All golfers should do these 10 things during every round they play

Today marks the July 4th vacation within the United States. July 4th not solely offers Americans an opportunity to have fun Independence Day with family and friends but additionally signifies that the complete nation has entered the guts of summer time.

That additionally signifies that everybody of any age, gender, race, and ability degree can now play golf anyplace, from Seattle to Boston to Miami and all over the place in between. That’s the fantastic thing about this sport. You can play with anybody, anyplace, particularly in the summertime months.

But to make it a extra pleasing expertise for all—and to enhance one’s rating—every golfer should comply with these 10 guidelines during every round they play:

10. Play with a clear ball

How typically have you ever heard “Mud Ball!?!” muttered by PGA Tour professionals? Probably quite a bit. That’s as a result of mud, dust, and grass all stain the golf ball rapidly, all of which have an effect on the flight and roll of the ball.

So, you should start your round with a clear golf ball, freed from stains, dents, or cracks which will have been attributable to a tree, cart path, or perhaps a flag stick.

Trust me, it helps—and it makes a distinction.

9. Mark your ball on greens, clear

Like rule Number 10, when you get to the inexperienced, you should mark your golf ball, clear it, after which line it up appropriately on the road of which you’ll putt.

A clear golf ball rolls smoother on the greens, and marking your ball means that you can line up your putt on a fascinating path.

8. Carry a couple of ball marker

Jack Nicklaus at all times carries three pennies in his pocket.

One to mark his golf ball, one for his opponent—if he forgot—and one other penny simply in case he, or his competitor, misplaced their ball marker.

You by no means know when your coin will depart you, so it’s at all times good to comply with Nicklaus’ lead and carry a couple of.

7. Have a towel, use it

The first three guidelines above apply to having a clear golf ball.

But to maintain it clear, you will need to have a towel. Whether it’s hooked up to your golf bag or a small towel that you just carry with you to the inexperienced, a towel is essential. Not solely is a clear ball important, however clear grooves on the clubface are vital, too.

You is not going to get any spin along with your wedges in case you have soiled grooves.

Dampening your towel barely at first of your round may also assist preserve your balls and golf equipment clear.

6. Post rating, preserve an trustworthy handicap

Part of what makes golf nice is that everybody can compete, should they preserve a good, trustworthy handicap.

A duffer can compete with a scratch participant, or a 6-handicapper can have a viable match with a 22, should all concerned preserve a good, trustworthy handicap.

If you do not have an official handicap, you should join one by way of the USGA’s GHIN service. Then, you may publish your scores wherever you play, as every course has a score and a slope to find out its problem. But when you inflate your handicap, you could possibly be seen as a cheater, and no one desires to be labeled as that.

So publish the rating you shot, or you’ll pay the worth down the street.

5. Rake bunkers, repair ball marks

Not solely should you retain your balls and golf equipment clear, however you should do your greatest to maintain the golf course clear, too.

Use the rakes offered to wash up the sand traps, smoothing the sand again to its degree floor. You should additionally repair the ball marks on the greens in order that they do not injury the placing floor or disrupt another person’s line.

A divot restore device works, however so does a tee.

Either approach, repair your ball marks and rake these traps.

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

4. Follow etiquette

Golf course etiquette is so vital.

Never step in another person’s line.

Ensure your shadow doesn’t disrupt one other participant’s swing, stance, or putt.

Never stand instantly behind somebody’s swing.

You should additionally not stand close to the opening the place another person is placing it. Give different gamers area to make their strokes.

But at all times, at all times shake your opponent’s hand on the finish of your round, irrespective of the consequence.

3. Respect course workers, stay cordial

Whoever is working that day is aware of extra in regards to the course than you do, regarding situations, native guidelines, and even the tempo of play.

Showing disrespect or belligerence does no one any good.

So at all times stay cordial on the golf course for everybody’s enjoyment.

2. Don’t dilly-dally

Pace-of-play points will not be restricted to the PGA Tour; they are additionally an issue for beginner golfers.

You do not have to take 30 observe swings earlier than making a stroke. Nor do it’s essential assess every nook and cranny of every inexperienced when studying a putt. Play with a purposeful tempo and hit when prepared.

1. Have enjoyable

This is a fairly easy however vital rule.

Golf is only a sport—one of the best sport on the planet, in my view—however at all times have enjoyable, although it may be a irritating expertise at instances. You are exterior, typically taking part in along with your family and friends, having fun with one of the best of what life has to supply.

Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be certain to take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You can comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as properly.