Golf course etiquette is really game of good manners Published March 19, 2009 By Kimberly Woodruff 72nd Force Support Squadron Marketing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Etiquette is an important element of life, and plays a very big part in the game of golf. Golf is sometimes referred to as a gentlemen's game, dating back for centuries and steeped in tradition. Golf etiquette can be intimidating, but if one considers that etiquette is simply good manners, it doesn't seem so difficult to understand. There are very simple rules of etiquette to be followed on the golf course that once they are learned can become very natural to even the novice golfer. Remember safety first out on the golf course. One who has been hit by a stray golf ball sailing through the air at 35-plus miles per hour can testify that it does hurt. Always be mindful of where you are shooting the ball, and if by some chance the ball veers off or looks like it will come close to others, yell "fore" as a warning to the other golfers. Also, whenever swinging the club, give plenty of room to accommodate the swing so as not to injure a fellow golfer. Maintain a good pace. Never be late for a tee time because it holds up those whose time comes right after yours. No one likes to wait, so be ready to shoot when it is your turn on the tee box. If after taking the shot, the ball ends up lost in the trees or tall grass, don't spend a lot of time searching for it, particularly if someone is behind you waiting to play. Keep plenty of balls and tees in the bag to avoid running out. If there are players behind you that seem to have to wait, it is customary to allow them to play through. At Tinker Golf Course (and most courses nationwide), the standard pace of play is to finish 18 holes in 4 hours and 15 minutes, and slower than that is considered poor etiquette. Common sense has a lot to do with courtesy on the course. Because golf requires a great deal of concentration, it is polite to be quiet on the course. Never talk while someone is taking a swing. Watching fellow teammates make their shot is a simple common courtesy. When making a shot, never yell out a hardy "whoo hoo" because other golfers may be in earshot. When on the putting green, it is also a good rule to never walk through a player's putting line because footprints can alter the path. Walk around the line or step over. Be kind to the course. Golf courses are beautiful, but can't stay that way without help from everyone who uses the course. Always observe the cart path rules. Cart paths are there for the cart to prevent wear and tear on the course. Carts are never to be driven on tee boxes or on the greens. Often after a big rain, a course will institute a "cart path only" rule to prevent damage to the course. Always repair divots. A divot repair tool is a must for every golf bag. Ask someone at the course to demonstrate the proper procedure for repairing a divot. Always repair ball marks on the green by gently pulling the grass in the center of the hole. Lastly, be sure to rake the sand traps if you happen to end up in the bunker to keep them looking nice and even. There are plenty of other rules, but these basics are a great start. Remember the golden rule learned as a child to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Pretty soon, the intimidation will wear off and your manners will shine through not only on the course, but through everyday life. Golf season is beginning soon. For more information about etiquette or the programs coming up at Tinker Golf Course, call 734-2909.