Summer is here and golf courses everywhere are sure to be busy. Be sure to call ahead for starting times and course availability, and get out to play as often as you can. New golfers enter the game every day, and hopefully stay with it as a form of recreation and competition. No matter how you enjoy the game of golf, there are many things you can do to make it enjoyable for yourself, and more enjoyable for anyone you may play with or who is on the same golf course.

Quite simply, golf takes time to play. Eighteen holes of golf is about a four-hour proposition with a foursome on an average day. Pace of play differs among golfers of different abilities and temperaments and course conditions, but the four-hour norm, give or take a little, should be the mark to go for - and there are things you can do to keep up your pace.

Plan your shot while walking to your ball or while others are playing. Line up your putt while others are playing instead of watching all the other putts. Most importantly, be ready to play when it is your turn. Even if you are using a cart, walk briskly to your ball or to the next shot and walk directly to your ball instead of to another player's ball. If you are using a cart, take several clubs with you to your ball so you won't have to keep going back to the cart to change clubs. Develop an “eye or feel” for distance and try to avoid stepping off yardage for every shot. Take one solid practice swing focusing on your swing key for the day; don't take multiple practice swings. Exit the green promptly after putting out, and go directly to the next tee before recording your scores. Play the tees (championship, or otherwise) that fit your ability; it makes the game more manageable and enjoyable. If you think a ball might be out of bounds, play a provisional ball, that way you won't have to go all the way back to the tee if your ball is indeed out of bounds. And try to keep pace with the group in front of you.

If you use these suggestions during normal play, your round is sure to go at a better pace, and a good pace is good for your score. Stay alert, be considerate and ready, and you are sure to play better golf.

Mike Brigandi and Jim Colling won the Hogan Division this weekend at the Dutch Hollow member-guest. Jason Lesch and Mark Guenthner finished second, and Ray Williams and Steve Poweski were third after the five rounds of match play for point total. Dan Hlwya and Greg Horbal won the Palmer Division, while Tom Lee and Mike Westover were second, and Mike Kozanitis and John Prishvalko were third. Mike Donovan and John Hubbard won the Nicklaus Division; second place went to Wayne Pierleoni and Matt VanOrman while third place went to Andrew Kuczek and John Gagliano. Gary Hart and Mark Towers won the Nelson Division followed by Charlie Stebbins and Mitch Sherman who were second and Dick Timian and Bill Ellis were third.

Looks like tournaments are going to have to invent another category for long drive and closest to the pin games. Instead of the longest drive in the fairway, we are going to have to add a longest drive over the green category. Rob Graceffo drove it over the green on the 18th hole during the Father-Child event this weekend at Dutch Hollow.

See you on the links!