Are golfers still disregarding greenkeepers on the course
Many in the industry will have experienced golf balls dropping over or on their heads while cutting greens or raking bunkers. James Kimmings took to social media to determine if the respect for greenkeepers has improved on golf courses.
One greenkeeper wrote online: “I’ve had balls fly past my ear from golfers who are only 50 yards behind me. I try to approach them with a smile and politely ask them to wait until we are out of the way next time. Most of them are apologetic and we part on good terms.”
Another wrote: “It is a difficult one, I suppose it is up to the golf club to discipline the culprits. In an environment where discipline is almost gone due to no entrance fees into clubs and disloyal members leaving every other year to join the next cheap club, committees struggle to earn respect! I’d record it to the manager and advise signs are needed. As for suing a golfer good luck! One hit me on the neck; 100% guilty of hitting when not instructed, no claims company is interested in taking it on!”
Some take a simpler approach: “Throw their ball back towards them, what's more important? Their round or your life? Throw their ball back towards them and they'll 100% realise they've messed up and it'll hopefully make them think twice next time they're in a position where a greenkeeper is in range.”
Several highlighted accidents which have occurred due to golfers being impatient: “I've nearly been killed by a golf ball while mowing greens on several occasions. A lad I worked with was raking bunkers and got hit in the back of the head and got knocked unconscious and they just left him there and didn't even help him.”
Another said: “Golf clubs have a duty of care for the staff. If you get hit the club must have things set out for your safety, if they haven't it's on them. We have a policy that states that greens staff have priority, and golfers have to wait for the staff to wave them on. If they disregarded the policy they were asked to leave the club. People don't go to work to get hurt; I would be waiting and letting golfers through every time. No matter how long it took me to do my job. I didn't get paid enough to be treated that way.”
A few gave theories on how to deter the issue: “Keep a log of near misses with details of where it happened, time and who was involved. Also, report it to the manager, policies will then need to be put in place by the club.”
Could education be the way to deter: “Educate them about the consequences of a ball striking you. That shouting ‘fore’ doesn’t mean anything in terms of liability if they’ve hit you on the hole they’re playing. I’ve also found speaking calmly in a serious tone gets the reaction you want, far better than being angry. I normally say: “Wait until I see you and wave you on, I’m working and concentrating. You can wait a couple of minutes rather than potentially ruin the club for years.”