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Play "The Game Of Kings" With Integrity One of the unique aspects of golf is that it is a game of integrity. There are no umpires or referees; quite simply… there is no on- course supervision. Instead, the game relies on the integrity of the individual — the golfer — to show consideration to others, abide by the rules and to have respect for the course. Over my more than 25 years as a Golf Professional I've seen virtually every imaginable type of golfer behavior — some good and some not so good. But following some simple guidelines will make a round of golf more enjoyable for all of us who truly love the game. Pace of Play Each day's pace of play is usually determined by the slowest group. Playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course. It is simply about being more efficient with your time, as well as everyone else's. Saving 10 seconds per shot can improve your overall time by 15 minutes. Here are some helpful tips for improving pace of play: 1. Play ready golf… the first golfer to their ball plays. 2. When it's your turn to play – be ready to go. This is not the time to start figuring out yardage, wind, club selection, etc. You should have done all of your pre-shot work while waiting on other players. 3. Once you've pulled your club, take no more than 30 seconds to execute the shot. 4. Avoid additional walking time by leaving your golf cart in a direct line to where you'll be going next. This will usually be behind the green. 5. Never search for a lost ball for more than three minutes. Also, NO FISHING the lakes for extra golf balls. You may only retrieve your ball. I can't remember the first time I saw the following quote about pace of play, but I use it quite a bit. "Your position on the golf course is immediately behind the group in front of you, not immediately in front of the group behind you." Care of the Course – Some basics. 1. Repair your Divots - Divots happen as the result of good shots and poor shots. Either way, divots are acceptable. Not repairing them is unacceptable. It's hard enough to hit a good golf shot, and if you've ever attempted to hit a ball from a divot hole you'll likely never forget to sand and seed your divot for as long as you play the game. 2. Repair Ball Marks - You should ALWAYS repair your ball mark and one other when you get on the green. A properly repaired ball mark will start growing grass in a day whereas an unrepaired ball mark will take 10 days before grass will begin to grow in it. 3. Rake Bunkers – After playing a shot from the bunker – RAKE THE SAND! A neatly raked bunker is not only more attractive, but also allows subsequent players to more easily "play the ball as it lies" in the sand. Conclusion – Might seem like simple stuff but, as golfers know, easy tasks that are too frequently ignored. Please, don't hesitate to encourage your playing partners and fellow golfers to follow the guidelines outlined above. So doing will make the game more enjoyable for all. Good Golfing! ~ Brian Garlington, PGA | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2023 | 23

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