Which Bad Behaviors Rankle Golfers the Most?

6 Aug 2008 21:45 Africa/Lagos


Which Bad Behaviors Rankle Golfers the Most?

BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- What frustrates golfers? Slow play, cell phones on the course, slow play, cheaters, golf cart commandos, slow play, unsolicited advice, walking on a golfer's line and ... did we mention slow play?


In Playing Through: A Guide to the Unwritten Rules of Golf (Collins; August, 2008; $19.95), Peter Post calls out bad behavior and sloppy practices that take away from the pleasure of being on the green. Peter Post will be New York for the release of Playing Through, August 18, 19 and 20.


"As an avid golfer and fan of the game, nothing riles me as much as bad manners on the golf course," says Post. "People take the measure of each other according to how they conduct themselves on the green."


Post surveyed hundreds of golfers to confirm what irritates and impresses on the golf course. Each chapter examines a different annoying behavior and gives advice on how to deal with it.


Complaint number one? Slow play. Two-thirds of survey respondents railed against it. Playing Through is a directive to golfers to pick up the pace. How? Be ready to play through when asked, play "ready golf," avoid excess practice swings, mentally prepare for your next shot as you approach your ball, and be on time for your tee time.


In the book, Peter also covers:

-- Top ten behaviors of golfers with bad manners
-- What to do when you hit into other golfers or another golfer hits into
you
-- Dealing with temper tantrums on the course
-- The "no four-putt" rule and what is an acceptable "gimmee"
-- Dealing with cheaters
-- Who not to coach
-- Nassaus, Baseball and Bingo Bango Bongo
-- How to be a spectator at your local tournament or at a professional
event



Chapter 19, "Fun Golf vs. Serious Golf: When to Cut Some Slack" may offend purists. While Post pays homage to the handicap system, he absolves golfers who take liberties with the rules-such as mulligans or the no four-putt rule- from angsting about entering their scores in the handicap system. Post advises new golfers how to navigate the disparity between the "spirit of the game" and the reality of those who enter scores that allow for liberties such as lift, clean and place, divot relief, the leaf-ball, and mulligans.


"Having a horrendous putting day is a near-universal experience. It impacts the a foursome and the pace of play," says Post. "When a good time is marred by the travails of a fellow golfer who's off his game, it's time to offer him an adjustment-even if this means bending the rules."


About the Author:


Peter Post is the great-grandson of Emily Post and an author, seminar presenter and avid golfer (with a 17 handicap). He is a director of The Emily Post Institute, based in Burlington, Vermont. His previous books include the New York Times bestseller Essential Manners for Men, The Etiquette Advantage in Business, Essential Manners for Couples and A Wedding Like No Other. On Thursday afternoons in the summer, Peter can be found with his long-standing foursome at the Burlington Country Club, where he is a member and past board president. He is also a member of the Edgartown Golf Club in Massachusetts.


PLAYING THROUGH: A Guide to the Unwritten Rules of Golf
by Peter Post
Collins, An imprint of HarperCollins
Publication: August 22, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-06-122805-6; $19.95 ($29.95 Canada); 197 pages
www.emilypost.com
www.harpercollins.com
Available wherever books are sold.

Source: The Emily Post Institute

CONTACT: Elizabeth Upham Howell, +1-802-860-1814, elizabeth@emilypost.com
or Teresa Brady, +1-212-207-7170, Teresa.brady@harpercollins.com


Web site: http://www.emilypost.com/


NOTE TO EDITORS: To schedule an interview or appearance call Elizabeth Howell, 802/860-1814, Elizabeth@emilypost.com.