retaining experienced staff members. Almost every new season means recruiting, hiring and training new employees. Often these new hires have never been on a golf course.

One of the hazards they will face almost every day is getting hit by a golf ball. To help them work safely around golfers and not interfere with play, part of their training should include an orientation to golf and a basic understanding of golf etiquette.

Golf takes etiquette and safety very seriously. In fact, Section 1 in the Rules of Golf is Etiquette; Behavior on the Course, and states “Players should always alert greenstaff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that may endanger them.” That doesn’t mean you can always count on a warning. Your new hires need to understand not all golfers are watching for them or will see them; they must take responsibility for their own safety and it’s important they learn and follow the rules of golf etiquette.

Here are some highlights you’ll want to make sure you cover when talking to your crew about golf etiquette and working around golfers.

Your crew may find themselves working very close to golfers, around a tee or on a putting green, or golfers may be hundreds of yards away playing a shot towards you. Either way, to work safely and not interfere with play they need to follow these three simple rules:

1. Be quiet
2. Be still
3. Stay out of the line of play

Tell them the closer they are to the golfer, the more important these rules are. You don’t have to stand still and be quiet all the time, but if you’re working at a tee box, green or any other place a golfer is preparing to hit a shot, you must be absolutely quiet, and stay as still as a statue. Explain what “addressing the ball” means and how critical these last few seconds are to a golfer’s concentration.

It’s not as important to be perfectly still and silent if you’re raking a fairway bunker 270 yards from the tee, but it is important to pay attention and know when golfers are approaching. As soon as you realize you’re in range of a golf shot, stop working, give the golfer your attention and move out of their line of play. Remember golfers are optimistic and expect to hit every shot long and straight. They may believe they can reach you from unrealistic distances.

This is a good time to explain “line of play” and how far out of the line of play you want your crew when a golfer is playing in their direction. If they are working on a green while golfers are playing shots to that green, I suggest they move completely off and to the back of the green. On the other hand, if they are more than a hundred yards away in a fairway, it might be OK to just move 10 yards or so, one way or the other. While you’re talking about line of play, demonstrate where they should stand if they are close to a golfer hitting a shot or putting. For example, don’t stand on the line of a putt.

Now back to the golfer playing a shot toward a worker. After they’ve moved out of the line of play, tell them to acknowledge the golfer with a friendly wave to let him know it’s OK to play. Make sure they keep their eyes on the golfer and watch carefully for the ball. Explain that if a golfer yells “FORE!” He is not announcing his score. If the worker sees the ball he can easily move and avoid it, but if he hears “FORE!” and doesn’t see the ball, he should turn his back to the golfer, duck, and cover the back of his head and neck with his hands and arms.

If they are attentive, and follow your instructions, it’s unlikely a crew member will get hit by a golf shot, but they still need to know what to do in case someone is hit.”

Some golf course jobs are more dangerous than others and put the worker directly in the line of play. There are some strategies you can use to help avoid golfers (starting early, working in reverse order, look for gaps in play), but most importantly they have to pay attention and be aware of what’s going on around them.

If they follow your instructions, it’s unlikely a crew member will get hit by a golf shot. But they still need to know what to do in case someone is hit. First, they should make a quick assessment and seek immediate help for any serious injury, especially if hit in the head, even if they believe they are okay. For less severe injuries, ice helps with swelling and minor pain relief. One final rule is never blame or interact negatively with golfers. If you feel you were treated unfairly, tell your supervisor and let them handle it.

Mickey McCord is the founder of McCord Golf Services and Safety, and is a frequent GCI contributor.