Mind your manners

When it comes to understanding the most basic premise of golf course etiquette, the United States Golf Association’s website offers a great starting point: “Unlike many sports, golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.” In other words, if you want to learn how to play golf, do not take lessons from Happy Gilmore. But if you are interested in pursuing a lifelong love-hate relationship with what might just be one of the most frustratingly rewarding sports ever invented, you need to know how to play well with others. And it wouldn’t hurt to know a thing or two about swinging a club before you hit the course for the first time, either. Which means you might have a little work to do before heading out for your first 18 holes at Qualchan. Bob Scott, head pro at MeadowWood Golf Course in Liberty Lake, says every new golfer will be doing themselves, and everyone else on the course, a huge favor by respecting the natural progression of things. If you’re just beginning. Scott suggests starting on the driving range and taking a couple of lessons from a pro. Or start with a shorter course – a Par-3 like Eagle Ridge or an executive course like Trailhead – and work your way up. Scott likens the golf-course to a one-way highway with no passing lane. If you have no idea what you’re doing when you first arrive at the golf course you’re bound to hold up traffic and break one of the cardinal rules of play – always keep up with the group in front of you. “Speed of play is one of the most important things out there,” Scott says. “If someone’s really slow, all of a sudden the whole course comes to a standstill.” It’s OK to let the group behind you play through, he says, but that still has a tendency to slog things down. “It’s not bad to periodically pick your ball up and move along if you’re new to the game.” So what are some simple practices to help you keep pace? The PGA’s site offers these ideas: Plan your next shot on the way to your ball, and pay attention to the strength and direction of the wind. Check the ball’s lie, select your club, visualize your shot and then play. The expected time from club selection to taking your shot is only 45 seconds, so remember that it’s OK to let one of your partners play ahead of you if you’re not quite ready to take your shot. Esmeralda’s head pro, Rex Schultz, suggests other ways that help things flow smoothly. “People think that since the 9th hole is close to the clubhouse, it’s a pit stop. That’s not true.” So don’t stop to have a drink or lunch. “There might be time to use the bathroom, but that’s it.” Showing up 20 to 30 minutes early for your tee time is something else to get in the habit of doing, Schultz says. “People don’t like losing their tee time, but there isn’t a grace period,” he cautions. “Once that moment in time has passed, it doesn’t come back. Everything needs to keep moving.” Things need to keep growing, too. So remember this: To golfers, the course is hallowed ground, and everyone is expected to treat it as such. “Always replace your divots,” advises Scott. When your club sends a big pelt of grass flying, “Pick it up, put it back in its spot and tap it down with your foot.” Some courses put containers of soil and seed around the tees, so if there’s no way you can piece your divot back together, be sure to sprinkle some magic dust in the hole you’ve just made. A cart will help you move through the holes faster, but if you’re using a cart to play, keep it on the trails provided. “We put pavement on the course because that’s where we’d like the carts to go,” Schultz says. If there’s no pavement, be mindful of where you drive the cart. And remember, “They’re golf carts, not go carts,” Schultz warns. “Unless you want to pay the bill, don’t use them as bumper cars.” And never, ever, let the wheels of your cart, or your golf bag, touch the green. The green is the most revered area on the course. “Your green’s kind of sacred,” Scott says, “So you want to keep it really smooth.” The green is home to the shortest grass on the course, so when your ball plunks onto it, it’s bound to leave an indentation. Always keep a ball repair tool in your golf bag to smooth the ball mark out, by gently working the edges toward the center. Smooth everything out with a sweep of your putter or shoe. And for heaven’s sake, use your ‘inside voices.’ “Try not to move or speak when somebody’s hitting their shot,” Schultz says. “A golf swing takes less than half a second. Be still and silent during the swing.” Keep in mind that other people within earshot are taking swings, too. So keep your celebration and commiseration at a respectful level.