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Tips from the Pro

One of the greatest things about golf is that its players govern themselves and respect the rules of the game. The game is more fun and rewarding when you play within the rules. Golf is governed by many rules but generally a few basic rules apply to most situations.

As a player, you have the obligation to your fellow players to see that the Rules of Golf are followed. This one simple statement will give you an entire philosophy for the Rules of Golf:

“Play the course as you find it, play the ball as it lies and play fairly.”

What are the basics of golf etiquette?

Within the USGA Rules of Golf, there are golf etiquettes to follow.

1. Safety: Be aware of the players in your group, others on the course and yourself. Never take any action that could endanger

anyone.

2. Consideration of other players:

• Show consideration of your actions by not disrupting anyone through excessive movement, talking and unnecessary noise.

• On the putting green, be sure not to stand in or cast a shadow through the line of someone’s putt.

3. Pace of Play: Be sure to maintain a good pace of play. Keep one shot behind the group in front of you.

4. Course Conditions: Do everything you can to leave the course the way you found it.

Bunkers – be sure to rake your footprints while leaving a bunker. Feel free to rake those that others left behind as well!

Divots – Taking a divot is not bad, but leaving it unrepaired is bad.

Ball marks – make the effort to repair any marks made on the putting surface.

For more information on the rules of golf or to obtain a copy of the rules visit the websites of the governing bodies of the rules of golf: http://www.usga.org or http://www.wsga.org.