HOW TO BECOME A GOLFER
NGF ES-3
A Message that Every Player of the Game Should Hear
Golf is a lifetime activity in that participation can be rewarding at any age. Early exposure to the game - in all its dimensions - will insure lifelong benefits in return. In addition to skill, success in golf lies in sportsmanship and fair play. It is a game, which revolves around the concept of courtesy and proper conduct. It is a game which requires self-discipline - in the sense of control of individual emotions and also in the sense of integrity, because many of its rules depend on self-enforcement. The true 'golfer' is one who commands respect not only for their actions on the course but also for the awareness of correct procedures in the clubhouse. Such respect is an outgrowth of one's self respect and is nurtured by concern for the following:
1.    Knowledge of and Adherence to the Official Rules of the Game
Rules make it possible for everyone to play the game on the same basis of fairness and wholesome spirit. Fair-minded, good sportsmen would not knowingly break the rules. The 'Golfer' studies the Rules…then develops a sound working knowledge of them. By observing the 'golfer's' adherence to rules, other players will follow by their example.
2.    Personal Conduct
The myriads of playing situations, which confront the player during a round, pose a constant test of personality and character. The GOLFER realizes this and accepts moments of discouragement as part of the games challenge.
3.    Care of the Course
The average golf hole requires thousands of dollars to construct, and additional thousands to maintain. In recognition of such costs, acts which reflect concern for course maintenance can be readily observed in the behavior of a GOLFER. Attention to the following matters will require special effort by the beginning player, but will soon become habit comfortably incorporated into the normal sequence of play.
      The Golfer Always:
  • Hits from the designated tee area
  • Replaces divots, even if only a small amount of turf has been removed.
  • Rakes the sand to smooth footprints and club marks following a bunker shot.
  • Repairs ball marks on the putting green - often times more than just ones own.
  • Refrains from scuffing the green with spikes and does not walk near the edge of the cup.
  • Places the bag of clubs off the green and nearer the next tee before putting.
  • Refrains from pulling a cart across edges of the green.
  • Follows designated pathways for the motorized golf car, being careful not to drive over teeing grounds or onto apron areas of the green.
  • Discards litter in proper containers. Leaves pets at home.
4.    Safety
The act of compressing a hard ball with a clubface traveling in the range of 100 miles per hour occurs several times during a round. When crowded, the golf course becomes acres of dangerous ground - UNLESS each player is alert.
      The Golfer Always:
  • Waits until players ahead are well out of range before hitting, taking extra precaution on blind holes.
  • Shout the warning cry 'Fore' whenever a shot astray could endanger others.
  • Takes practice swings judiciously, where space is clear of obstructions and other players.
  • Observes out-of-bounds areas designated within the course premises which prohibit play of a ball on an adjacent fairway or outside the course boundaries.
  • Leaves small children at home.
5.    Pace of Play
The game of golf was designed to be played with continuity of effort. Its challenge calls for sustained concentration combined with the physical ability to execute the swing under scores of playing conditions. The GOLFER determines the pace at which they perform best and which is compatible with fellow players.
      The Golfer Always:
  • Walks to the ball with dispatch.
  • Plans club selection and shot execution while approaching the ball or waiting for others to hit. Always is ready to hit in turn.
  • Sets a pace which maintains a comfortable distance between groups ahead and those behind. Should the distance of a hole exist between you and those ahead of you, allow faster players to play through. To avoid congestion on the tee area of par 3 holes where appropriate, upon reaching the green allow those waiting on the tee to hit their shots.
  • Learns the habit of following the flight of the ball closely, marking the point where it lands so that excessive time need not be taken to determine its location. If a ball is thought to be lost or out-of-bounds, hits a provisional ball, following USGA rules procedures. Is discriminating of the number of practice swings taken.
  • Avoids giving one's self or others a 'lesson' while on the course.
  • Upon reaching the green leaves bags, carts or motorized golf cars nearer the next tee - never in front of the green.
  • Practices efficient handling of the flagstick to shave seconds from 'green-time'. Rule of thumb states that the player whose ball lies closest to the hole attends or removes the flagstick; it is the responsibility of the player who first holes out to replace it.
  • Leaves the green immediately upon concluding play of that hole.
  • Practice putting is discouraged.
  • Scores should be recorded en route to or at the next tee rather on the putting green.
 By observing these procedures, a round of golf can be shortened as much as an hour - while increasing enjoyment!