Those of us who play and love the game of golf know there’s nothing like it. You go to the course with friends on a nice and clear day, and no matter what’s going on at home or school, business or personal life, there’s nothing better than a round of golf to get away. Golf as we know is a known as gentleman’s game. A little common courtesy to keep the golf course in good shape can go a long way toward allowing everyone to enjoy the trip to the links. When you go to a golf course, think of the Golden Rule as one of many golf tips and apply it to the course: Do unto others!

Keeping the game and course enjoyable for everyone is common courtesy in golf is a big part of the game that new and old players alike can learn or remember as small tips. My golf playing years extend back to school, where I played for four years on my high school team, including many games against other schools. I can say with conviction that the last thing one needs to affect your outcome negatively in the face of difficult courses and stiff competition is small peeves like balling in a divot, having to take a shot in sand that was forgotten to be raked, or putting through unfixed greens.

Haven’t we all been in the unfortunate position of hitting a good shot right down the middle of the fairway with our Nike golf club or out Cobra golf driver, confident in the superiority of the shot, to just find out that it has landed right in the middle of a big divot in the grass? The chances of a good shot are probably ruined now. Unfortunately, though replacing divots is easy to do, it’s the most neglected action by golf players to keep the course in good condition. It’s frustrating to say in the least, for the ball to land in the divot and mess up your next shot.

Always remember that there are other golfers at the course. I often reflect on taking a divot in the grass after my shot on whether I’d enjoy taking a shot from where I just swung. To say I’d be irritated is an understatement. If the divot is pretty much intact, and which is probably a couple of feet away, if not closer, I pick it up and tap it back in with my foot. You don’t find people doing it, though it’s so simple to do this.

Sand is another important aspect. After taking a shot out of the bunker, I make it a point to rake the sand. It’s bad enough to hit a shot into the bunker; to find the sand all messed up just about takes the cake. Sand when not raked can even make the best golfers at sand shots falter. As usual, common courtesy goes a long way here. Though it’s a bit of a pain to find the rake the sand again, have some sympathy for your fellow golfer who’s had the misfortune of finding his/her ball in the bunker.

Garbage is as much of an irritant. I throw my trash, food wrappers and bottles in dustbins and never think twice about doing the same if I happen to come across trash on the course. This is truly something that can be followed by everyone. You’d agree that it’s not the greatest feeling to have to take a shot on top of a plastic bag or with a soda can next to the ball.

Keeping the green in good shape is another one of my commandments. Avoid misshaping the greens by driving the golf cart on the greens and leaving track indentations. Be careful when you putt from the green in checking whether your ball made a dent on the green on landing. I use a putting tool or repair little dents with my putter. For even without dents and messed up tracks, putting can be tough enough.

These are all things I like to do when out on the course. I always keep in mind that there are other players, and it’s important to be courteous and keep the course in good shape. The Golden Rule and all says to treat other the way you would want to be treated, and I think applying it to the links is a good starting point in keeping the game of golf a gentleman’s game.