Many casual players find themselves struggling to find the time to play golf. Golf is a drawn-out sport that not only requires time, but plenty of practice to see any improvements.
Weekend golfers are often casual players who might not understand every aspect of the game. However, it is expected that you know what you are doing.
By revealing a few important tips like having the right equipment and dressing in the appropriate attire, we believe we can help you fit in at many golf courses and among most pro players.
There are a few mandatory requirements set aside in the Rules Of The Game, but not all of the unspoken rules are always clear.
This article aims to help you understand some of these “customs” and how they could affect your game. We will look at some of the top tips and tricks that will have you fitting into any golf club in no time.
You might be a weekend golfer, but the other players might think you are a pro player only playing for fun.
Let’s Get Going!
What Is Weekend Golf?
A weekend golfer is often also a casual golfer, who only plays golf when they find the time to do so.
It can be daunting for the average person to spend several hours at the golf course each week, whilst paying the bills with a full-time job. These players often have basic equipment and only visit the course a few times a month.
If this sounds like you, you might have been called a “weekend warrior” by some of the pro players at your local club. For many weekend golfers, the trip to the golf course each weekend is more about relaxing and enjoying their hobbies.
Weekend golfers don’t have any ambitions of turning pro, but this does not mean they are not competitive.
Being a weekend golfer should not be something that holds you back. Many golfers started late in their careers, after mastering the game as weekend golfers.
Allen Doyle is one of the prime examples of a player who started late, only turning pro at the age of 46. He managed to achieve 11 PGA Tour Championships while attaining a good ranking in the process.
9 Weekend Golfer Hacks That Will Make You a Pro: #3 is a Game-Changer!
If this sounds like you, you might eventually find yourself playing a consistent handicap. While this is a good thing, every player will have aspirations of becoming better and improving their game.
The following tips will allow you to better understand the game of golf while making slight changes that have a significant bearing on your improvement:
1. Understanding Basic Etiquette
Instead of looking like a complete newbie, you might want to brush up on some of the etiquette. In the world of golf, there are a few unspoken rules expected players to follow.
If you are in a game with some of the top players, they would assume that you already know most of these unspoken rules. However, there is no harm in asking and getting additional clarification.
To ensure that you have some knowledge of these unspoken rules, we have listed a few. While there might be many more, the following rules are some of the most common and you ought to encounter them often.
- Wearing the right golf clothes, including shoes
- Be quiet while others are playing
- The lowest score tees off first on the next hole
- The player furthest from the hole should play first after teeing off
- Mark a ball on the green of others are putting
- Never impeded someone’s view from the pin
- Be ready to play when it’s your turn (Don’t Waste Time)
- Don’t waste time with practice swings
- Don’t leave your golf cart on the course
These are some of the unspoken rules golfers have to deal with when just starting. There are many more you would encounter whilst playing. However, these are some of the most basic rules that most players would expect a player to know.
2. Using the Right Equipment
Another rule you should follow is having the right gear for the task at hand. You might not be able to afford every golf club available, but if you can have most of the golf clubs, it will significantly improve your overall gameplay.
In most golf bags, there are at least 12 different golf clubs. Each of these clubs serves a different purpose and allows you to deal with different situations. The following clubs are standard and we recommend having them in your kit.
- A driver
- 3-wood / 5-wood
- 5-9 irons
- A hybrid club (Optional)
- A putter
- Pitching Wedge
- Sand Wedge
- Gap Wedge (Optional)
You don’t need to have 12 clubs in your golf bag only a few clubs will do. However, more versatility can help a player in different situations.
You might have specific preferences and many players would replace a couple of the bigger irons with hybrid clubs that could also serve as wood. It all comes down to personal preference and skill.
Whether you are playing at Pebble Beach, Corales Golf Course, or Palm Beach Gardens, you should have the basic clubs to play a Champions course on your golf trip.
3. Always Track Your Score
Unfortunately, you are not professional and TV cameras are not constantly in your face while you are playing. You don’t have access to the electronic systems that pro players use that allow them to keep score without having to do it manually.
As a weekend golfer, you might want to have a scorecard and pencil on your person at all times. You must keep the score accurate and make sure the score correlates with the score other players are playing.
It is important to ensure fairness and you want to use the time to learn what you are doing and how to improve your game in the best possible way.
4. Overuse of Gimme & Mulligan Puts Can Harm Your Game
While professional golfers don’t have the luxury of mulligan or gimme puts when playing, many casual golfers have this unspoken rule.
However, it can be abused by certain players. Before starting a round, you should discuss the mulligan and gimme rules to other players. This should clear up possible confusion.
- Gimme: A gimme is often a shot less than 2 feet from the hole. The player takes a gimme as a way of speeding up the game.
- Mulligan: A mulligan is another rule some might argue with. If your first shot is bad, some might call a mulligan and retake the shot without penalty.
We would recommend sticking to the traditional rules of the game. Instead of using some of these fancy terms, you should reserve them for when they are needed. Make sure to discuss these possible inclusions with other players before taking the course.
5. Understanding Risk vs. Reward Shots
Many weekend golfers and amateurs stave away from making risky shots. If you are not comfortable with your shots, it is best that you lay up and consider a different approach.
However, when playing in fear the whole time, you will never test your limits. You will consistently play the same shots without any improvement.
You must try to take some risks if possible. Yes, you might lose a few shots or take a few penalties, but this is the only way for a player to truly learn game management.
The next time the same situation comes around, you will know whether to risk it or if you want to take a more conservative approach.
You might even surprise yourself when it comes to making these risky shots. You could potentially figure out a new way to reach the green or take one shot off from your normal plan. Should your risk fail, you will learn a new lesson. Playing golf is all about learning and improving through trial & error.
6. Understanding the Basic Rules of the Game
So, you’ve got all the unspoken rules of the game down.
You might think that you are ready to play, but when you check the official rules set out by the USGA, it could be daunting and even intimidating to some players. One of the important things about any sport is the rules.
Without rules, you would have anarchy on the golf course, but the rules are implemented to ensure order between players.
As a weekend golfer, all rules might not be second nature and you might want to brush up on the rule every so often. You don’t need to read through the full rulebook, as set out by the USGA, but understanding the most fundamental rules will be important to ensure a fair game.
You will also find that you adapt to the game much better and you can call certain players on some of their mistakes when not following the rules.
However, we recommend discussing the rules with players to ensure that you don’t miss something instead of throwing around wild accusations.
7. Arrive Prepared (Practice Often)
One of the most embarrassing to happen would be if you cannot play the game effectively and you make a fool out of yourself. Being prepared for the situation would be beneficial when playing with other, more experienced players.
As a weekend golfer, you won’t find the time to visit the golf course every day. However, there are a few basic golf drills you can do at home.
Things like practicing your swing would be helpful to ensure you have the ideal connection to the golf ball. Additionally, it would help to have some form of a simulator to help you improve.
The FlightScope Mevo is one of the perfect portable tools you can use. Essentially, you can set it up almost anywhere and practice your shots.
Bear in mind that it is one of the more expensive tools to add to your kit. However, it should pay significant dividends over the long run.
8. Respecting Other Players
While this might also be categorized as an unspoken rule, you should always show respect to other players. Keep in mind that everyone is trying to enjoy their time and improve their game.
One of the best ways to gain the favor of other players is to treat them with the right level of respect, regardless of personal feelings.
When it comes to professional players, you want to show plenty of respect, since reaching this level takes years of practice and dedication.
Additionally, you could find yourself learning something new from these players. Each person can add some value to your game and help you improve your gameplay.
9. Trying to Make More Time to Play
The final tip we have for you is to try making more time when possible. If you are a weekend warrior and you are satisfied with a golf weekend to keep you going for the next week, that is fine.
However, most players want to get better and you should play more to get better. Essentially, the more you play, the more opportunity you have for improvement.
You should also consider playing different courses. You might be good at playing a single course, but when traveling to a different golf course, you will be faced with new challenges.
It is a great way to test out how you deal with different obstacles and hazards you might come across. We would recommend playing a different golf course at least once a month or once every other month.
There are plenty of great golf courses around the world. Depending on your location, you might play at a local country club or professional stadium course.
The Oaks course, Seaside course, Palm Springs, Hilton Head Island, and Palm Harbor are all places to play a few holes in your spare time, and you get to enjoy the southern hospitality.
Unfortunately, those in the USA might have a hard time visiting the Old Course, but Las Vegas can offer a few great alternatives. The Summit Club is one of these, with the Renaissance Club in the UK being a dream for many players.
How Many Hours a Week Do Pro Golfers Play Golf?
When you look at the number of hours a pro golfer puts into their game, you might be shocked. Professional golfers make a living from the game, which means they are highly competitive and often play against the best.
This requires plenty of effort and work. Here is a small breakdown of a common weekly schedule for the average pro golfer.
- Monday: 4-6 hours of practice
- Tuesday: 4-6 hours of practice
- Wednesday: 5-6 hours of testing
- Thursday: 4-6 hours (Day 1)
- Friday: 4-6 hours (Day 2)
- Saturday: 4-6 hours (Day 3, if they make the cut)
- Sunday: 4-6 hours (Day 4, if they make the cut)
Once you add up these numbers, you will find that many golfers can play as much as 40-50 hours of golf each week. This translates to a typical workweek for most people, but it makes sense since this is how these players pay the bills.
While some of the top players might seem super successful, there are many still struggling to pay the bills with this gruesome training regiment.
With a basic understanding of weekend golf, you will notice that Sunday golf days are often common and most tournaments are to be held on a Sunday.
However, there is more to weekend golf, and have come across a couple of questions from aspiring players. Here are a few extra things to note when you are a weekend warrior.
Can a Weekend Golfer Play on a PGA Tour Course?
The PGA Tour visits certain courses over the summer months, but during the rest of the year, these courses are open to the public.
In South Carolina, you might come across a few private courses, but places like San Antonio or the Rio Grande will allow all players.
Vedra Beach in Florida and La Quinta in California might have high green fees, but if you are willing to dock up a few bucks, it might be worth it.
With a full set of clubs and golf balls, there is no wrong place to visit. However, Pebble Beach is one of the all-time favorites.
Can You Become a Pro Player If You Only Play Golf on Weekends?
Playing golf only on weekends might put you behind some of the players who play more often. However, it is an opportunity to grow your game and improve your skills.
While some players like Allan Doyle started as weekend warriors, they dedicated more time and resources to playing the game, eventually turning pro at the age of 46.
Essentially, you can hone your skills and make it pro if you consistently play and improve your game on weekends. However, golf is a game that forces you to continually learn and study different techniques.
You will need to play more often to improve these skills and make these adjustments to your game.
We recommend trying to find more time to play golf during the week. If you can add one or even two extra sessions each month, it would pay massive dividends over a year. Keep in mind that it takes plenty of time to improve.
Wrap Up
Being a weekend golfer should not be something you are ashamed of. If golf is a hobby you enjoy, you should focus on your hobby and make sure you become the absolute best at perfecting your game.
Many people might call you a weekend warrior, but the term does not have any bearing on your performance. Let us know in the comment section how you improved your game and how Sunday golf has changed your game.
