For beginning golfers, some tips for golf course etiquette

Blane Merritt, who is one of 36 faculty members for the Professional Golfer's Association Professional Training Program, offers this advice for new golfers:

• Before you begin, learn the game. "Whether through books, instructional videos or a professional golfer, you must obtain proper instruction," Merritt advises.
• Spend time on the practice range. Time spent there will ease adjustment to the actual course.
• Play at times when the course is not busy. "You can take your time, and you won't be intimidated by other players," Merritt says.
• Allow faster groups behind you to play through. "On average, it takes a group of four about four hours to play 18 holes," he explains.
• Play "ready" golf when playing in groups. Check the yardage, wind and other variables while the others in your group are hitting. When it is your turn to hit, you should be ready.
• The person who is farther from the green hits first. And when others are hitting there's one rule: be quiet.
• Never step directly in someone else's putting line.
• After completing a hole, go to the next tee box to tally your score. This allows the players behind you to proceed with their game.
• Keep golf carts away from the greens and the tee boxes.
• Be a good sport. "You should never, under any circumstances, throw clubs while on a golf course," Merritt says.