Course Management Tips…
- Practice on the range like you would play on the course. Pick targets, play the ball out of different lies (uphill, sidehill, heavy lies, etc). Understanding how the ball reacts in theses different situations, what to do and if you can do them will be a great help on the course.
- “Have ONE Swing Thought”. During the lesson process we have so many things we are thinking about. When you take your game to the course try to keep thoughts to a minimum. Once set-up over the ball, point the club to the target relax and swing.
DON’T OVERTHINK IT!!! - “Establish a routine” If you don’t have one already, ask your teacher to help you or create on yourself. Repeat it while practicing on the range. An example – Stand behind the ball, pick a target, line-up club, create set-up, say your swing thought and swing away.
- “First Tee Jitters” As a beginner it is understandable to be nervous around other golfers. Especially golfers that you don’t know. A good tip it to rely on your routine. This should help with your nerves, stay focused and relax. Most golfers understand because we were all beginners at on time.
- “Play READY Golf” If you are a beginner you will probably hit more shots than better players. It's ok to hit more shots you just need to be ready when it’s your turn. If you feel like your holding your group back pick up the ball and move ahead. It is also a good idea to pick up if your score hits double the par.
Your place on the golf course should always be behind the group in front of you not in front of the group behind you !!!
Etiquette Tips…
NEVER miss your tee time. Be there early enough to meet your playing partners, find the locker room and hit some balls. Don’t arrive 5 minutes before your on the tee…it makes everyone look bad!!!
ALWAYS know club policies. Call ahead to find out the dress code and cell phone policy and whether or not cash is accepted on the premises.
NEVER dawdle, at the first tee or anywhere. Slow play is one of the biggest breaches etiquette, so know your yardage, select your club and be ready to hit.
ALWAYS hit a provisional ball is you think there’s a chance your ball is lost outside a water hazard.
NEVER enter fairway and greenside bunkers from the high side. Climbing in from the high side can cause damage to you and the bunker. Go in from the low side TAKE A RAKE, and backtrack the same way you came in, raking the entire area of play.
ALWAYS repair ball marks and divots. Leave the golf course the way
you found it.
NEVER walk in another player’s line.
ALWAYS mark your ball properly on the green. The best way is to place the mark behind the ball without
moving the ball.