GOLF ETIQUETTE
Etiquette on the Fairway
Tips from the Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia What exactly is a “fairway” in golf? It can be almost nonexistent on a par 3, since you are aiming directly at the green (and a hole in one!). Or it can stretch and turn far beyond your field of vision on a par 5.
Always take the shot. Unless you are up against an immovable object, like a boulder, a tree, or a wall, you should take the shot.
But the fundamental flow of the course is defined by this closely mown area that runs between the tee box and the putting green. It's where your golf ball lands, ideally right up the middle - and it's where you generally drive your cart.
When you do drive on the fairway, be sure to park behind or alongside of your partners' positions, and don't drive off until they have finished their swings. Speaking of swings and shots, here are some rules for the blunders we all make: Play it as it lies: wise. Even if it is in the rough or the sand. Just grab a wedge, focus, and chip that ball outta there! 26
THE HAVERFORD NEWS
The Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia (GTGP) is a locallyoperated golf league for amateur golfers. Our classification as a nonprofit keeps costs down, and our club organization ensures all members have input in club operations. The result is competitive golf in a collegial atmosphere at a great price! GTGP is also an associate club of the Golf Association of Philadelphia. Members are eligible to play in GAP Member Play Days at private clubs in the area. Further information is available on the website www.golftourphilly.org, by emailing TonyMcCarthy@golftourphilly.org or calling 484.753.4914. See you on the links!
It's also surrounded by the rough, (higher-cut grass) which frames the fairway. Cart tires are hard on tall grass though, so stay off the rough. And when conditions are too wet, you may have to avoid the fairway altogether, and stay on the cart paths. A meticulous, closely-mown fairway is somewhat delicate. An LPGA Tour agronomist stated that the highest fairway cut is done on ryegrass, at only 1.25 inches. Most grasses are cut between 3/8 and ¾ of an inch.
The Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia* would like to invite everyone to support a special cause this year - the 25th Annual SuperKids Charitable Golf Tournament at Sandy Run Country Club on July 26th! This admirable charity helps abused, neglected, and abandoned children of Montgomery County. www.superkidsofmontco.org We hope to see you at this fun event!
by Terri McCarthy
Water! If/when your favorite ball arcs gracefully towards a murky pond and you hear the “plunk,” you now have options: You can “take a drop,” which means reach out sideways, release a ball from knee height, and play it where it lies. Penalty: 1 stroke. Or… You can return to where you hit your last shot, and replay the ball. Penalty: 1 stroke. There are other, even more complex options for recovering from bad shots, but in short, even pros hit shanks sometimes, so give yourself a break. The next hole is always ahead, and there are still months to play. Enjoy the game! PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS · TO ADVERTISE CALL 610-265-6277
ATER OF GRE HIA ELP P HI L A D
