Our summer calendar is really swinging into full gear, and we have so many exciting events ahead! We’re looking forward to our mid-week outing at Renault Winery 🍷 and don’t forget to save the date for our always jolly Christmas in July celebration 🎄☀️.
It’s also time to sign up for our September weekend getaway to Saratoga — one of our favorite traditions filled with golf, laughter, shopping, dining, and unforgettable memories with friends.
As the temperatures rise, remember to stay cool, hydrated. Try to finish at least 1.5 to 2 standard 16 oz bottles per side (9 holes).
Here’s a fun golf fitness fact: walking 18 holes is the equivalent of walking approximately 5–7 miles, while 9 holes can add up to 2–3 miles 🚶♀️⛳️. Golf truly is a great way to get your steps in while enjoying the outdoors.
Wishing everyone a month full of fairways, friendships, and plenty of par-fect moments 💙❤️🤍
Welcome to Golf with Grace – as we explore the rules and etiquette of golf. This month, we tackle simple scoring. Believe it or not, scoring makes golf more fun, not less.
Golf is more fun with others...
Golf is more fun with other people, so if you want to explore golf opportunities (outings, fundraisers) - you need to establish an average score for 9 or 18. Remember a handicap is just an average of your best scores. But just having an average is enough to start. Even if you think your average is terrible, there is always someone else with a higher score average.
So you can pick up...
It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or experienced golfer. Everyone blows up a hole or three. Players keep score so they know when to pick up their ball and keep pace of play. Some local rules tell you to pick up after "X" strokes or double par. Just so you aren't slowing down your group and the groups behind you. Even the handicap apps auto adjust your score if you take too many hits on a hole. No one wants you to take too many hits on a hole because it slows down course for everyone. And it's frustrating for you. Golf should be fun. When you hit 10 or double par - just reset and move on with a smile and a new hole. If you aren't sure - just ask the league coordinator or event manager what the pick up rule is for that day.
Getting better...
Keeping score, just like tracking water, sleep, steps, etc. is the sure way to know how your game is trending. When you need to work on your putts or practice on the driving range. When you can celebrate a lower score or average.
Penalties...
Many people aren't sure how to score lost balls, penalty strokes, etc. And that prevents them from scoring. Here's a few simple rules.
- You are hitting your third shot from tee or drop zone if your first drive is lost into water or woods. One for ball you lost. Two for penalty. Three for the new ball.
- Use this method if you lose a ball on fairway. One for the ball you lost. Two for penalty. Three for the new ball you dropped @ where you lost it or in designated drop zone.
- This also works for an unplayable lie. The only alternate scoring rule is if you need to move your ball from ground under repair or cart path. You do not need to take a penalty for those. We'll cover all penalties in another newsletter. But a USGA guide is online.
