Golfers get huge amounts of advice and information on how to play the game better, and since we all would like to improve we are always on the lookout for helpful tips. But here I would like to offer a few pointers on making the game of golf more enjoyable to you and to those you are playing with. Much of this is just what I would consider good common sense etiquette when you are enjoying a round of golf.

1. Get a yardage book of the course. It really can get annoying to many golfers to keep getting asked the question “How far have I got from here?” As a golfer it’s your business to know.

2. Hire a caddy. I know it costs a bit, but he’s the one who will know (or better know) the answer to the question posed in number one. From my personal experience playing with a caddy is by far the most pleasurable way to play golf, and after he is able to watch your game a bit will be able to help in club selection. As a bonus, many of these guys are full of stories that make the experience that much better.

3. Don’t worry about impressing your caddy, or anyone else. No matter how you are doing, everyone in your group has seen better golfers than you, as well as ones that are worse.

4. Don’t bring the cell phone. This is probably tops on almost everyone’s list for annoyances on a golf course. Since almost everyone over the age of five has one now, there is no need to impress. If you are trying to conduct business while you are playing you probably should have finished your work before coming to the golf course.

5. Know when it is your turn to hit, and be ready. Everyone now seems to be playing under the rules of “ready golf”, so know what those rules are and make certain everyone in the group understands them. It really does speed up play substantially.

6. Watch where you step on the green. Even with the soft spikes we wear today, stepping onto another player’s line can cause the putt to veer off-line. But perhaps worse than that is you through carelessness show disrespect to other players. I know, it shouldn’t be that important, but it just is.

7. When you’re laying eight and still not close to the putting surface, it is not quitting to pick up and renew the fight on the next hole. Nobody wants to be waiting for no good reason, and finding out if you will score a twelve or a thirteen on the hole is not a good reason. For handicap purposes, determine what your maximum score will be on the hole, write it down and move on. And don’t forget to tell the other members of the group your intentions.

8. Most of all have fun. Granted, we compete on the golf course, but you should never make it look outwardly like you’re competing. We really should always try to make it a gentlemen’s game.