Procedures to enhance pleasure of golf
Take no more than one practice swing.
HAL LENOBEL
Contributing Columnist
golf@lbknews.com
With the ever-increasing number of people now playing golf, it becomes essential to the pleasure of the game that everyone involved take an interest in the manner in which golf should be played. It is important to be aware of and practice procedures that will enhance each and every player’s pleasure in the sport. As a result I shall endeavor to state certain principles that might serve that purpose, principles that are advised by the USGA.
Pace of play
1. Plan your shot while walking to your ball or while others are playing
2. Be ready to play when it is your turn to play, particularly on the putting green.
3. Don’t mark off yardage for every shot. Try to develop an eye for distance, especially when playing the same golf course day after day.
4. Walk directly to your ball; don’t follow other players to theirs unless assisting them in locating a lost ball.
5. Be efficient in your pre-shot routines.
6. Take no more than one practice swing.
7. Play a provisional ball when the situation calls for it.
8. Record scores on the next teeing ground while others are playing or after you have hit your tee shot.
9. Put your putter in your bag at the next teeing ground.
Carts
1. Always be aware of the damage carts can cause to the course.
2. Never ride a cart with one leg extending out of the cart.
3. Keep the cart at least 20 yards away from the green or bunker, and park facing in the direction of the next hole.
4. Always obey the “Rules of the Road.”
Behavior, manners
1. Treat other players the way you would like to be treated.
2. No mulligans! Use the practice tee for practicing. No mulligans!
3. Golf is played best when emotions are under control.
Honesty, integrity
1. Play the course as you find it.
2. Play the ball as it lies; when that is not possible, do what is fair.
3. Be responsible for applying the Rules of Golf.
4. Treat others with respect.
In conclusion
“Remember to always play by the Rules of Golf, play quickly and observe golf etiquette, and you’ll be an integral part of the greatest game of all.”
The four forces of golf
1. Gravity, which causes the ball to drop suddenly into hazards and deep rough.
2. Electromagnetism, which makes it curve sharply toward whichever of the earth’s poles is closest to the wrong side of the fairway.
3. The Weak Force, which makes it dribble to the edge of the ladies tee.
4. The Strong Force, which propels it directly toward a foursome of lawyers in the next fairway.
