10 things to know when playing Golf
1 – Make sure to arrive on time. This should be a goal you endeavor to reach for all things in life. When it comes to Golf though, it has an increased importance. Tee times can be pushed way back, or in some cases forfeited if the intended Players don’t arrive on time. In the most extreme cases your credit card can be charged for a Round of Golf you never even got to play. Do yourself and your playing partners a favour, and arrive on time.
2 – Keep your cellphone on silent. If you’ve ever watched a single Golf tournament. Then this should be obvious to you. It should be obvious to anyone that’s taken the time to develop a decent Golf swing. Just think of all the thoughts that go through your head before you swing. I know mine. Establish distance to the ball during practice swings – align my body parallel to intended trajectory – rotate my body through the backswing – keep my right arm as straight as possible – don’t forget to allow the club to release through impact. That’s what I think about before I take my swing. It’s actually a lot simpler than it used to be. As you get better your checklist becomes smaller. Now what happens if during all that, a cellphone notification comes in? It’s bad enough if it’s a playing partner’s cellphone. It’s even worse if it’s your own.
3 – Know your turn. This isn’t common knowledge. Most Beginners are unfamiliar with who plays first on each Hole, who plays first from the Fairway, or who Putts first on the Green. There is an order to each one for very good reasons. Decide who Tees off first on the first Hole by whatever method you prefer. Each subsequent Hole, the Player who scored best on the last Hole Tees off first. Followed by the others in order of best to worst. If the previous Hole was a tie, then whoever has the better overall score Tees off first. The reason for this is simple. It allows the Players that are trailing to get a read from the leaders Tee shot. Teeing off first can be a significant disadvantage. When playing from the Fairway or surrounding area. Whomever hit their Ball closest to the Pin plays last. The reason for this is about safety. As long as each Player remains behind the next Player to hit. Then nobody risks being hit by a ball that a member of their group is playing. When on the Green the closest to the Pin plays last as well. This comes as a surprise to most Beginners. The natural urge is to Putt your ball into the Hole if it’s nice and close. Especially if it appears to be in the way of another Player’s ball. The proper thing to do is mark your Ball’s position, and pick it up. Then replace it, and Putt when it comes around to your turn. Why all the trouble you ask? Hitting it close to the Hole has earned you a reward. You get to watch the path each other Player’s ball took. Getting a read for how the slope of the Green affects the roll of the ball.
4 – Don’t walk through another Player’s putting line. Putts are very sensitive things. The slightest imperfection on the Green can affect the path of the ball. Imagine how upset you would be if your perfect read got messed up because someone you were playing with left a spike mark on your line.
5 – Don’t spend too much time looking for lost balls. One of my previous Posts was about selecting the right Ball for a Beginner. Budget played an important role in that decision. One of the reasons why is that you shouldn’t play a Ball that you are afraid to lose. It seems like every time I play at an inexpensive Golf course. I come across people who seem determined to earn their Scout badge for Woodland tracking. They spend so much time looking for that expensive ball that Play slows down to a crawl. Do everyone a favour and play balls you can afford to lose.
6 – Hit a provisional ball. Something I wasn’t aware of as a Beginner is the rule concerning lost balls, or out of bounds. Your next shot is supposed to occur from the same place your last shot was from. This presents a slow play problem if you lose your ball after cranking one from the Tee with your Driver. Walking back to the Tee box to take your next shot is too much of a hassle. If there is any likelihood that your Ball is lost, or out of bounds. Just Tee up another Ball right away and hit it just in case. Maybe go with a club that you are very confident with. That way a third shot shouldn’t be necessary. It’s easier to just pick up that Ball if you find the original. If you don’t find the first Ball you hit, then play the provisional. Remember to add an additional stroke to your score.
7 – Last to Putt should pull the flag. When your group has reached the Green. If you are the closest to the Hole. The last of your group to Putt. Then make it your responsibility to pull the flag. You are going to have a fair amount of time to get a read for your Putt, so the time it takes to pull the flag shouldn’t be an issue. You shouldn’t have to worry about replacing it. By the time you make your Putt. Somebody else in your group should already have the flag.
8 – Dress appropriately for Golf. I’m not saying that you should be doing your best Payne Stewart impression. One thing for sure is that you should always check to see if the course has a dress code. I’ve been on courses that require collared shirts, and don’t allow jeans. Most courses require Golf shoes. At least Cross trainers should be worn. Don’t show up at a Golf course in sneakers, and expect to play.
9 – Wait until it’s totally safe to Tee off. I haven’t been hit by an errant shot yet. I’ve had quite a few balls come close though. It’s one thing when somebody slices a shot from the next Hole over, and screams four! It’s a completely different thing when the group behind you Tees off way to early, and almost hits someone in your group. When that happens I just pick up their Ball, and toss it in my bag. They can come ask me for it if they’re feeling brave. If you are in a rush, and can’t wait for the group ahead of you to finish the Hole. Then you shouldn’t be out Golfing that day.
10 – Respect the course. I love playing on a well maintained course. Seeing the Ball roll true on Greens. Hitting the Fairway, and having a nice flat lie to hit your next shot from. Instead of being stuck in somebody’s divot. It isn’t just the Greens keepers responsibility to keep the course in good condition. It’s your responsibility as well. Don’t leave garbage on the course. Take the extra ten seconds to replace your divots. Repair your pitch marks on the Greens. Hopefully you will help set an example for others, and the courses you play will be far more enjoyable.
Follow these guidelines, and your Rounds will be far more enjoyable to you, and others.
Beginner’s guide to Golf