Being a golf course superintendent is not an easy job. They get up early, put in long days and deal with uncooperative weather, equipment breakdowns, irrigation malfunctions, staffing challenges and countless other issues. As golfers, we get to enjoy the results of all their hard work, so the least we can do is try to make their lives a little easier. Here are a few easy ways to do your part:

Focus on your fundamentals.

Fixing divots, repairing ball marks and raking bunkers are the course care basics that every golfer should have as part of their routine. Failing to do these simple tasks creates more work for the maintenance staff, has a negative impact on playing conditions, and can drive superintendents nuts.

Leave no trace.

We all have a wrapper fall out of our pocket from time to time during a round, but try to be diligent about getting your trash into cans around the course or keep it with you until you get back to the clubhouse. This includes picking up tees (broken or not) and keeping cigars, cigarette butts and sunflower seeds off the greens. If the garbage cans are full, try to keep your trash with you rather than piling it on top of an overflowing bin where birds, animals or the wind are likely to scatter it around the course.

Don’t jump the gun.

It’s understandable that golfers are excited to play, but teeing off before your scheduled time can be very disruptive to the maintenance team. Morning maintenance is carefully planned to stay ahead of play, and if golfers get in the mix early it’s hard for the schedule to recover. If the course you’re playing allows golfers to tee off on holes other than the first, you should always check with the golf shop before doing so. An unexpected group on the back nine first thing in the morning can really throw a wrench in things.

Walk if you can.

Skipping the cart and walking if possible reduces wear and tear on the course and makes it easier for superintendents to maintain the best possible playing conditions. If you do end up taking a cart, make sure to follow all cart rules and traffic signs, and please park your cart with all four tires on the path when possible.

Ask questions.

If you see something out of the ordinary on the course or have a question about maintenance practices or playing conditions, don’t be afraid to ask the superintendent! They are happy to answer questions, and they can provide accurate information you can share with others who might be curious about the same thing. Asking might also make the superintendent aware of a problem they didn’t know about.

Superintendents and their teams work hard to get golf courses in the best condition possible. Anything you can do to minimize your impact on the course and potentially leave it a little better than you found it will be appreciated!