Featured Rule of the Month:

The grass between the tee box markers is uneven and full of divots. What options do I have?

You can tee your ball at or just behind the imaginary line drawn between the front of the tee markers, but you don’t have to. You are allowed to tee your ball up to two club lengths back from the markers, while staying between them. You won’t miss the extra three feet, but you might get a flatter, smoother lie.

But keep in mind, if you are playing stroke play and you hit a tee ball from outside of the teeing area you will incur a two stroke penalty and will need to re-tee from within the teeing area. If the mistake is not corrected before the competitor makes a stroke from the next tee (or in the case of the last hole, leaving the putting green) the player is disqualified. In match play there is no penalty for hitting a tee ball from outside the teeing area but the opponent may immediately require the player to cancel the stroke and play a ball from within the teeing area.

Etiquette—An essential part of the game

Etiquette is a word that's often heard in relation to golf, more than with any other sport. But it's not just about manners.  The guidelines for good golf etiquette are what they are for several very important reasons: Many of them relate to the safety of golfers, many relate to pace of play (which helps keep the game enjoyable), and many to maintaining the quality of the golf course.

In other words, golf etiquette is an essential part of the game. And it's something that newcomers to the game often learn as they go--on the course, when playing with more experienced golfers. So if you are new, don’t be shy about asking your playing partners about the rules of etiquette and if you are an experiences golfer make sure to help new golfers feel at ease learning the rules —it will make it more enjoyable for you all!