Five Courtesy Rules of Golfing

If you are new to the golf course, or have simply never thought of it, for whatever reason, these five tips will help you to ensure you are doing your part to help keep the golf course and the golf game, in good condition for yourself and for others behind you.

One: Replace those divots. When you make your shot, immediately use your foot to replace the grass taken out by your shot. It not only helps to keep the grass looking great for the overall enjoyment of everyone, but also helps the grass to re-root immediately so that you do not leave long lasting hole marks on the course that detract from its natural beauty. It takes only a second or two to perform this courtesy and the difference it makes if everyone practices it, is phenomenal. Some golf courses will provide a mixture of soil and sand to fix the divots as you go, if they do, instead of using your foot to replace the grass, take a few seconds to use the mix.

Two: Use the golf rake to rid the sand of footprints or swing marks. You do not want to leave a gully in the sand that hinders someone else's shot simply because you do not want the same to happen to you. If everyone takes a moment to do their part, it keeps the game fair for all. If no rake is present, simply use the back of your sand wedge.

Three: When you are putting into the hole and want to remove the flag to aid the shot, lay the flag down carefully on the green. Carelessly throwing the flag about is not only bad etiquette, but it also can damage the playing surface and the overall goodness of the course.

Four: When you create a pitch mark use your wooden tee or a pitch mark repair tool to fix it immediately. You will see the pitch as soon as you make it, but the greens keeper may not see it for quite some time, if ever. Pitch marks can seriously alter a good game for a golfer and detract from the overall enjoyment of the course. It is simple to repair the mark by using either of the aforementioned devices to lift the turf up a bit to level the indentation that your swing has made.

Five: Do not walk where another golfer will be putting (their putting line). The temporary marks you leave can hinder your opponent's shot in an unprofessional way and alter the outcome of the game. Take consideration and allow others to putt their balls in if doing so for your own ball will put you directly in their route.

These simple steps help to ensure that the overall appearance and functionality of the golf course are kept in pristine and highly operable condition. They are also good form and show you are courteous and appreciative of your surroundings and of the game.