Fore!

(Image courtesy of Fevi in Pictures)

Here at Montecito at Dos Lagos we’re excited to be close to not only one, but TWO golf courses! Golf is a great way to relax, enjoy time with friends and get outside and get active. Though golf is a sport with a dedicated following, the expected behaviors on a golf course are much different than those you would see on a football field, baseball diamond or other sport arena.


You don’t have to let the expected behavior deter you from playing a few holes! This article from twoguyswhogolf.com reminds us of a few simple tips to keep in mind to stay courteous to the course and to other golfers. Keep reading for a quick refresher on how to keep the P’s and Q’s in your putts.

1) Always try to respect the day's tee areas. Courses put markers on the tee boxes for reasons, usually as a means of rotation to stimulate healthy grass growth.

2) Always attempt to repair the divots you take on the fairways and tee areas. If the divot is clean, pick up the clump of grass and replace it. If not, use the mixture provided by many courses - on the tee boxes, and in the carts (if you are driving).

3) Always repair your ball marks on the green. Be sure to have a repair tool in your pocket (although a tee will also do). If unsure of the correct procedure - ask someone. You can do more harm than good if you dig up the roots! A good rule: Repair your mark and one other - to make up for those that do not know any better, or simple don't care. And pick up your feet - soft spikes or not!

4) Always rake the sand bunkers after you hit out of them. If a rake is not readily available, use your club to smooth the surface.

5) Always be aware of those around you. Your conversations or expressions of joy or disgust can disrupt the concentration of other players - especially in areas with parallel holes, or when the greens and tee boxes are in close proximity.

6) Always be aware of the group in front of and behind you. Do not be a source of SLOW PLAY.

Some tips here:

• Have at least one person spot your tee shot, so that errant shots are easier to find.
• If there is a hole or so open in front of you, and the group behind you is constantly waiting for your group, either let them play through, or speed up your play. If this is the case, do not look for lost balls or badly errant shots…take your drop and play on. You are not on the PGA Tour! If beginners are in your group, have plenty of balls, and let them take "free drops" instead of constantly looking for lost (or possibly lost) balls.
• Singles and doubles playing on a busy course cannot always expect to play through. If the course is jammed, it may be better to pair up with other singles or doubles - or just take your time and enjoy the day. Certainly, if the course is not overly busy, letting smaller or faster groups play through is the right thing to do.

7) If driving a cart, stay away from the greens, and do not approach tee boxes until the group in front has teed off. Obey the day's rules (ie 90 degrees) and know that if it is "cart path only" - there is probably good reason.
8) Do not allow alcohol to interfere with correct etiquette. The golf course is no place to get drunk! Drink in moderation if at all, or save it for the nineteenth hole!