| Have you decided to take up golfing? Perhaps it is | | | | However, most private or even more upscale public |
| popular with others in your office or your friends say | | | | courses will accept tips. This includes the person who |
| it is a relaxing pastime. Whatever your reason, there | | | | brings you a cart when you arrive, the men or |
| are some basic ground rules that you should know to | | | | women who drive a beverage cart around the |
| make your first time on the golf course a little easier. | | | | course, or the jockey who carries your golf clubs and |
| Understanding the course on which you are playing | | | | equipment to and from your vehicle. Consider the |
| will help save a lot of hassle when you arrive, and | | | | price of the green fee when determining how much |
| having the right golf clubs and equipment will make it | | | | to tip. |
| easier as well. | | | | In addition, it is extremely important that you pack |
| First, check with your playing partners to find out if | | | | the right equipment. You should have as many golf |
| someone has already reserved a tee time. If no one | | | | clubs are you will need, up to the maximum allowable, |
| has done so, offer to call and make reservations. | | | | which is usually fourteen clubs. This will eliminate |
| Some golf courses only require one day's notice while | | | | borrowing from others, which is typically not allowed. |
| others will want you to call several days ahead. Once | | | | Be sure to pack plenty of golf balls and tees. If you |
| you set up the reservation, make sure that you | | | | are beginner, you will most likely lose a lot of balls, so |
| actually arrive on time. In fact, it is often wise to get | | | | it is imperative that you have plenty of extras. While |
| there about 30 minutes early. You can always use | | | | you may not play by the strictest rules as you learn, |
| that time to do some practice on the driving range. | | | | you do not want to annoy those playing with you by |
| Before you hit the green, be sure to find out if the | | | | constantly borrowing equipment from them. |
| golf course you are using has a dress code. The | | | | Finally, it is imperative that you pay close attention to |
| typical dress code is a pair of khaki pants or shorts | | | | your plays on the golf course. Have your golf club |
| and a collared golf shirt. Golf shoes and golf gloves | | | | ready when it is your turn, and always be prepared |
| are usually optional but are pieces of equipment that | | | | to play. Groups who play slow are often found as |
| many golfers find helpful. Just make sure you know | | | | problems on the green, and it is even easier to slow |
| the rules before you arrive to save yourself | | | | others up when you are a beginner. Make use of |
| frustration and embarrassment. | | | | others' turns to decide which golf club you will use |
| Also, it is important to know what type of golf | | | | and what putt you will make. If your group continues |
| course you will be using because, in some cases, you | | | | to be slower than a group that is behind you and |
| will need to bring money to tip employees. If you are | | | | they are being held up by your group, it is common |
| at most public golf courses, this will not be an issue. | | | | courtesy to let them play through your group. |