Do you need a licence to play Golf? 

I play with my 2 small kids. Here are the rules for they follow that I suggest for all new players 1. Use the forward tees 2. if the drive is under 150yrds hit the 2nd shot from the fairway regardless of where the drive lands 3. Hit the next shot from the 100yrd marker (unless their last shot is sitting better) 4. If you're not on the green yet, pick it up and place it greenside to chip (1 chip max) 5. Max 3 putts They'll hit about 100 shots. We play in 3hr30 to 3hr45

A few years ago I played golf with a couple on a par 3 course. The guy had played golf before hadn't played in a little while but he was pretty good knew what he was doing. His girlfriend had never played golf it was her first time. She had been a high school and college athlete so she had athletic ability. First hole she was so nervous with me watching. And on the second hole she was that way and she looked at me and said sorry I'm just really nervous. And I told her to relax we all have to start the game somewhere and nobody's great when they start playing golf. Has the round went on she relaxed and enjoy the game. Probably 6 months later I ran into her and boyfriend on a regular 18-hole golf course. They were so happy to see me and she had fallen in love with golf in one of the things she credited for enjoying it was my attitude on that day her first time out. And I've had that experience a few times over the last few years. Sometimes when someone's new and not real good he just need a little confidence booster that nobody's judging them

I wish more people would take to heart your excellent point. Since I don't earn a living playing golf, my priorities, in order, are 1) have fun, 2) spend time with friends, 3) play well. I can accomplish the top 2 goals no matter what my score is. My wife constantly reminds me to have real expectations based on my limited play/practice time.

This weekend at my local course I personally saw 8 people get kicked off the course, all first time golfers (17-21 young men) that were just there to drink and unleash chaos. They were running carts into each other, driving carts on greens, handbrake turns, and driving all over the course from hole to hole chasing eachother. Little to no golf was played. 2 carts overheated to the point where the engines shut off and wouldn’t start and were billowing out smoke and will need major repairs. I snapped a picture of their GPS tracking from the pro shop and it looked like a glitch. I don’t like the idea of a license to play but we could use a filter to stop those types of groups from damaging the course and ruining it for everyone else.

Everyone needs to follow the US High School rule pick up after 2x par for the hole, par 4 pick up after 8 etc... Let everyone play....

I worked as a golf teacher for 15years in Germany, the Platzriffer licence was great for golf teacher as students needed about 20hours of lessons before taking a 9hole playing test, they had to play double par or better on 6 of the 9holes plus a rules test before they could play alone on a golf course. It definitely gave them some idea on rules and etiquette plus a level of playing ability. I'd welcome it over in the UK mainly for safety to other people on the course!

I (a 5 hdc) play regularly with someone who is a complete beginner. We regularly shoot a round in less than 4 hours, and i normally suggest that they start from the start of the fairway (on a par4 ) or where my ball lands on a par 5. Said person does not follow the strict golf scoring rules, but each time we play there skills improve and I ensure that they follow good golf etiquette. This way, they feel like they are learning to play golf, enjoy aspects of the game, but do not hold up the play even in a 4 ball. I think beginners playing with good players massively helps the beginners as they learn a lot, especially if the goods players are willing to teach them the rules, etiquette and skills to play even high handicap golf.

I'm from Germany and have started playing golf at 13 back in 2000. The "Platzreife" (literally "course maturity") does make a good amount of sense from my perspective and it was really poorly explained in that email. The "license" and membership is mandatory to play pretty much any course in Germany, yes, BUT that doesnt mean you have to be a member in an expensive club, it can also be an online golfclub like RGC and you then pay greenfee whereever you want to play. The license consists of theory (rules and etiquette), which just does make sense for anyone and gives guidance when you start, dont know anything and feel insecure about how to behave. And then the practical part requires you to be able to play around 54, so 126 on a Par 72 as a rough baseline. BUT that only requires a couple months of practice and probably a few lessons in order to avoid shooting 10-over on every hole. So the pro would take you out on the course, in my club max. 9 holes, and see if you can score somewhere around par +3 (Hcp 54) +1 (last shot for 1 Stableford). But nobody will tell you no if you miss it by a few

In skiing, people start on the beginner slope; in golf, they should start on a par 3 or a pitch & putt course.

The Netherlands have this for longer than Germany. Where you have to get a license to be allowed to play basically everywhere. Formerly it was known as a GVB, nowadays you get handicap 54 after the tests. I think this system works fine. People learn etiquette and golf basics, making sure they are safe, and able to have fun

I'm from Czechia, but live in the US now. In my homeland, you need a "green card" to be able to book tee times. This is a simple test of basic rules & etiquette and showing that you can at least make contact in the sport. It's a barrier, but arguably a VERY low one. Now living in the US, I really wish it was a thing here. I get golf had a "snob" vibe and I'm glad that's going away, but I'm also more and more running into 5-somes and rude groups on courses. Some responsibility is on the course, but lot of it is on disrespect for the rules & etiquette on the course. Pitch marks left unrepaired. This past weekend I played as solo, sandwiched behind a 6-some, 4-some, myself and then 5-some behind me. I knew I couldn't move too fast, but group ahead of me (that I caught on every tee since hole #2) instead of waving me through would wait for par 5 (497yds) to clear before hitting it about 180. When I laid up back from the green to wait for them to clear, they flipped me off, sat behind the green on purpose and then drove away. I knew they wouldn't let me go even if I asked and I didn't want to be hit into. This is the first time I've had to walk off the course, but it's becoming more common.

I played with a co-worker for a few years that consistently shot 120 -140. But he played his shots quickly and we got around without hindering play. He was a person that would have easily benefited from playing the red tees, but he didn’t want people thinking he was playing from the women’s tee. I’m all for more tee’s and getting people to understand it’s a process to move to the longer tees.

In Spain (at least in Madrid where I live) there are 2 things 1) The licence - it has a yearly fee of 100 ish euros you pay to your golf federation. You just apply for this and get it. Most courses require it to play, even on the 9 hole courses and pitch and putts. You can lose the licence if you do anything stupid - e.g. damage the course 2) The handicap - this gets awarded to you by a golf pro, usually the pro that is giving you classes. I had to pass a written exam on the rules of golf, including etiquette, and an assessment by the pro of your playing ability - in my case he was my teacher so just signed off. If he/she doesn't know you you might need to play a few holes or hit balls in the range with the pro. Most courses require a handicap for you to play on their main/big course.

Guy brings up some good points. I love these conversations. I think we all have to figure out what we want from Golf. We do it in other areas; work, relationships, gym, etc.

Last week I witnessed an American golfer pull his 3 wood left off the first tee. Ball went so far left it hit the buildings along from the Rusacks hotel with people walking on the road below. No shout of ‘Fore’. Maybe a licence is needed 😂

I don’t know if this is the same around the world, but in the US, there is almost a complete lack of etiquette and a lack of understanding how to play efficiently. Simple things like keeping up with the group ahead of you, being ready to hit when it’s your turn, not taking 12 practice swings, and here is my pet peeve; hitting a bad shot, then immediately grabbing a ball out of your pocket and hitting another one. Not stepping on someone’s line on the green, nonstop talking. It should never take more than 4 hrs to play 18. I still see people looking at putts for way too long, then missing it by 10 feet. Another huge problem where I live, is that former golf course property was sold to build houses. The population is going up and the public courses are decreasing. So the courses that are left, are stuffed with players. A few years ago, I got sick of public courses, so I joined a CC, but I soon realized that they have tournaments every 10 seconds and every school has practice there. I couldn’t even get a tee time on my own course. Golf is also getting back to an elite activity. The costs have skyrocketed. Everything associated with golf costs an arm and a leg. I play this crappy public course and they charge $22 to walk 9 holes at 5pm. I mean come on. If it was a nice course I wouldn’t complain, but it’s a goat trail. Anyway, I could go on but…..

At my course in South Carolina we have an op 36 program for kids and a beginner clinic that works the same way for ladies. In addition to lessons they have scheduled 9 hole rounds. Every one starts from 25 yards until they can shoot par at that distance , then they move back to 50 yards, 75 etc. I think this is a fantastic way to introduce new players to the game. I wish we had pitch putt and short par 3 courses nearby as those are not only great ways to be introduced to the game but also develop the essential scoring shots from inside 100 yards that make golf more enjoyable.

1st off Rick - massive thank you for taking the time to drive over to Longley Park on Sunday - I thought Jamie was yanking my chain when he said you'd been there in person to sign a ball for him, I believe your girls gave him some cheers, as well as a 'strike' from yourself when he hit an iron shot on a par 3. We've got tickets for both JCB and Troon - gonna be an epic few weeks of watching golf - how cool is it to have these choices to watch world class golfers. So we got Jamie on a par 3 course when he was 3 - just let them slowly learn the basic rules of the game - it's not that important at that age - gotta just let them have fun. I think it's more important for golfers to know where to look for the rules, than actually have a concise knowledge of the rules themselves. Having a golf license is a typically German thing - not sure I'd be a fan to be honest, and very much doubt it would help encourage people into the game.

I love playing golf, and some would say that I'm obsessed. I've been playing for about 25 years, stopped playing when I started having kids, and started up again about 3 years ago. My handicap is heading downward. I have good days and bad. There is one hole on my course that I will hit my "perfect" tee shot on, 95% of the time. Seeing the ball fly over the trees in the direction of OB, but with enough speed to fly it and land in the middle of the fairway. That kind of shot, no matter where is it on the course, that is hit as well as I can. That's what I strive to do more often and if I get some exercise along the way then that's just a bonus.

I enjoy your videos. They are fun to watch and I very much appreciate your attitude and presentation - honestly your personality. I watch other content creators but your weekly break 75 is what I enjoy the most. And for perspective I play off scratch.

Courses and clubs should also need a license. That license should prohibit 6 to 8 minute tee time intervals. Want to fix slow play? Don’t start the day putting 3 groups on every hole. 12+ minute intervals please and thank you.

In Switzerland you have to take a written test and you have to do a practical test with a teacher before you can have your golf license. Even to go to the practice pitch and range you have to have the permission from the teacher. The most clubs if you are over a 27 hcp you can’t play alone but you have to be accompanied by a pro or someone with a 10hcp or less

As I "learned" golf at the age of 35 in Germany. I was glad to be coached the basic understanding how to move on a golf cours, and to be teached all the rules. In general most of us are weekend golfers, the courses ar packed, an evereybodey should move the same speed, therefore you have to learn it in advance.

Golfclubs should have particular tee times or even a certain number of days per month dedicated to new players. That way the expectations are set. The club can do the intro-to golf etiquette for each group, close down all the tees apart from the forward ones, and if you're a regular golfer and choose to play on those days then you know what you're in for and don't get to complain. You could even have members available as mentours for etiquette and rules (but not on course coaching!) if the group wants it.

We also have a license in Croatia to play golf. It's either a license or being part of a golf club and having a hendicap. Otherwise you can't play. But getting it is basically just a small test (you have to know the rules and how to behave on a course) + few holes with PGA pro on a course so that you're able to play and also behave.

In Austria you need also a license to play on most golf courses (there are some exceptions). This is to make sure, that you know the basics of rules and etiquette and are decent enough to keep the pace of play. In the past, it was more restrictive but the requirements have become less strict over time. When I started to play in the early 2000s, you would have a written tests about rules and etiquette and a test about your skills, mainly long strokes, putting, and chipping and playing 4 holes. In the practical exam you would have to score a certain amount of points for the license to be granted. For the long strokes men would have at least to reach a distance of 120m (if I remember correctly) while being within a corridor of certain width to get points. With chipping and putting, you would have to chip and put from a certain distance (20m chipping and 10m putting) to within a set distance to the hole. You would get 2 points if you were within and 3 points if the ball went into the hole. For each task, you would have a certain amounts of attempts. Then you would go and play 4 holes of stableford and the points you would get would also count towards your score. If the combined score was over a certain amount, you would be granted the license and acquire a handicap of 45. Nowadays it is more relaxed and you have to score 12 Stableford points with a handicap of 54 over 9 holes to be granted the license.

I worked at a golf course while finishing up uni. I quickly stopped asking, “How’d you play” and only ever asked, “Did you have fun out there?” Everyone answered the former, “Not great,” and the latter, “We had a great time!”

For JV golf in high school, the rules at some tournaments was if you weren’t on by 7 you picked up and placed in the edge of the green. If you weren’t in by 12 you picked up, wrote 12 and put an asterisk by that on your card

The chemistry is getting better every episode. 👍👍

You can play on a course if you don’t know how. Just have some sense and don’t expect to score or play your ball. Hit it, if it sucks, pick it up and drop further up with your playing partner. If you’re by yourself just give yourself a limit on each hole. Ok I’ve had 5 shots I’ll go drop it next to the green and chip and putt.

Regarding the license - it's very similar in Switzerland. You need the so-called "course authorisation" (literal translation) to go on courses. In order to obtain this, you need to pass a theoretical exam (on etiquette, rules, scoring formats etc.) and a practical exam (either driving, chipping and putting or playing a number of holes in a certain amount of time). Most courses require a handicap of 54, 36, or lower. This makes total sense because we don't have nearly as many golf courses as the UK. It would be difficult to get a tee time if anyone could play anywhere. Slow play is still a problem here but I'm sure it would be much worse without the license requirement.

My idea to help new golfers is local course having a “learning night” where it’s a shotgun start for 18 groups of 4 and they play like 3-4 holes for 5-10$ no carts or maybe darts are another 5$ and maybe the course can have employees or Marshalls out there to help people learn. Its cheap and it doesn’t affect an entire course with a super beginner doing 18 holes

Quite an interesting point from the EAL video in Germany, is that when he asked people if they would rather scrap the license so you can just go straight out on the course and play, it blew their minds. They wondered why you wouldn’t do the license. They want people to have a level of competency before going out and playing.

I started playing golf at 34yo. The first time out on a golf course with my buddies (seasoned 20HDCPrs, lol) I just wanted to make sure I was playing at a good pace and not becoming a limitation for my friends to enjoy the game or other players. So 2x par and picked up my ball, if my tee shot was terrible (topped it, sliced OB, etc) I just dropped next to my cart partner just to keep up the pace. This went for about 5 rounds until I was able to hold myself and keep pace of play. Definitively you need someone that can guide you through this and not become a problem for others.

Agree with 2xPar max score for the hole - it’s the best “improvement” scoring approach. It still allows you to have a few blowout holes that will impact your score and give you a measurable improvement score to play to but if people are on or near the green I never tell them to pick up.

To be allowed to play any course in Denmark you have to get a DGU card. (Danish Golf Union) I volunteer as "rabbit leader" in my golfclub. Rabbit is what we call new players, and to get their DGU card, they first have to make 12 points two times on our 9 hole pay and play. Then they have to make 12 points two times on 9 holes on our 18 hole course. When they play, they are accompanied by a rabbit leader (like me), and we help them with the rules and ethics of the game. Edit. It's up to each club how they award DGU cards. But all I know off, have some kind of play/score tests like ours.

When i first learned the junior "tournaments" i played in had a double par rule. Once you got double par pick up the ball and when your partners get to the green you can putt and thats a good rule keeps pace up and doesnt make people feel as bad when theyre learning

No regulation/license of course, but we should remove the stigma of the front tees as the lady's, 90% of golfers should play there, also, pickup after 8. Or at the very least pickup at 6-7 before on the green, go drop a ball on the green and putt I guess lol.

We have quite a few novice golfers / young lads come and play our 9 hole course especially later on in the evening when the club shop is closed who obviously dont know how to play golf. They often share a single bag of clubs between two or three golfers and hack round the course. Members do go over and talk to them and they are often very friendly and jokey and are just enjoying hitting golf balls with their mates one of which obviously can play as has a set of clubs. As long as they are not inconveniencing other golfers, are courteous and don't damage the course then why not. It would be nice if they paid for their round though as the members and visitors in the day have to, our course is in the middle of the town surrounded by houses so you can just walk on.

I started playing golf this summer I’ve been to the range a bit and I’ve played about 7 rounds now and have a best score of 111 on my local course which is par 70. For practice I tend to go early in the morning on my own (I’m often the first person to tee off) so as I’m not slowing anybody down. If there is somebody behind me I’ll wait and let them play through. I’m playing tomorrow with some friends one is off 12 and one is off 18 and I’m hoping I don’t slow play down; that’s my only goal . I think the process of a golf licence would’ve put me off starting initially, but then again I had the common sense to not negatively interrupt anybody else’s enjoyment whereas others might not 🤷‍♂️

Haven't swung a golf club at an actual club for about 15 years but I can't get enough of the Pod .

I see on the LIV site you can play JCB the Monday after the event

Not only in Germany, but also in The Netherlands and Belgium, a golf certificate (or license) is needed to play! (it is a similar format on which you will need to do a written and practical test).

I started playing golf at age 60 - I had to book lessons with a pro ... and to pass a test (license) to be allowed to play on a course - and another test (after lessons) for playing tournaments. I got HC 54 for a start. Before that I had no idea of anything - so it was more than necessary. ( now I'm at HC 29 ...)

My wife and I are starting to play. We just play with one ball and switch back and forth with each shot. That way our pace of play is good and we aren’t holding up anyone up.

Wish more amateurs had the same outlook on golf as Guy. Especially playing from the proper tees. Lost count of amateurs I’ve been paired with who can’t drive the ball 200yds, but still insist on playing the back tees.

On the licence issue my dad made it clear to me that i couldnt play either of our home courses until i could carry 150 yards. I now use the same rule with my freinds that havent played. Also when playing with them ill just be looser with the rules. Dont make them re tee just go play the other side of water ect

I`ve gone through the golf license process in Germany. It`s not only there by the way, Switzerland and Austria have the same process. Typically, clubs will offer a "Platzreife" course, which will include 3 to 5 days of instruction followed by the test. Each day there is a different focus (driver, putter, bunkers, etiquette, rules, iron shots, scoring etc). The test itself is 2 part. There is a multiple choice based on rules of golf as well as etiquette, followed by playing 9 holes, sometimes more, sometimes less. The PGA pro is looking to see you can execute on the theory you`ve learned. Why do it? Everyone knows the etiquette, knows how to score, can actually hit their clubs as they get one on one lessons for a week. So even new players are not really holding things up on the course. For me, it was invaluable. My swing improved, understanding on putting, short game and bunkers was fantastic. Why not do it? It can be expensive, although it`s not as expensive as joining a private country club. My course cost me around 450 € Should the UK do it? I think, something like it can be used on a volunteer basis, but then offer benefits for those who do it? Otherwise you need someone who knows the game really well and can teach you the etiquette and rules for scoring.

when i was a youth every golf club asked for a proof of handicap before releasing a tee time to get a handicap card you had to be a member of a club so to play private clubs you had to be a member at one. We had to play at municipals luckily we had 2 very good courses locally. Now if you can afford you can play almost any course without them asking and you can get an official handicap without being a member somewhere.

My mate and I play once or twice a week,played a few years now but not a member of the club so no longer have a handicap we play matchplay and have a great time,when either of us go up two holes the other gets a shot next hole so keeps both heads up . every game is close though and neither of us get that angry that we want to give game up .no scorecards are ever in our hands now and we both love the pressure free situation.

Totally agree about the negative comments. It is sad what people will say online when we all know they would never say it to someone’s face. Never forget Rick your #1 on YT golf for a reason, you’re genuine, pleasant and entertaining. Keep it up!

its a "license" in Norway as well , written test on rules etiquette etc.. , and 8 hrs of diving range / play tips on swing etc... its not like anyone dont pass the test

we have some older guys play with us when we go away on a syndicate weekend we always play a 9 shots and pick up as a max score . just to keep things moving.

I’m looking forward to seeing the pros on JCB. After seeing the course on Rick’s channel a few times, I feel like I know it as well.

I usually play to around 10, so a decent golfer and have just started playing with 4 new golfers. We play off yellows, never take 3 of the tee, just drop one roughly at the entry point of any hazard, don't currently play out of bunkers because they are dog shit at my local course anyway so they wouldn't get any value from taking 5 shots to get the ball out, and ensure we play at a reasonable pace. Usually takes 4 hours for a round.

I play with a lot of new players. We typically play better ball but in some situations we just play with a max score of double par. Once you double the par on a hole, you pick your ball up and move on.

Hi there, usully in Germany for beginners almost every club requets a proof of HCP confirmed by the club pro. there is a practical test where the player usually plays 9 holes with a scroting average of triple bougy per hole. The theoretical test consists of ettiquette and rules to en sure a) safety and adequat behaviour on the course and b) enough knowledge that you can play in a comp. This HCP of 54 is usually good enough that you can keep pace of play as a guest in other clubs. it might be a hurdle to golf but it eases the pain for others you may play with...

about the more forward tees equals in lower scores question; there is a thing called operation 36 which uses that idea for new golfers in a playful way.

if you can't break 80 on a average day keep moving up a tee box til you do , learn to score once your 75 or under on a regular basis then move back a tee , I found this was a great way to build my game with positive results instead of day after day of failure .

When I first started playing golf at 18 or so, my step dad made sure I kept up with pace of play and if I had a terrible hole (chipping back and forth across the green) I just picked up. He wouldn't let me get over double par no matter how fast I played. With that mentality, I always have played fast. I rarely take practice swings except when chipping or putting. I am not great, currently a 10.2 handicap, but when I play bad or good, I keep pace of play. I don't mind if someone plays bad golf, but keep pace of play and know the rules of golf and have proper golf etiquette, repair divots, ball marks, and never walk in my line or talk while anyone is swinging or putting. Is it rude to tell/teach someone about etiquette when they have been playing for years? I play with someone in a league who is bad and has bad etiquette, I tell him to shush or you can't drive the cart there etc, but either he doesn't listen or he doesn't retain it or something. It is frustrating...not sure what to do.

Played on Monday evening with the goal of trying to break 90 (for the first time) was playing really well, for my standard. Then on the 17th went OB off the tee, ended up with a 9! Then bogey on 18th. Ended up shooting 90 exactly. Best score ever for me but felt like a massive failure! 😢 Golf is a funny game

I'm new to golf and yes I do want to get better but I think it is more important to enjoy yourself and not put too much pressure on what you shoot

depending on the course, alot of times longer hitters, are hitting irons off par 4's. when you move tot he back tees. its almost diver every time, driver is ricks fav club, makes sense hed like using it more

If you have a handicap from some other country you can play here in Germany. I made mine in 2001 in the USA where I originally come from and still use that to play here on course. But I think it makes it much harder and difficult for people to get into the game here. But I don't think it cost 300€ to get the Platzreife. They do have some public par 3 courses where you don't need it to play.

Hi guy and rick, I live in France and there is a licence here as well. It is not the same as in germany. The licence is made to found in part anyway the french golf federation. And include an insurance in case of accident on a course. It cost around 60€ for the all year. On the side each club has a school where beginners are encourage to go to pass the "carte verte" (green card) usually sold with some lessons and in which you have an exam on the basics rules and the exam is writen for the rules and there's one as well on the course with an score objective. But probably not as low as in germany. If you haven't got an handicap, you are required to have that green card to be allowed on a course.

The easiest way to handle this is to set a shot limit per hole. For instance, when I was teaching my children how to play, I said after eight shots pick up the ball and move onto the next hole. That keeps the game moving and everyone has fun!

I enjoy playing in a stress free environment, I have stopped keeping score, I try to play scramble with my son, 9 holes as frequently as possible. I don't have the time or the energy to practice as much as I beed to to actually improve..

We have license in Finland but not as crazy as Germany. Takes about 2x4h from pro teaching etiquette and how to play. No formal test anymore. Also most courses 108 max hcp for group. So you have to keep hcp.

I think a potential answer would be courses offering an inexpensive 3 or 4 hole round where a golf pro accompanies you for a few holes during non-peak hours and discusses etiquette, health and safety, and a few playing tips. It may take 45 minutes to an hour to play a few holes, but I think it would be a good option. You could do this with a larger group, with a couple of pros, almost like a clinic or something and a group of maybe 2 or 3 foursomes. Do it once a month at the course, call it an intro to golf crash round or something. Would likely be able to address a bunch of these concerns. Offer it to members or the general public at municipal courses and advertise it at the pro shop before a group pays for a round, that way you're not requiring more seasoned players to take that course before being allowed to play a round at that course. I don't know, something like that.

In the Netherlands you need a license as well, mostly safety, rules & etiquette. You first need a few lessons. Then you take a test. There is a 30 questions multiple choice test. Then play 4 par 4 holes, where you can discard the worst hole, and with the remaining 3 holes average 7 (total 21). You then get a club handicap of 54 and are allowed to play on course. You then play off of 36 until you actually are handicap 36. Only then you are allowed to play other courses. Obviously this really sucks, as I played a course shooting 78; two weeks later in similar conditions I shot 113.

In the Netherlands, you also need a license to play golf. This majorly to know safety rules and keep the speed in play since at some golf courses they are starting 3/4 four ball parings every 7 minutes.

There are many countries in Europe that require a "licenses". I live in Switzerland and a "Platzreife", which is a license which in turn gets you a handicap card. And in all courses, we have Bronze,, Silver, and Gold markers in the fairway, even in par 3's. You work your way up to the "normal men's and woman's tee box. It's works very well here!

lol, I don’t even need a license for the handgun in my golf bag 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Had a pretty good year of golf won some money this year, had a lot of fun, but wow was it hard to get in 30s on 9 holes extremely hard to break 80, thankfully I'm breaking 75 pretty constantly but have worked extremely hard to get here. I can't beyond 6400 yards yet but course I play most days is right at it. I'm not a long hitter but good short game and don't miss many fairways and usually on green or very close in regulation. Shot my best 9 holes recently, 32 par 36.

The thing that I have noticed is that most golfers put themselves in bad positions because they are trying to hit shots that they aren't able to hit. My daughter is in a program called OP36 that has them playing from 25 yards and playing 9 holes as everything as a par 4. Once they get 36 or lower, they move back to the next yardage. It teaches them to focus on the short game since that is where a lot of strokes are at. My wife is starting to play as well and is starting at 100 yards and it is allowing her to have fun and not be worried about the lost balls off the tee. People need the correct tees to allow them to shoot a good casual score. The tees should be viewed beginner tees or handicap suggested tees, IE reds are for 20+ handicaps, so that everyone enjoys the game.

I think it also falls onto other golfers. Myself, I would never take someone onto the course who had never played before or plays very, very little. The first thing I would do is say let's go to the range first and dial in your swing a bit before we go out on the course. We also have a couple of courses that have 3 hole loops that they only charge a few bucks to play. So again, if I have someone who doesn't play or doesn't play much, I would take them there first, do the 3 hole loop and then you can also teach a bit of etiquette and how to play efficiently.

I've always said that mental health has 90% come to life since the start of social media we never had any of this before it and life in general since computers started it's a dangerous thing. Your out the Rick there will be stuppid comment but that's from people who hide behind social media you keep doing what you do enjoy life and we will watch with interest. 👍

If you're always hitting long irons/woods into par-4s or wedges into par-5s then you're probably playing the "wrong" tees. Having said that, play whatever set of tees allows you to 1) keep up with the group ahead of you and 2) have fun (in that order).

As long as play is not held up, let anyone play. At least the person shooting 278 would realise that it isn't as easy as it looks and head straight off to the driving range and/or lessons..... or take up fishing instead. The golf partner should have suggested pickup and play shorter as they went round. Can't wait to see Troon content. Take a look at Iona's bunker play on the 5 difficult holes at Troon. Phenominal stuff. Must do another colab with her Rick. 👏👏

In Spain you need to pass a test too with two parts. First part is a written test with rules etc, and second part is a practical exam where you have to prove your level. Based on those two tests they give you a handicap, and a lot of golf course don't let people with a handicap higher than 36 play. Normally pace of play is acceptable in those golf courses.

A number of courses in Nova Scotia Canada have a double par maximum and then move on. Helps keep play moving.

I've always thought the more people who are introduced to the game the better, but like Rick mentioned new players should have a degree of guidance from peers. We recently started playing with my brother's friend who's never swung before, literally as new as it gets. We're both 20 handicaps, by no means good golfers, but we know how to keep pace. When we play with him we just do a scramble, let the guy get swings in while still doing our best to play quick. Most people don't care if you suck, just have some courtesy for those around you and do your part in keeping pace

Just got my "green card" this year in Sweden. To be able to play on most courses in Sweden you have to have the "green card" and a membership in a golf club. Some courses have separate handicap limits. We also have "pay & play" courses where anyone who pays can play. To get the "green card" you need to take an online test in two parts, one on rules and one on etiquette. Then you have to take a practical test where you have to get 18 points (stableford) over 9 holes with a 54 handicap. You have to play this together with someone that already has a green card. What you shoot if you pass will be your handicap and you will get your "green card".

After listening to this pod cast i only had one thing in my head...a Rick Shiels guide to golf for beginners...a video aimed to teach the totally new player

I played regularly as a junior, then stopped and played once or twice a year since for the next 20 years. I recently joined a club again, and have spent 3 months (whilst waiting for a space at the club) getting lessons to re-learn how to play etc before I then went out on the course. Then again, that was more because I didn't want to embarrass myself or the people I have been playing with. Perhaps, if you don't have a handicap or previous membership at a club, when joining a club perhaps you should go out and play with one of the pros as a checkpoint

Ricks kids moving the tee's forward xD

I golf a couple of days a week. Usually just off the back and then off to work. I look at it like this, I'm going for a walk and golf gets in the way. It's helping me be less fat and that's the win.

Interesting for me as a German to hear your reflections on the „licence“ system. Actually, when having passed the exam („Platzreife“) you receive a hcp of 54. On the one hand, that’s part of the German passion of overregulating everything in life, and indeed another barrier for people to enter the world of golf. On the other hand, it needs some sort of reliable preparation before someone comes to the course. I would suggest just a mandatory instruction about the most important rules and etiquette, combined with better opportunities to practice.

The Green Card system is Finland is very efficient and definitely improves the experience for everyone. Basically, you take a couple of lessons and then play a couple of holes with a pro. The pro oversees how you play but also if you know your way around the course. It’s pretty straightforward and has been working well I think.

Played golf for 15 years in Australia. Moved to Europe and played golf in Germany for another 15 years. Came back to Australia and realized what a nightmare it is to play on courses where a fair amount of people a) have zero idea about etiquette (repair divots, pitch marks, rake bunkers, etc), and b) have no concern or are completely ignorant of those playing in the group behind them (slow play). Bring on the licence - minimum competency of shooting 120 average for example, and short instructional guidance regarding keeping the course in great condition, appropriate behaviour and pace of play.

Hi Rick, hi Guy First of all wanted to thank you for all the amazing content, you really brought me into golf in 2021. Now almost 3 years later I met my Girlfriend on the range and am a 8.4 handicapper atm 😁 Addressing the “license” topic in Germany, at my local course when I first started you have to participate in a 5 day 5hours a day “training cap” with one of the teaching professionals, for a total of 300€. On Tuesday and Thursday after the training you will have dinner together and after that you have to do a 2hour rule training with the pro but without any written test or smth. On Friday afternoon you go a stretch of 5 fairly easy holes on the course and you have to shoot 6 Stableford points over the Stretch, treated as a 54 handicapper. If u manage to do so you are allowed to join the club and you get the membership for that particular year for the already paid 300€ less. What do you think about that approach? Love from Munich, Germany Markus

I think the best thing to do for New golfers or newer golfers or golfers that aren't good is playoff shorter tees. I see so many people who aren't good at the game trying to hit from the tips. And it takes him forever to get through a hole. Play off the right tees. I'm 61 years old play about 150 times a year on the 12 handicap. I don't play off t's that are more than maybe 6200 yd. My average drive is about 245. Occasional playoff I'll play off the next set of tees. Even that extra 300,400 yards makes a big difference in the game. So that I can enjoy the game play an off the right tees is key.

I played a local course a couple of years ago as an extra with a group of 3 ladies I'd never met before. It was 6 1/2 hours to get through 15 holes.... I had to walk off at that point. Their pace of play was abominable. It was about 10 minutes minutes between each of my shots which makes it tough to play reasonably. I didn't go back to that golf club until it had changed ownership and had some marshals on the course to keep things moving.

More par 3 courses or short courses is the way to help beginer golfers. Allowing them to hit full shots without slowing play on a normal course allows them to get introduced to etiquette and all the small things needed for golf. No one will care about pace of play on a par 3 or short course as you are just out there practicing and can just move to another hole.

The part about the german golfing license (platzreife) is not quite correct. You don't need to shoot 108 or lower. That would roughly equate to a 36 hcp, actually closer to 30 taking slope and course rating into account. This was changed to 54 - the starting hcp for everyone - in 1998 already. You also don't need to play a full round of golf with a pro, the requirement is to aquire 12 stableford points over 6 holes off a 54 hcp. Given that a) most pros will chose a pretty easy 6 hole stretch and b) you've already had multiple lessons with a pga pro before that, that's very doable. If it prevents people from taking 6,5 hours shooting over 200, that's a good thing. For reference, when I started playing a few years ago, my very first 18 hole round after getting my license (I'm german) I shot 125 from the yellow tees, it took me around 4,5 hours.

I think as well as etiquette, which is important, it’s time. If someone wants to top it down a hole and look silly that’s on them, but if after say 5 minutes they aren’t near the green, they HAVE to pick up & move on to the next hole let’s say

I enjoy golf much more since I quit keeping score. I finish a round and have no idea what my score was. I just focus on my good shots and enjoying them, and don't count strokes at all - and I enjoy the game much more.

I’d love to see a video blog if you go to the live event at JCB with the crew.

Guys points at 14:00 for me right now is spot on. I am a very capable golfer playing in the single figures. I can birdie any hole off the back tees but also can triple any hole 😂 This year I have played in as many comps as possible and it has been painful me to watch my handicap go up and up, and watch my self belief in the game I used to think I was good at go down I was a much better player when I didn’t play competitions as much, and just played in the evening for the fun My enjoyment has declined significantly and I am considering quitting and leaving my golf club I want to be the guy that enjoys the challenge, but I have other stresses in life that take precedent in my life and a Saturday medal just is a painful experience for me

happy to take the perks and plaudits, gotta take the rough with the smooth.