In the world of golf, the phrase “Good Good” is a term that is often used during match play. It’s a unique and somewhat unconventional concept in the sport, but it serves a practical purpose when players want to expedite the pace of play or maintain sportsmanship. In this article, we’ll delve into what “Good Good” means in golf, when and why it is used, and its significance in the game.
Understanding “Good Good”
Definition
“Good Good” is a colloquial term in golf that is employed during match play to indicate an agreement between two opponents to concede a putt or a hole without requiring the other player to actually make the shot. Essentially, it is a way of saying, “Your putt is so close that I believe you would have made it, so I concede the hole.”
Usage
“Good Good” typically comes into play when both players have reached a point on the golf course where one player’s score is already low enough to guarantee a win on that particular hole, regardless of the outcome of the remaining shots. In such cases, rather than going through the formality of holing out, players may agree to concede the hole.
When “Good Good” is Used
- Late in a Match: “Good Good” is most commonly used in the later stages of a match when one player holds a significant lead in the scorecard, and it becomes apparent that their victory is imminent.
- When Speeding Up Play: It’s also employed to speed up the pace of play, as holing out on every hole, especially when a player is already far behind, can be time-consuming.
- Preserving Sportsmanship: “Good Good” is a way to demonstrate sportsmanship and respect for your opponent. It acknowledges that a shot is virtually guaranteed to go in and avoids the need to rub in a losing opponent’s performance.
Significance of “Good Good” in Golf
Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship is one of the core values of golf, and “Good Good” exemplifies this. It reflects a golfer’s willingness to put the spirit of the game and respect for their opponent above the competitive aspect. By conceding putts or holes, players show that they are not only focused on winning but also on upholding the integrity of the sport.
Time Efficiency
In a game of golf, especially at the amateur level, pace of play is a crucial factor. “Good Good” helps to maintain a reasonable pace by avoiding unnecessary putts, which can slow down the game considerably. It allows players to complete their rounds more swiftly, enhancing the overall golfing experience for everyone involved.
Strategy
Strategically, “Good Good” can be used as a psychological tactic. By conceding a hole early in the match when the opponent is still competitive, a player can potentially unsettle their opponent and gain a mental edge. It can also be a way to conserve energy for later holes in a match.
Examples of “Good Good” in Action
To illustrate how “Good Good” works in practical terms, consider a hypothetical match play scenario between two golfers, Alice and Bob, on an 18-hole course:
- Hole 1: Alice and Bob start their match, and both make par (a score of 4) on the first hole. No “Good Good” is necessary.
- Hole 2: Alice makes a par putt, but Bob’s putt for par is only a few inches away from the hole. Alice says, “That’s good good,” and concedes the hole to Bob. Bob wins the hole without having to putt.
- Hole 3: Alice hits her tee shot into a water hazard, while Bob lands safely on the green. Bob’s approach shot leaves him with a short putt for birdie, while Alice is still trying to recover from the hazard. Alice says, “That’s good good,” acknowledging that she has no chance of winning the hole, and concedes it to Bob.
- Hole 4: Alice and Bob both make bogey (a score of 5) on this hole. No “Good Good” is used.
This pattern continues throughout the match, with Alice conceding holes to Bob when it becomes clear that she cannot catch up or when her putt is essentially a tap-in. By doing so, they maintain the pace of play and show mutual respect for each other’s abilities.
The Art of “Good Good”
While “Good Good” is a simple concept, it requires a delicate balance. Conceding too early in a match may give the impression of underestimating one’s opponent, while conceding too late can result in unnecessarily prolonged play. Therefore, golfers must develop a sense of when to use “Good Good” to maximize its benefits.
In the end, “Good Good” is not just about saving a few strokes on the scorecard; it’s about fostering a positive and respectful atmosphere on the golf course. It reflects the unwritten rules and etiquette that make golf a unique and cherished sport, where camaraderie and the spirit of the game often take precedence over fierce competition.
So, the next time you find yourself in a match play situation on the golf course, remember the significance of “Good Good.” It’s not just a way to expedite play; it’s a gesture of sportsmanship that helps make golf the gentleman’s (and gentlewoman’s) game that it is known to be.
Golf Lingo Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Good Good | In match play, it’s an informal concession when a putt is so short that there’s no need to putt. |
| Match Play | A format of golf where players compete hole-by-hole, rather than for the total number of strokes. |
| Concession | An act of courtesy where an opponent allows a player to pick up their ball without completing a hole. |
| Putt | A golf stroke used on the green to roll the ball into the hole. |
| Informal | Not governed by strict rules; relaxed or unofficial. |
| Strokes | The number of swings taken to complete a hole. |
| Format | The structure or rules governing a particular type of competition. |
| Opponent | The person or team you are competing against in a match. |
| Green | The well-maintained, grassy area surrounding the hole. |
| Hole | Each segment of the golf course, typically 18 in total. |
Common Golf Scenarios
| Scenario | Description |
|---|---|
| Player 1 concedes Player 2’s putt | In match play, Player 1 tells Player 2, “That’s good, good,” indicating that Player 2 can pick up their ball. |
| Match Play tied at 18 holes | In match play, if both players have the same number of holes won after 18, they might agree on a tie (“all square”). |
| Long Putt | A challenging putt from a considerable distance away from the hole. |
| Short Putt | A relatively easy putt, usually very close to the hole. |
| Extra Holes | When match play is tied after 18 holes, they may play additional holes to determine the winner. |
| Par 3 Hole | A hole on the golf course that’s designed to be played in three strokes for a skilled golfer. |
| Par 4 Hole | A hole on the golf course that’s designed to be played in four strokes for a skilled golfer. |
| Par 5 Hole | A hole on the golf course that’s designed to be played in five strokes for a skilled golfer. |
| Bogey | Completing a hole one stroke over its designated par. |
| Eagle | Completing a hole two strokes under its designated par. |
Match Play Scoring
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Player 1 wins a hole | Player 1 is one hole up. |
| Player 2 wins a hole | Player 1 and Player 2 are tied. |
| All square through 9 holes | The match is even after 9 holes. |
| Player 1 concedes the match | Player 2 wins the match. |
| Extra holes required | The match extends beyond 18 holes. |
The Etiquette of Concessions
| Etiquette Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Concede with grace | When conceding a putt or hole, do so courteously and without hesitation. |
| Verbal agreement | Ensure there’s clear communication between players regarding concessions. |
| Consistency is key | Be consistent in applying concessions to avoid confusion or disputes. |
| Respect your opponent’s decision | If your opponent concedes, respect their decision, even if you disagree. |
| Etiquette over strict rules | Golf etiquette often takes precedence over strict rule enforcement in match play. |
The Psychology of “Good Good”
| Psychological Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Sportsmanship and respect | “Good Good” is a sign of sportsmanship, showing respect for your opponent. |
| Mind games and strategy | Offering “Good Good” strategically can influence the outcome of the match. |
| Pressure and mental resilience | Responding to or offering “Good Good” can reveal a player’s mental strength. |
| Courteous communication | Using “Good Good” is a way to communicate intentions and maintain harmony. |
| Psychological advantage | Knowing when to concede can create a psychological advantage in match play. |
Conclusion
In golf, “Good Good” is more than just a quirky phrase; it embodies the values of sportsmanship, time efficiency, and strategic thinking. It is a testament to the unique culture and etiquette of golf, where respecting your opponent and the game itself hold paramount importance. So, the next time you hear “Good Good” on the golf course, you’ll know that it’s not just about making putts; it’s about making the game more enjoyable and honorable for all.
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