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GOLF RESOURCE GUIDE:
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 Unfamiliarity with everything in golf besides executing shots prompted San Diego resident Charles Rollins and former PGA of America president Tom Addis III to collaborate on a DVD entitled “Essentials of Golf.” The idea to cover the essentials of a round of golf on video was hatched about five years ago, and it gained the support of the National Golf Foundation, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the National Golf Course Owners Association. Addis serves as host, 21-time PGA Tour winner Lanny Wadkins provides commentary and sportscaster Charlie Jones, who died in June, is the narrator. “This DVD is real pragmatic,” said Rollins. “Somehow, nobody had put together something like this that details everything you need to know from the time you get to a golf course to the time you leave, and what you need to do to have an enjoyable round of golf, and to also make the round more enjoyable for everybody else.” No detail is spared in the DVD’s 14 chapters, including tips on warming up, since a good routine before play can lead to better performance and a more positive attitude. The rules are covered, but more from the perspective of how to observe them without taking too much time. “In order for everyone to enjoy the game the way it was meant to be enjoyed, it’s important that everyone cooperate, whether it’s in the rules of golf, etiquette or course care,” said Addis, who is now chairman and CEO of the Southern California PGA. “We were very conscious of every aspect.” Here are 10 essentials to get you started: 1. Know the dress code If you’re unsure about what to wear, call ahead or look at the course’s website to save yourself from being turned away or having to buy the right clothing in the pro shop. 2. Forget the cell phone It’s always tempting to stay connected to the rest of the world. But even if your Bluetooth headset makes it possible for you to hit shots while talking, the rest of your group and others on the course probably don’t want to hear you babble. Either ignore your phone or leave it in the car. 3. It’s a divot tool, not a spork You hit your wedge shot on the green and are left with 10 feet for birdie. Sweet. Before you think too hard about that putt, make sure you properly fix your ball mark on the green. Stick your divot tool into the grass around the edges of the mark and push forward to move the turf into the indentation. Don’t dig too deep, though, and definitely don’t drive the tool into the mark itself because that can damage the roots. Be firm enough to remove unevenness, but be gentle when patting the repaired mark with your putter. 4. Get your gear in order Everybody’s equipment checklist is different, but some hallmarks go for all. Don’t have more than 14 clubs, and make sure you have plenty of balls, tees and a divot tool. If you’re riding, make sure your divot-mix bottles are full. 5. Ego? What ego? Golf is a challenging game, but unless you’re a touring professional, it’s still a game that’s meant to be fun. Every scorecard should have a handicap range for each tee box, and no matter how many times you’ve played a course, know your handicap and play from the proper tee. Lower scores will boost your ego more than higher scores, so why beat yourself up if you don’t have to? The same goes for pace of play. Don’t be ashamed to let faster groups play through. 6. Use your eyes It’s amazing how much time can be saved by watching the duration of your ball’s flight after you hit it. If you think it might be lost, hit a provisional, and since that type of scenario tends to happen at least once, carry an extra ball in your pocket. If you know you’ve hit a bad shot that might be headed for trouble, don’t turn away in disgust. Not finding your ball makes the situation more disgusting. 7. Ready, set, golf Always be prepared to hit your shot when it’s your turn. If you’re running behind and backing up subsequent groups, don’t worry about who in your group is away. As long as nobody is in the line of fire, play your shot to expedite the pace. A consistent pre-shot routine is important, but so is keeping that routine under 30 seconds. 8. The right angle The 90-degree cart rule is simple to follow and helps courses maintain healthy turf. When driving on the cart path, only leave the path when the cart is even with a particular ball in play, so you’re turning at a 90-degree angle. Marshals shouldn’t get upset if you drive out at an 85-degree angle, but try and keep it straight. 9. Where’s the next hole? Whenever you arrive at the green, always know where the next hole is. If you’re riding, park your cart in the closest possible point to the next hole, and if you’re walking, stand your bag up to a similar point but far enough off the green to avoid damaging any part of the putting surface, including the fringe. 10. Be generous with the divot mix If you’ve made a big divot on the fairway, pour in enough divot mix so that it at least rises slightly above the grass surface level. If the level is uneven, use your best judgment, but don’t be frugal. Maintenance vehicles will level off overflowing mix. To learn more or order the “Essentials of Golf” DVD, visit essentialsofgolf.net. |
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