More about the game

Last month we looked into the basics of the wonderful game of golf with an overview of the components that make up a course and how the game is played.

Because of obvious constraints, the feature was by no means exhaustive for it is impossible to fit into two columns a synopsis of what golf is and what it is about.

One aspect of the game was not included by design because it deserves special mention. Etiquette - behaviour on the course.

Etiquette does not make one hit the ball further nor helps win competitions. But, when universally practised, players will gain maximum enjoyment from the game.

The overriding principle is that consideration should be shown to others on the course at all times.

Unlike other sports, golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for the other players and to abide by the rules.

All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.

There are guidelines on the manner in which players should conduct themselves:

Ensure that no one is standing close by when making a stroke or practice swing;

Do not play until players in front are out of range;

Shout the traditional warning "FORE" if someone is in danger of being hit;

Do not disturb other players by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise;

Switch off your mobile telephone or keep it on silent mode during a round;

Do not stand close to or directly behind the ball of a player about to play; and

Keep up a good pace of play and always be ready to when it is your turn to play.

There are further guidelines to do with attending a flagstick for a player taking his putt, calling the following flight through when looking for a ball that may be lost, and so on. Quite rightly, Etiquette occupies Section 1 of the Rules of Golf and should be the first lesson in golf.

General manager

In line with its declared policy to move towards a professional management structure, the RMGC has appointed an administrative general manager.

Pierre Ebejer took up office on March 1 and his principal areas of responsibility are administration and overseeing commercial activities and finance.

Purely golfing matters, such as competitions and handicapping, will continue to be administered by volunteers from the membership while Tony Bonello will be responsible for marketing.

Competitions round-up

The last competitions round-up carried in these columns was as far back as November.

At the time it was noted that the season had not been characterised by the usual postponements brought about by inclement weather. Unfortunately that happy state of affairs did not last long and heavy rains soon played havoc with the club's competitions calendar.

However, some semblance of normality now seems to have returned and progress is being made in most events.

In the Creasy Cup, four of the quarter-finalists are already known: Jeremy Kirk plays David Ellis while Ken Waddington meets William Beck.

Ellis and Beck both proved to be giant-killers when they eliminated Peter Satariano and Paul Stoner respectively.

Le Meridien has produced its first semi-finalists in Lou Collins and Edwin Mifsud. The next round in the RMGC Foursomes hosts an 'all in the family' match between Alex and Matthew Mangion vs Benjamin Mangion and cousin David Urpani. All current knock-out rounds must be completed by next Sunday.

In team competitions, Kim Borg's side still leads the Captain's League with 531 points after three rounds, inspired, no doubt, by Borg's own 105 points which see him also leading individual scores.

Second place in the individual scores is shared by Norman Spiteri and David Debono on 102 points each.

The other team scores are: William Beck 512, John Lewis 507, Victor Satariano 500, Tom Davies 500, Paul Stoner 498 and Tony Bonello 465.

The league runs for seven rounds with only the best five counting towards the final team score.

Meanwhile, the HSBC World Team Challenge was won by a team made up of junior members, Nick Beck, Chris Bergedahl, J.J. Micallef and Peter Dimech.

The youngsters beat 20 other four-man teams with 299 Stableford points.

In the individual honours list, one sees Peter Satariano leading the Order of Merit with 113 points followed by Nick Urpani on 89. Nigel Hall and J.J. Micallef are both four points back.

Satariano also leads the Eclectic with a net 58, followed by Nick Laferla (59) and the evergreen Joe Tabone (61).

The Lions

The golf club has been in collaboration with the Lions Club Sliema in staging an annual competition in aid of charity since 1979.

The 2006 edition will be held next Friday. Over the years thousands of liri have been raised with proceeds going to various worthwhile causes. Last year the beneficiary was the Ursuline Sisters Crèche in Msida.

The competition is played in Stableford format. Golfers play off their full handicap and are awarded points ranging from nil to five depending on his/her score on each of the 18 holes on the course.

The total for 18 holes is the player's score for the round and the one with the highest total wins the competition. A winning score is around 42 points while the average would be 30.

Money is raised by way of the players sponsoring themselves for a minimum of 10c per point scored, with a minimum contribution of Lm3. The club waives its usual competition fee and the Lions chip in by doubling any amount raised by the golfers. This year's charity is the Old People's Home at Ta' Sawra, Rabat.