First of all I am definitely not a scratch golfer, and not at all the type that prances around like a PGA pro, but I did learn to play politely and respectfully. The ethics of golf, as well as the rules, were always emphasized. When I moved to the villages a long time ago now, I was completely unprepared for the behavior of the golf courses of The Villages ! I too was paired with folks who seemed friendly enough, but the first time I saw someone drive a golf cart right up to the green and PARK with the wheels on the apron, I was stunned. The first time someone walked up behind me chatting as I was in full swing on the tee I was frightened to death ! I thought it was just some kind of "newbie" experience, something I'd never encounter again, but now, years later, I've seen it all, and I mean ALL. You name it, it happens here on the golf course. Within the first few months an ambassador, who I mistook for a marshal not ever having heard of an "ambassador", who offered me cool water. We chatted since there was an open hole behind me, and I told him I was not trying to be a tattle tale but I was concerned about the folks ahead who habitually seemed to hit into every trap (and I sure do that too !) but they never entered at the lowest point, and worse yet, would stand of the high cut edge of the traps and completely destroy the turf cut.... even having grass and soil come down into the white sand. I'd never seen anything like this happen on a public course. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "well, welcome to the Villages" in a friendly way, not snide at all. He then explained "ambassador" versus "marshal" to me, and added that many ambassadors do try to GENTLY remind golfers but that they are asked to "follow a fine line" since they are not "golf police". Over the years now I understand perfectly, I think ! At no other golf courses in the world (I believe) would you find people who, with no instruction what so ever (or only from a spouse or friend...LOL) go to a golf course and simply play without having any idea of the many innuendos of golf etiquette. They laugh and chat away without any thought to who can hear, stand behind a person about to swing, played with one lady who put her ball on a tee ON THE FAIRWAY and said the "pro" at a country club here (she named the club and pro) had told her to do "what ever makes her feel comfortable" as a beginner ? So, I learned to relax, my score one stroke or another is not my concern, I only hope to get a par here and there, but destructive habits to the condition (have you EVER seen a resort, public course, or real country club where members pay a fee with so many ball marks left unfixed ?) of the course; stepping on the lips of traps and crushing them, driving ON greens and then OVER them, and for the most part, not one word is said to such folks. People who have never played golf in their lives (until they moved here) decide "hey, I'm paying for it I'm going to take advantage", and that's GREAT to see people pick up new things late in life (me too, took up all kinds of new interests in retirement so I fully understand), but I honestly believe people who take up shuffle board or bocce or pickle-ball spend more time LEARNING the not only the rules, but the etiquette of the game then they do when they take up golf. Frankly, I don't think it is going to change ! ? And as you say, most of these folks would be great to go have a cup of coffee or a drink with later. On the course, it's really hard to learn to live with this.... but I sure have.
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