Golf Custodian

 Are you hosting friends at your home course? This is your moment to shine. With your intimate knowledge of every green, you can predict the outcome of every chip and putt. Just last week, you landed your ball within 5 feet on that par 3, using a 7 iron. You know exactly which club to use on approach for the #1 handicap uphill par 4. Today could be the day we rake in the winnings, or is ignorance truly bliss?

 There are days when everything falls into place on the course, where obstacles seem trivial. But there are also those moments when every hazard looms large, and every pond threatens to swallow your ball whole. Knowledge is indeed power, and to ignore it is a gamble only the most gifted can afford.

 Caddies, phone apps, GPS watches, and range finders with slope—they all cater to the golfer’s thirst for information about the course. While they may be marketed as aids for pace of play, they undeniably offer players a competitive edge.

 Golf, with its rules and the pursuit of top-notch equipment, facilities, and coaching, can seem exclusive. Many are aware of the hefty price tags associated with joining prestigious clubs, which can run into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Yet, amidst the allure of luxury, the essence of the game lies in its rules.

 From USGA rules and regulations to local course rules printed on the back of every scorecard, understanding the nuances of each course can provide a significant advantage. Local knowledge, often possessed by veteran members, can save strokes and make it challenging for newcomers or guests to come out on top. Rules are there to protect veteran players in every game you play.

 So, as you step onto your home course, remember: the odds are in your favor. Learn the course. Know the rules. Save strokes.