10 issues all golfers ought to do throughout each spherical they play

Today marks the July 4th vacation within the United States. July 4th not solely provides Americans an opportunity to have fun Independence Day with family and friends but additionally implies that your complete nation has entered the center of summer season.

That additionally implies that everybody of any age, gender, race, and talent degree can now play golf wherever, 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, wherever, particularly in the summertime months.

But to make it a extra gratifying expertise for all—and to enhance one’s rating—each golfer ought to observe these 10 guidelines throughout every spherical 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, grime, and grass all stain the golf ball shortly, all of which have an effect on the flight and roll of the ball.

So, you need to start your spherical with a clear golf ball, freed from stains, dents, or cracks that 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 need to 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 lets you line up your putt on a fascinating path.

8. Carry multiple ball marker

Photo by Ben Jared/PGA Tour through Getty Images

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 observe Nicklaus’ lead and carry multiple.

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 very important, however clear grooves on the clubface are essential, too.

You is not going to get any spin along with your wedges when you’ve got soiled grooves.

Dampening your towel barely at the start of your spherical may also assist maintain your balls and golf equipment clear.

6. Post rating, maintain an sincere handicap

Part of what makes golf nice is that everybody can compete, ought to they maintain a good, sincere handicap.

A duffer can compete with a scratch participant, or a 6-handicapper can have a viable match with a 22, ought to all concerned maintain a good, sincere handicap.

If you would not have an official handicap, you need to join one by way of the USGA’s GHIN service. Then, you possibly can publish your scores wherever you play, as every course has a score and a slope to find out its issue. But in the event you inflate your handicap, you might be seen as a cheater, and no one needs to be labeled as that.

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

5. Rake bunkers, repair ball marks

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

Use the rakes offered to scrub up the sand traps, smoothing the sand again to its degree floor. You also needs to repair the ball marks on the greens in order that they don’t injury the placing floor or disrupt another person’s line.

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

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

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

4. Follow etiquette

Golf course etiquette is so essential.

Never step in another person’s line.

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

Never stand immediately behind somebody’s swing.

You also needs to not stand close to the outlet 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 spherical, irrespective of the outcome.

3. Respect course employees, stay cordial

Whoever is working that day is aware of extra in regards to the course than you do, referring to circumstances, 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 aren’t restricted to the PGA Tour; they’re additionally an issue for beginner golfers.

You don’t must take 30 follow swings earlier than making a stroke. Nor do it’s essential assess each 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 essential rule.

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

Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be positive to take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You can observe him on Twitter @jack_milko as nicely.