Q. Should a player laying a stymie for an opponent offer to lift his ball, or to play out first?
A. U. S. Golf Association rules call for playing stymies. Many local club rules make exceptions. In competition other than formal tournaments it is frequently agreed to lift stymies. In case there has been no agreement it is proper to offer to lift the first stymie that occurs, and if the offer is accepted it sets the precedent for that round. The player laying the stymie makes the offer. Some players will decline, preferring to play always strictly according to the rules.
Q. In case an opponent dubs a shot and there has been noise, movement or other distraction, should one invite him to play the shot over?
A. The offer may be made, but it probably will not be accepted. Real golfers prefer to ask or receive no advantage. If such an offer is made, it may be accepted or declined, and either decision closes the incident and sets no precedent.
Q. Are practice strokes permitted?
A. Practice strokes using another ball are not permissible nor good form, as they delay the game for everyone. Practice swings are not forbidden, but one should learn to play without them if possible after the game has started. Practicing may be done at other times and places.
Q. How long a search for a lost ball is permissible?
A. It is a matter of rule, not etiquette.
Q. How should a beginner conduct himself on the links?
A. Remember that courtesy is fundamental to golf. Learn the rules as quickly as you can. When in doubt ask a companion. On any doubtful point consider the other players, not yourself.
Q. Should the player or his caddy smooth over holes or footmarks in a bunker?
A. The player. The caddy should not enter a bunker.
Q. Should one stand behind a player when he is making a stroke?
A. No. The best place is at a reasonable distance in front of him as he faces the ball. Naturally you cannot be toward the hole at which he is playing. Standing in the opposite direction you may bother his line of vision when he swings. If behind him he cannot tell what you are doing, while if you stand quietly in sight, but not close enough to annoy, you are sure not to interrupt his stroke.
Q. In a golf tournament at match play why can’t I waive a rule or the enforcement of a penalty against my opponent if I want to be a “good sport”?
A. Not only can you not waive a rule or a penalty, but your opponent cannot accept such generosity on your part. The reason for this is that such action might determine the result of the match. Every other player in the tournament is directly affected by the result of your match. For example, to waive a penalty might favor a stronger player, which would be to the disadvantage of the other player in the succeeding match, or it might favor a weaker player, which would be correspondingly to the advantage of the player next to meet him.
