Why golf manners matter

Crowds at pro golf tournaments have veered toward a basketball mentality.

But there still is a long way to go before tournaments resemble Duke’s Cameron Indoor Arena.

“There’s still an etiquette in our game,” Hinsdale resident Jeff Sluman said. “That’s what separates our sport from the others.”

Sluman said golfers have no problem if “people go crazy.” However, there are some guidelines to follow.

Here are some tips on how to act at the U.S. Open.

Do: Cheer. Cheer long and loud. Cheer enthusiastically.

However, cheer when it is appropriate. Cheer not only for the birdies but also for the great par saves.

Tiger Woods said the galleries at the Masters and the British Open are the best because the fans know golf.

“They appreciate a good shot, and they know what a good shot is,” Woods said. “Sometimes a shot that ends up 30 feet [away] is a heck of a good shot, and they know that.”

Don’t: Please don’t yell just so you can hear your voice. Said Woods: “Just because the ball gets airborne doesn’t mean you should cheer.”

Also, don’t applaud after a player taps in for a triple bogey. There’s nothing worse than a sympathy clap.

Do: Keep quiet while a player begins his preshot routine and then through the shot. However, you don’t have to hold your breath.

Don’t: Bring your cell phones to the course. They aren’t allowed. The same rule goes for cameras once tournament play begins.

Do: Respect the other players in Woods’ group.

Don’t: Move as soon as Woods hits so you can get in position for his next shot. It isn’t fair to the other players who are trying to earn a paycheck too.

Do: Have fun on the course. In moderation, of course, if that means having a beer or two.

Don’t: Go back to the course if you’ve just spent the last two hours drinking vodka tonics in the hospitality tent. You can see everything on television. Assuming you still can see.

Do: Support the players. A “way to go” can go a long way.

Don’t: Yell “You da man.” It has become a terrible cliche. Anybody who uses that phrase should be condemned to a lifetime full of the shanks.