The summer season is upon us, and once again this year I’m seeing many new golfers. With that comes teaching the newer players rules, etiquette, and what’s expected of them when they come to play. First thing is showing up for your tee time at least 15 minutes before you're scheduled to tee off. Arriving late can end up moving your tee time back when an open space is available. Secondly, play the appropriate tees. Just like ski slopes, based on your skill level, you should play the yardages that fit your level of talent. The biggest issue new golfers have is getting used to the speed of play. It should only take 2 to 2 hours and 10 minutes to play nine holes or 4 hours to 4 hours and 20 minutes for 18 holes. This is also an issue for avid golfers. Three things that can help keep your group moving along properly. 1. Be prepared to hit when it’s your turn. Don’t wait in the cart for the previous player to hit their shot. As long as you’re not directly in front of them, get your club you’re going to use and get ready. 2. Play ready golf. When you get to the tee, whoever is ready first should go ahead and hit. Unless you’re playing a match play event in competition, ready golf is the way to play. 3. Beware of the group in front of you. Never fall a full hole behind. You don’t want to back up the golf course. Be aware of your pace. Nobody wants to be on the course for 3 hours for 9 holes or 6 hours for 18 holes. The last thing you want is the ranger telling you to skip a hole to catch up.

                                                        Other golf etiquette items

1. If playing music in your cart, the volume should be at a level you can only hear it in your cart.
2. Fix ball marks on the green from your approach shots.
3. Replace divots you’ve made in the fairways from your shots. If it scattered, there should be sand bottles on your cart with seed in them for that divot you’ve made. Just a little gardening.
4. Please rake the bunkers after you’ve hit out of them. Rake your way out of the bunker as to not leave footprints.
5. When you approach the green with your golf cart, make sure you leave it behind the green. When you leave, you don’t have to walk backwards and have the group behind you waiting.

                          Hope these tips will enhance your golfing experience.

        I also have been watching a lot of family golf in the past few seasons. There is no better feeling than playing golf as a mom or dad with your kids. On July 19^th at Villa Roma, we have the 1^st Annual Parent/Child golf tournament. A 2-person 18-hole scramble. Net and gross prizes. Any combination of parent, child, grandparent, or stepparent is eligible.  $120 per team with morning tee times. For more information, call 845 887 5098 at the golf shop.