This is your Captain speaking.

Alright, grab your tees and tighten up your glove, a quick refresher to reference on how to keep your game sharp and your behavior even sharper when you’re playing in a club that’s social by name and nature, but also has some serious competitions on the line. We’re not just out here for a stroll in the park, this is competition golf.

Whether it’s our weekly stableford,par, stroke game, a point for the club championship, or one of the big majors, the way you conduct yourself on and off the course sets the tone. So let’s run through some do’s and don’ts to keep things cool, but with a level of respect and courtesy that reflects the competition we’re all here to play.

The Do’s:

1. Do Follow the Rules (Not Just the Big Ones) Everyone knows the basics, right? Keep your ball in play, avoid bunkers when possible, and know the penalties for a lost ball or an out-of-bounds shot. But also, don’t let the little details slide. Things like:
   • Proper course etiquette (repair divots, fix ball marks, rake bunkers, etc.)
   • Play at a reasonable pace. If you’re taking forever to line up every putt, remember, there’s a full field of players behind you.
2. Do Manage Emotions Golf is a mental game, and there’s no place for childish tantrums or throwing clubs. We’ve all had a bad hole:
   • Stay composed. A few deep breaths and move on to the next shot. Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how quickly you get back up.
3. Do Know Your Handicap As Michael said, this is one of those things that can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention. When you’re playing for points, and especially when it comes to the club championships or majors, your handicap is crucial for fairness:
   • Know it, don’t guess or assume it’s still what it was six months ago. Check your official handicap before each round.
   • Play within your limits. Don’t try to “golf your ball” like you’re a scratch golfer if you’re not one. Play your game and keep it realistic.
4. Pace of Play I know, we’ve all been stuck behind slow players who seem to take forever to hit every shot. Don’t be that guy:
   • Keep up with the group ahead of you. If you’re out of position, try to pick it up.
   • Be ready to hit your shot when it’s your turn. You’re not on a Sunday stroll,  so be efficient with your play.
   • Don’t be that person holding up the group behind you because you’re fiddling with your clubs or standing over every shot like you’re teeing off at Augusta.
   • Walk briskly from shot to shot, stay engaged, and keep the pace up. It’s part of that is managing time efficiently.

The Don’ts:

1. Don’t Be the Guy Who ‘Misses’ a Rule The infamous “I didn’t know that was the rule” moment. It’s one thing if you’re new to the game, but if you’ve been around a while, there’s no excuse for missing basic rules:
   • Don’t cheat!!! Simple as that. If you’re in a fair competition, don’t bend the rules to your advantage. If you’re unsure about a rule, ask! No one’s going to think less of you for being informed.
   • Don’t distract your playing partners by questioning the rules in the middle of a round. If there’s a dispute, settle it after the round. Focus on your game during play.
2. Don’t Get Overly Competitive in Casual Play Yes, there are points on the line, but don’t get so wrapped up in the outcome that you forget why you’re there in the first place: to have fun and enjoy the game.
   • Don’t hit into another group, even if you’re feeling cocky about your drive. Wait your turn and respect the flow of play.

Final Thoughts:

Stuff to remember as you battle for points, club championships, and major wins(or bragging rights). Golf is a game of integrity, and in a competitive social club, your attitude and behavior off the course matter just as much as your scorecard at the end of the round. Keep it sharp, keep it respectful, and above all, play like you mean it! Because in the end, it’s not just about the points, the trophies, or the leaderboard positions, it’s about the game, the respect, and the camaraderie that comes with it.

Happy to discuss any of these points for clarification with individuals or the group as a whole.

Now, get out there and play some golf. Just don’t forget to have a bit of fun too, alright?

Cheers,
El Capitano.