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Send your ideas and preferences to Patricia Ryan, Acting Golf Education Chair at patryanx@aol.com

My favorite Golf Books, by A.J. Bessette

The Modern Fundamentals of Golf

First and foremost, is a book that has been around since 1957 - Ben Hogan's, "Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf." It is as relevant now as it was when he first put pen to paper. It is the classic instruction on golf, the complete series that was originally published in Sports Illustrated. A must read for every beginning golfer. A few more experienced golfers have also benefitted from re-reading

Little Red Book

Another classic in golf writings in Harvey Penick's "Little Red Book, Lessons and Teachings From a Lifetime in Golf." Harvey Penick was a renowned golf pro who began his career at the Austin, TX Country Club as an 8-year old caddie. Later he coached golf at the University of Texas for thirty years and worked with Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw and Betsy Rawls. He remained a pro at the Austin Country Club until his death in 1995. His "Little Red Book" is full of sage advice and inspiration from one of the greatest teachers in golf.

The Greatest game Ever Played

OK, it is not a book, its a movie - but a good one! We've all seen Caddy Shack and Tin Cup, but have you seen this movie? It is an excellent telling of the story of amateur golfer Francis Ouimet, and how he shocked the world at the 1913 U.S. Open when he outplayed defending British champ Harry Vardon in what was dubbed "The Greatest Game Ever Played." An inspiring true-life story based on actual events. Don't just rent it on-line, get the DVD and watch the extra material at the end. There is an interview of Ouimet at his home golf course. He goes over all the clubs in his bag and explains what they are called and why - very interesting. He also spends some time discussing the new technologies that will change the game; when they went from wood shafts to steel. I wonder what he'd think of Big Bertha, hybrid irons and those funky big putters! .

Missing Links

Not the least bit instructional, mere fluff, great summer reading. Rick Reily's novel "Missing Links" is classified as a comic golf novel. It is about four middle-aged, middle class golf buddies obsessed with golf, destined to always be stuck playing the crummy public golf course, with an unhealthy obssession with getting a shot at playing the swanky private golf course next door. "A long overdue tribute to dog-meat public courses and the incurables who play them, Missing Links is a classic of golf literature" according to the back cover. I found it entertaining enough to seach for the sequal "Shanks for Nothing" which is next on my reading list. :) .

Got any other great recommendations? Send me your favorites, and I'll post them here for others to read.

While most avid golfers know and understand golf etiquette, we include the following advice as a reminder of some of the most important facets:

Pace of Play

Please maintain your position on the course. It is your responsibility to keep pace with the group in front of you. If you fall one full hole behind, please allow faster groups behind you to play through.

Repair Ball Marks

It is essential that all players are diligent in their repair of ball marks on greens. A correctly repaired ball mark will recover in 24 hours. A ball mark left unrepaired for two hours can take up to two months to recover. Unrepaired ball marks also leave the green more susceptible to disease and pests. Repairing a ball mark is as easy as:

1. Using a ball mark repair tool (not a tee or keys), start at the back of the ball mark where the ball has raised up the turf.

2. Working your way around the ball mark, slowly and gently ease the turf toward the center of the mark. Do not attempt to lift the ball mark up from beneath.

3. When you have worked your way around, gently tamp down the repaired ball mark with your putter to smooth the putting surface.

Replace Divots

Please either replace your divots or fill them using the sand provided.

Other Etiquette Tips

• Familiarize yourself with the Rules of Golf.

• Be aware of your shadow. Don't stand in a place that causes your shadow to be cast across a player's putting line or in their field of view when hitting the ball.

• Never walk through a player's putting line. Step over the putting line, or ideally walk around the player's ball.

• Always rake bunkers after hitting to remove your footprints.

• Do not hit the ball until you are certain that the group ahead of you is out of range.

A.J. Bessette

Communications Chairman

EWGA Brevard County Space Coast Chapter