It's always great to get out for a round of golf. Whether you are just a beginner or a competing pro, there are a number of simple things that can make your day, as well as everyone else's, more enjoyable. Throughout the year, Pro Scorecard will look at the "unwritten rules" of our favourite sport and focus on the sportsmanship, etiquette and courtesies of the game. The Pro Scorecard "Playing With Pride" feature offers suggestions on how you can help to keep our courses in great shape, your playing partners happy and other golfers ahead of and behind you at bay.

Part 1: Around The Green

Ball Marks
Fix "Mine and one other". It's a good habit to have! If we all follow this simple little rule, we should never see another ball mark gone unrepaired. Fixing ball marks on the green is an art form, but it's part of keeping our courses in great shape. Always prepare for your round by placing your green repair tool in your pocket before you tee off. Be a master craftsman by leaving an even, smooth surface where the ball mark was. Never dig under a ball mark or leverage the soil upwardly with your tee or tool. This displaces the sensitive plant roots and structures that are the putting surface. Pull the surrounding grass gently towards the middle of the ball mark, beginning with the bulge. Tap the surface down with the bottom of your putter to finish the job. It takes a couple of seconds, but it's worth the effort.

Sight Nor Sound
Try not to step on or stand along the line of another player's putt. Stand completely out of the player's sight. Standing even with the ball left or right, at a considerate distance, is always a good habit and gives your partner a better chance to focus on the putt and not on you.

Marking and Replacing Your Ball
When you mark and replace your ball on the green, try not to advance the ball's position in any way. Be accurate with ball replacement as not to offend your playing partners.

Flag Bearer
When strolling up to the green, the player who's ball is closest to the hole has the pin responsibilities. When removing the flag, don't drop it onto the green with a thud. Set it down gently, out of sight and out of mind.

Standing "A Round"
Try not to rest on your putter while on the green. When retrieving your ball from the cup, keep your weight and feet away from the hole itself. You can imagine the traffic around each cup day in and day out during the season. Return the pin carefully without any damage to the hole, making sure the pin is standing tall after you have left the green. Proceed to the next hole immediately upon holing out. Don't wait on the green and calculate your hole score, as the group behind you is patiently waiting and watching.

Part 2: Pacing Your Play >>