Columnist Peter Benton: Etiquette important for new players to learn

Peter Benton

Wednesday, July 27, 2005 | 9:13 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Avid readers of our local newspapers must realize that area courses are now offering their summer specials -- some of which are truly extraordinary.

However, with these lower greens fees, many aspiring golfers with absolutely no knowledge of the rules of the game and without a whit of golf etiquette take to the links. These players are summer golfers, (and I use the word "golfers" loosely) who are out to take advantage of the lower prices and just "have fun." They are frequently not only new to the game but usually have absolutely no idea about course management.

This column is for them and will hopefully assist them in keeping up with play.

The three basic rules are:

When teeing off, the players who do not hit the ball as far as the rest of the group should hit first, hit as soon as the group ahead is out of range and always carry an extra ball in case one is hit out of bounds.

(A good common-sense rule when driving a cart is to drop your playing partner off at his/her ball and then continue on to yours.)

Once on the fairway, again hit when ready and take appropriate club(s) to your ball and again hit without delay. Have your group follow each other's shot(s) and limit your search for a lost ball to three minutes. After reaching double-bogey figures, pick up your ball.

Upon reaching the green, place any extra clubs you may have with you between players and the next tee; study your putt while others are putting out; leave the green immediately after the last ball is holed out and proceed quickly to the next tee. Complete your scorecard while playing partners are teeing off.

Upon reaching the green on par-3 holes, if the group following yours is waiting to tee off, stand in a safe area and call them up. Once they have teed off, putt out and proceed to the next tee.

These suggestions are basic ones, and if practiced diligently, you will not only be pleasantly surprised how much quicker your round will be, but you will not have incurred the wrath of those following you.

Remember, a golfer's obligation is to repair any damage that may have been caused while playing, so ... repair all fairway divots, rake all sand traps you may have been in and ensure that each and every ball mark on the greens hase be repaired ... and please, don't litter.