Note: Part I of this column ran in the Jan. 25 edition of the OBSERVER and is available online at observertoday.com

Last week, I covered the impossible-to-break-down-in-one-paragraph topic of golf clubs and also hit on some golf cart basics.

This week, we’ll take a closer look course etiquette, good local courses for beginners as well as ball and tee types.

Just a reminder that I’m trying to aim this at people who might be interested in getting their feet wet in golf, but feel like the barrier to entry is too high. I can’t emphasize enough how easy it is to get into the sport, but I also appreciate that some basic knowledge can make that jump a little less intimidating.

These questions once again came from Lori, who has golfed just once, but instantly fell in love with the game and wanted to know more before venturing out on her own.

What is some basic golf course etiquette I need to know? What should I wear?

I could (and have, actually) write an entire multi-part series about golf course etiquette. In fact, I think I’ll revisit that topic again before the 2020 season tips off. We’ll call it a refresher course. As a quick answer, don’t be a jerk. Don’t yell obscenities when you slice your third consecutive drive into the woods. Don’t tee off before you know for certain that the group ahead of you is out of range. If there’s a much quicker group playing behind you, please find an appropriate spot to allow them to play through.

Clothing is absolutely part of etiquette, but it’s a little easier to answer. Most courses around here don’t have a dress code, but you should still look the part. A collared shirt isn’t too much to ask for. Jeans are a no. Athletic shorts should never be an option. A LeBron James jersey with no shirt on underneath coupled with flip flops will always be subject to public ridicule if a certain local sports writer sees it (how I wish I was kidding about this one). I don’t expect everyone to be out there looking like they have a sponsorship deal with Callaway, but you know the old saying: Look good, play good. Grammatically that’s a nightmare (you’d play well, not good), but you get the point.

I actually highly recommend golf shoes. I was shocked by how much of a difference they made over regular sneakers. Having a stable base can go a long way towards a proper golf swing.

What are some good local courses for beginners? When you go to a new course, how do you know how to navigate it?

I started my golf career at Vineyards (then Hillview). That was the first course I ever played and I highly recommend it for new golfers. It’s pretty straight-forward with no bunkers and only a couple water hazards. You absolutely can’t go wrong with Cassadaga Country Club or Pinehurst Golf Club in Westfield, either. I find nine-hole courses are the best for beginners (so play just one side of Vineyards). Even for me, 18 holes can get exhausting the first time or two of a new season. For what it’s worth, CCC is always the first course to dry out enough to play early in the year.

As far as navigating a new course, most courses have an aerial view layout on the back of the scorecard. Those can be a big help getting from green to tee box. If there are any trickier areas, there will almost always be a sign pointing you towards the next tee box. The only time I remember being tripped up at all is at the turn. “The turn” is the phrase used when going from the front nine holes (Nos. 1-9) to the back nine holes (Nos. 10-18). Even then, there’s certainly going to be a sign to direct you where you need to go. It never hurts to ask in the clubhouse when checking in as to where the first tee box is, either.

What are the differences between types of balls and tees?

I actually just did a whole article about golf balls. I definitely recommend checking that out online. The short answer for a new golfer is this: it doesn’t matter. No offense, but you’re not going to be good at golf from the start. There’s no reason to spend $3/ball or more. You’ll absolutely find one that suits your playing style, but that’s a matter of personal taste and you’ll have to play around with different balls (two- and three-piece balls, etc.).

Tees matter even less. Don’t be fooled by that marketing mumbo jumbo that bristle tees add three yards to your drive. There are actually some hilarious YouTube videos of golfers debunking that claim. In fact, there’s zero science to back it up. Tees do come in different heights. You’ll probably want to start with some longer ones. Just buy a $5 bag of the plain wooden tees. It’ll last you ages and it won’t affect your game one iota.

This has been a fun project so far. It’s forcing me to look at golf from a beginner’s eyes again. Once again, if there are any topics you want to see covered (in addition to a few more of Lori’s questions), please shoot an email to golfersdiary@gmail.com.

As always, golf is great. Go get some.