Newswise — College graduates should realize there's more green in their future than money, says a Purdue University expert.
"The most important thing beyond having some basic skills is to know the rules at a golf course in terms of playing and etiquette," says Tom Templin, professor of health and kinesiology, and co-creator of the PGA's Golf: For Business and Life program that is taught at 50 universities. "Do your homework in advance, dress appropriately and ask for general guidelines about use of the course. Young people entering the work force may find a basic knowledge about the game helpful, especially as the sport's popularity increases and is a place for business."
Templin says there are five basic tips that novice golfers should be aware of before teeing off:
* Even though the course is a place to network, be silent when another player is hitting the ball. Turn off your cell phone.
* When on the putting green, never walk in the line of anyone's putt. Footprints can disturb the contour of the green.
* Know when to take your turn and be ready to play.
* When playing recreationally, players just starting to play the game should limit their strokes so they are not delaying play for those following.
* If playing slowly, it is common courtesy to let the group behind play through.
Templin, along with Alice Dye, a golf champion and golf architect, worked with officials from the PGA of America in 1998 to create Golf: For Business and Life, a course that provides high-quality instruction from PGA professionals to novice golfers who may one day take up the sport to aid in establishing or strengthening business contacts. The PGA of America is the national organization that represents 28,000 member professionals who support the game's growth by encouraging new golfers and helping current golfers stay active.
Related Web sites:
Purdue College of Liberal Arts: http://www.cla.purdue.edu/
Colleges and universities participating in Golf: For Business and Life: http://www.pgafoundation.com/sortpage.cfm?id=golfforbusinessandlife_collegesanduniv
PHOTO CAPTION:
Dan Ross, head golf professional at Purdue's Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, helps student Isaac Heath, a sophomore from West Lafayette, Ind., with his grip in the Golf: For Business and Life program. The course, taught at 50 universities, provides high-quality instruction from PGA professionals to novice golfers who may one day take up the sport. (Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)
A publication-quality photo is available at http://news.uns.purdue.edu/images/+2007/ross-golfbusiness.jpg
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