With October in full swing and the long weekend upon us for many Americans, now is the perfect time to review the 10 rules every golfer should follow every time they play.
So if you're planning on playing golf this weekend, don't forget these 10 rules. Of course, don't forget the “leaf rule”. If you can't find your ball and think it's buried under fallen leaves or other fall natural debris, you can free drop it near where you feel it landed.
Without further ado, here are 10 rules that every golfer should follow.
10. Play with a clean ball
How often have you heard “Mad Ball!?” Did a PGA Tour pro tweet? Probably a lot. That's because mud, dirt, and grass all quickly stain a golf ball and affect the ball's flight and roll. Mudballs are more likely to occur in the fall because the grass is softer.
Therefore, you should start your round with a clean golf ball, free of dirt, dents, and cracks that may have been caused by trees, cart paths, or even flag poles.
Trust me, it helps and it makes a difference.
9. Mark the ball on the green and keep it clean
Similar to rule number 10, when you get to the green, you need to mark and clean your golf ball, then line it up properly on the line you're going to putt.
A clean golf ball will roll more smoothly on the green, and marking the ball will help you line up your putts on the desired trajectory.
8. Carry multiple ball markers
Jack Nicklaus always has a nickel in his pocket.
One to mark your golf ball, one in case your opponent forgets, and one cent in case you or a competitor loses the ball marker.
It's always good to follow Nicklaus's lead and carry multiple coins with you, as you never know when you'll part with them.
7. Prepare and use a towel
The first three rules above apply to clean golf balls.
However, you will need towels to keep it clean. Towels are very important, whether it's in your golf bag or a small towel you carry with you to the green. Not only is it important that the ball is clean, but so is the grooves on the clubface.
If the grooves are dirty, the wedge will not spin.
A slightly damp towel at the beginning of your round will help keep your ball and clubs clean.
6. Post your scores and keep an honest handicap
One of the great things about golf is that anyone can compete as long as they hold a fair and honest handicap.
A duffer can compete with a scratch player, or a 6-handicapper can play a good match against a 22-handicapper, as long as everyone involved maintains a fair and honest handicap.
If you don't have an official handicap, if you don't have an official handicap, USGA's GHIN Service. Each course has a rating and slope to determine difficulty, so you can post your score no matter where you play. However, inflating your handicap can make you look like a fraud, and no one wants to be labeled as such.
So please post your shot scores. If you don't, you'll pay the price later.
5. Clear bunkers and correct ball marks
In addition to keeping your balls and clubs clean, you should also do your best to keep your golf course clean.
Use the included rake to clean the sand trap and return the sand to a flat surface. Also, ball marks on the green must be corrected to avoid damaging the putting surface or disrupting other people's lines.
Divot repair tools work, but so do tees.
In any case, fix the ball marks and scrape up the traps.
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4. Observe etiquette
Manners on the golf course are very important.
Never join someone else's line.
Make sure your shadow doesn't interfere with other players' swings, stances, or putts.
Never stand directly behind someone's swing.
Also, don't stand near other people's holes. Give other players space to make strokes.
However, always shake hands with your opponent at the end of the round, regardless of the outcome.
3. Respect course staff and act with integrity
The person working that day knows the course better than you, including conditions, local rules, and even the pace of play.
Being rude or belligerent is not good for anyone.
On the golf course, always treat others with respect and honesty so that everyone can enjoy themselves.
2. Don't be bored
Pace of play issues are not limited to the PGA Tour. They are also a problem for amateur golfers.
You don't need to do 30 practice swings before making a stroke. You also don't have to evaluate every inch of each green when reading a putt. Play at a deliberate pace and attack when you're ready.
1. Have fun
This is a very simple but important rule.
Golf is just a game, and in my opinion the best game in the world. Always have fun, even if it can be frustrating at times. You often go outside, hang out with friends and family, and enjoy the best that life has to offer.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
