- Take the game seriously but never themselves.
- Always recognize a good shot and if the spectacular occurs will even break out in polite applause.
- Have the flagstick already in their hand when the last putt falls, minding the maxim, “First one in, grabs the pin.”
- Are ready to hit when it’s their play.
- Walk and carry/pull their clubs so you’re all experiencing ‘the journey of the game’
- Search earnestly for your lost ball.
- Never take more than three minutes to look for their own lost ball and invariably say, “Thanks, guys, but go ahead and hit your shots.”
- At the turn ask, “May I get you anything?”
- Pick up your club or towel left on the green while you’re putting out
- Utter a brief “thanks” after you say “good shot!”
- Kindly remind you to re-mark your coin in the proper spot if it had been moved over to avoid their line.
- Invoke the “mercy rule” and not have you suffer a four-putt for a triple bogey.
- Welcome into the group a single waiting on the first tee.
- Will fix your ball mark without hesitation.
- Not only won’t complain about another bad break or bounce but can even laugh about it.
- Have the good sense not to ask, “What did you have on that hole?” while you’re still digesting an embarrassing ‘circus train wreck.’
- Go out of their way to grab a rake while you’re hopelessly plugged in the bunker.
- Ask friendly questions of their playing companions during the course of the round because the social fabric of the game is woven in the interrogative not the declarative tense.
- Always buy a round when they’re the big winner of the day.
- Buy a second round in spite of being the big losers of the day.
- Ask at the 19th hole, “Hey, what time are we playing next week and can I pick you up?”
