K e e p e r s o f t h e G a m e
To retain and enhace golf's core values
The True Golfer
For those new to golf, the game seems difficult to learn and the rules are complicated. It also takes a long time to play. To fully enjoy golf, and to play like the experts do, there is much more to the game than just the swing. Here are some ideas to help you become a true golfer.
Swinging the club
Swinging smoothly is more effective than swinging hard.
Have reasonable expectations. Not everyone can hit the ball like Tiger Woods. Even Tiger doesn't hit the ball like Tiger all the time.
Good balance is important, so is following through on every shot, from putts to drives.
Playing the game
Play for enjoyment, not the score.
Play efficiently. This means not holding up other groups. You can easily do this by being ready to hit when it is your turn, picking up your ball when you are out of the hole, leaving your bag or cart to the side or back of the green when putting, and adding up your score on the next tee.
When using a cart, chose one club, then take a longer and shorter one to the ball. After you hit, don't replace the clubs until you reach your ball again. Then replace the old and choose the new ones at the same time. This saves a lot of time for you and everyone on the course.
Always have a non-score goal each time you play. This could be hitting the ball all the way to the hole more often or simply following through on sand shots.
"Owning" the game
True golfers "own" the course they are playing. This means having a sense of responsibility to take care of it. Replacing divots, fixing ball marks on the green, picking up odd bits of trash are all the mark of someone who respects golf and other golfers.
Comradeship
Everyone makes mistakes while playing. Do your best not to mock others when they do. True golfers have fun, but not at the expense of other players.
The core value
Honesty is what separates a true golfer from all others. When you miss a shot, count it. When you have earned a penalty, accept it. The agony of the moment is well rewarded later. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction are enormous.
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Swinging the club
Swinging smoothly is more effective than swinging hard.
Have reasonable expectations. Not everyone can hit the ball like Tiger Woods. Even Tiger doesn't hit the ball like Tiger all the time.
Good balance is important, so is following through on every shot, from putts to drives.
Playing the game
Play for enjoyment, not the score.
Play efficiently. This means not holding up other groups. You can easily do this by being ready to hit when it is your turn, picking up your ball when you are out of the hole, leaving your bag or cart to the side or back of the green when putting, and adding up your score on the next tee.
When using a cart, chose one club, then take a longer and shorter one to the ball. After you hit, don't replace the clubs until you reach your ball again. Then replace the old and choose the new ones at the same time. This saves a lot of time for you and everyone on the course.
Always have a non-score goal each time you play. This could be hitting the ball all the way to the hole more often or simply following through on sand shots.
"Owning" the game
True golfers "own" the course they are playing. This means having a sense of responsibility to take care of it. Replacing divots, fixing ball marks on the green, picking up odd bits of trash are all the mark of someone who respects golf and other golfers.
Comradeship
Everyone makes mistakes while playing. Do your best not to mock others when they do. True golfers have fun, but not at the expense of other players.
The core value
Honesty is what separates a true golfer from all others. When you miss a shot, count it. When you have earned a penalty, accept it. The agony of the moment is well rewarded later. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction are enormous.
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