Golf etiquette reminders to keep the game joyful

Golf is a game for ladies and gentlemen. Golfers are honorable, courteous, respectful and considerate of other players and the course. Here are 14 simple rules of golf etiquette that should be observed while playing on any golf course.

• Show up to the tee on time: Delays at the first hole affect everyone behind.

• Don’t talk or move while others are hitting: Rule No. 1 in golf etiquette.

• Don’t stand behind a golfer anywhere on the course: This is distracting and rude. Exception: Golfers hitting into the sun where a player can help track the golfers ball.

• Be careful walking on the greens: Do not walk in another golfer’s line. This leaves footprints/spike marks on the green, which cannot be fixed and will alter the path of a putted ball.

• Lost ball etiquette: Look for three minutes maximum, then take a drop or re-hit, no exceptions.

• Keep up the pace: Stay in touch with the group ahead. Slow play affects everyone.

• Play ready golf but birdies and aces should usually tee off first: Putt out those 2-3 footers rather than marking the ball. This helps keep up the pace.

• Know the rules: Local rules may conflict with PGA rules. Ask the tournament director if there are any questions.

• Always yell fore on an errant shot even if unsure the ball will reach the golfers in the line of fire. For safety on the Leisure World golf course, stand behind screens on tees 7, 8 and 9.

• Fix ball marks and replace divots: This helps keep the course in good shape and doesn’t leave pockmarks on greens and fairways for balls to roll into or onto.

• Rake sand traps and leave rakes inside the trap with rake head facing the flagstick.

• Lay the flagstick down, don’t drop it: Flagsticks are not inexpensive, and a dropped flag can leave a gouge in the green, and the noise may startle a nearby golfer getting ready to hit.

• Don’t leave golf bags in front of a green, on a green, or on tee box: Exception: If you need to get the bag out of the way of a drive from the tee behind you.

•Don’t ever hit into the group in front until the fairway/ green is completely clear and the golfers are safely out of the way: This is dangerous and stupid. Don’t be in a hurry, the 19th hole will wait.

—Dave LaCascia