The Rules of Acceptable Behavior. How is that for a mouthful? Well golf has many of those rules of acceptable behavior that, if followed, make the game more enjoyable for everyone that plays the game - from professional golfers to the beginning golfer.
- Always play without delay and keep up with the group in front.
- Invite faster groups to play through.
- Don't move, talk or stand close to a player makeing a stroke.
- Don't step on another player's line of putt.
- Don't play until the group in front is out of the way.
- Shout a warning if your ball may hit someone.
- Repair divot holes and ball marks, smooth footprints in bunkers.
- Don't drop clubs on the putting green or lean on your putter.
- Replace the flagstick carefully in an upright position.
- Leave the course in the condition in which you would like to find it.
These are very simple suggestions that I have seen even the seasoned veteran forget. And to all of us golfers that think we know it all we must remember that we started the game years ago and did not know all these rules.
I think that now when we see a group of beginners we should remember the rule of patience. If we do not welcome the newer golfers the golf courses of the future may be some pretty open green spaces.
Next are a few pace of play suggestions that are meant to help all golfers.
- Plan your shot while walking to your ball or while others playing.
- Line up your putt when others are putting.
- Be ready to play when it is your turn!
- Walk briskly between shots.
- Walk directly to your golf ball; don't follow others unless helping them look for a ball.
- If riding, take several clubs with you to your ball so you won't have to walk back to the cart.
- Be efficient with your pre-shot routine.
- Leave your clubs on the side of the putting green towards the next tee.
- Exit putting green promptly after holing out.
- Unless experienced, play the standard tees, not the championship tees.
- At the turn grab a quick bite and drink and continue to Hole No. 10.
If we all work together and remember some of these simple guidelines, Golf can be an enjoyable and fun experience for beginners and veterans!!
Tip of the week: Coil on the backswing and uncoil on the forward swing. Use your bigger muscles of the back and legs. It will be an easier game with less effort.
Rule of the week: Don't test the surface by scraping it or rolling a ball(16-1d).
Quote of the week: "The garment that golfers really need is not manufactured by any big company. It is hard to come by and you will have trouble putting it on by yourself. It's called a straight jacket. Some people would say it might interfere with your swing, I say put it on, have someone bind you good and tight. Let them drip honey on your lips and allow soldier ants and bees to come around and flies to pick and gnaw at you and bit your face. That's as good as playing 18 holes!" from "The Truth About Golf" by Buddy Hackett -1968 Doubleday and Company, Inc.
Upcoming events: The First Ward County Junior Golf Camp for boy and girls age 8 to 16 is June 10 and 11. Thursday the camp goes from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday it is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch included both days. The Junior Camp hosted by Jon Hanson, Steve Kottsick and Todd Lee. Cost is $75 and there is a limited entry. Sign up at Souris Valley or the Minot Country Club. The camp will be held at Souris Valley.
Good Golfing and keep in the Fairway, Steve.
(Steve Kottsick is the head golf professional at Souris Valley Golf Course. He writes a regular column during golf season and can be reached via email at sports@minot
dailynews.com)