By Jim Corbett

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)
• 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

The Sixth Habit — Know Your Game

• Play with reasonable expectations
• 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!