GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP How Do You Measure Up?
San Diego County Women’s Golf Association Team Play is meant to be a competitive experience. The tension in some of the matches becomes very intense—especially for those who are trying to win their Division so they can move on to the playoffs for a chance at the overall title. In practice, good sportsmanship in these matches often is about controlling one’s own frustrations, while being courteous to all others involved. However, even with the intensity we feel in our matches, Team Players need to remember “The Spirit of the Game”.
In the USGA Rules of Golf, Section I ETIQUETTE: BEHAVIOR ON THE COURSE states, in part:
The Spirit of the Game The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.
Do you take time to congratulate your opponents when they play a hole well?
Do you remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out?
Do you play at a good pace? That is, do you keep up with the group in front of you? Are you ready to play as soon as it is your turn to play? Do you leave the putting green as soon as your group finishes the hole? Do you enter your scores at the tee of the next hole?
If you are keeping score, do you verify the correctness of the score card quickly and courteously?
Do you shake your opponents’ hands when the match is over? Do you congratulate them if they win? Are you gracious to your opponents when you win?
Obviously, the answer to all these questions should be “Yes, unequivocally!” These practices show that we respect our opponent, our teammates and ourselves. It means that we are treating our teammates, our opponents with courtesy. When you congratulate opponents who beat you, you’re practicing good sportsmanship. When you win and thank the other team for a good game, you’re also being a good sport.
So, let’s take a moment and include these practices as part of our game. This will assure that everyone’s game is a good competition—even if we do not win.
“For when the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, He writes not that you won or lost—but how you played the game.” Grantland Rice
Thank you.
SDCWGA Board of Directors
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