The First Habit — Play Safely

Stay behind those in your group who are hitting
Be sure the group ahead is out of range before hitting
Don’t take practice swings in the direction of others

The Second Habit — Maintain a Good Pace of Play

Be ready when it is your turn
Take one practice swing, then hit the ball
Move off the green when play is completed
When looking for a lost ball let others play through
Keep an eye on every shot in your group

For new players: Pick up if you’re taking too long. Start again on the next hole.

The Third Habit — Repair What You Have Disturbed

Replace divots, repair ball marks on greens, rake bunkers

Also — Don’t disturb what you are not willing to or able to repair:
Don’t make spike marks on the green
Don’t litter (including cigar and cigarette butts and sunflower seeds)
Keep all carts away from greens

The Fourth Habit — Be Respectful of Others

Be quiet on the tees, in the fairways and on the greens
Be invisible (including your shadow) when someone is hitting
Step over (or go around) the path of other players’ putts
If you are slow, let faster groups play through
If there is no room to move ahead, don’t request to play through
Be courteous; don’t use rude, obnoxious language

The Fifth Habit — Understand the Rules

Know whose turn it is
Keep score accurately and honestly
Don’t ground your club in the hazards
Play it where it lies
Learn how and when to tend the flag (even tho this rule has changed, some players may still want to have the flag tended – mostly old guys.

The Sixth Habit — Know Your Game

Play with reasonable expectations
Play from tees that are suited to your game
Learn how far you can hit each club
Control your game—and your temper
Take lessons

The Seventh Habit — Respect the Game

Learn about the game
You ARE a part of the tradition—Play like it!

Remember: Your Game of Golf is Important—
But it is not More Important than the Other Games of Golf that are Happening All Around You!