[st01en_lox]

Has it always been common etiquette to remove you hat to shake hands after finishing 18?

I don't remember this when I was younger. And, I don't remember tour players doing it back in the 70-80's. Maybe most of them didn't wear hat back then.

[scewDeasp]

Not sure if it was done at another point in time or even if it's a common thing to do every where, however I always do it. I picked the habit up from the pro's on tv and think it's a class act. I see it as a sign of respect to the person I'm addressing.

[MizzDaizzy]

i always do it too duey. not sure where/when it happened and the tradition started but i think it's a great way to end a round with playing partners.

[carpartsho]

I always shake the hands of the people I play with, just seems to be the right thing to do.

[scewDeasp]

It's kind of funny sometimes to see someone who's not used to the "hat off shake", lol. A guy today fumbled around with his putter and made two attempts to take his hat off like mine, but you can bet he's seen this on tv, because he knew it was the thing to do after I did. Golf is about respect in my opinion and I see things like this as fun, professional and classy.

[Lgcjqxlw]

maybe I should start shaking hands with my brothers and dad after... that'll surprise them... LoLz...

but when I do play with others, I'll keep this in mind... very cool reminder... Thanks...

[ELURNSERB]

I am pretty much the only person I know to take off my hat after a round for the handshake. Fortunately, most of the guys I play with see the gesture and do the same (and I think are starting to get used to it).. I think it revolves directly around respect.. Nothing less informal than shaking the hand of a shades wearing guy with his head down!

[IssuessBratte]

The guys i play with we do it all the time and i couldn't really imagine not doing it. I did it when i was young and played then also. To me its just always been a part of the game.

[usacomm]

I don't it cause the sunbeam comming off my bald $$ head would blind ya for life.

[wCYvMKAc]

It's more of a personal preference, I have seen pro's do it with their hat on, it is still respectful because you are shaking the guys hand. If they are ready to shake hands with me already and I'm just getting the ball out of the hole, I won't take time to remove my hat. If I have time I will.

[HaremShaih]

I don't really take my hat of to shake someones hand after golf so it makes no difference to me if a guy takes his hat off or not. Most of the time I don't see it anyway. I don't think any less of them as long as they show a little courtesy at the end of the round. Everyone has a different way of showing courtesy and I won't be offended at all if a guy doesn't take his hat off. Shake my hand, give me a pound, or even just make a friendly comment and we're good.

[spamkillerj]

I shake hands with people that have played with us, I don't remove my hat though.

[gunhijala]

Being in the military, perhaps I can hypothesize. We salute a ranking officer, out of respect, and that tradition came from way back in the medival times when knights would raise their visors to eachother to reveal their faces as a sign of respect. I suspect the tradition we speak of could be more historical than we might believe, in that golf was invented around the same era, and perhaps two adversaries would raise their "covers" after a round as a show of respect.

[Talicoabilk]

I never dont take off my hat. Plus i usually throw everything in my hat so my hands are free

[Phoneemer]

I remove my hat, shake hands, then grab the opponent for a big man-hug (for at leat 4 seconds longer than is comfortable), nuzzle their neck, smell hair, gently smooth cheek, then as we break apart, 3 gentle taps on the behind... I just wouldn't feel comfortable if I didn't remove my hat...

[astefecyAvevy]

You do realize that this came from men taking off their hats as a show of resprct to womwn and the dead. It happens with the national anthem etc. However i don't see a need during a golf match. Its suppose to be a solemn deep respesct thing, not normal, everyday, how ya doin type thing. This kinda cheapens the gesture unless your playin with someone like jack, arnie,etc. or someone on their last legs i guess haha.

[yWleIJm4]

I just shake hands with my hat on. Dont see the need to take it off for Joe Schmoe.

[Jon Woodgate]

I take mine off every time!

[acneman]

I don't take my hat off after playing golf, but I always shake hands with whoever I'm playing with.

Sounds like a good subject for a poll!

[JetePlentuara]

I also always remove my hat; I am surprised at how many people don't do this. If I see someone on TV not remove their cap when shaking someone's hand I am irritated. Remove your cap fellas, it's the gentleman thing to do!!