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Taking Care of the Course: Every Golfer Plays a Part
One of the great things about playing golf in Hot Springs Village is the variety and quality of our golf courses. Maintaining those conditions is a daily team effort involving our golf maintenance crews, golf operations staff, and—just as importantly—our players.
A few simple habits from every golfer can make a noticeable difference in course conditions and the experience of those playing behind you. This is especially important throughout the winter as everything goes dormant and will not heal until the spring.
Repair Ball Marks
A properly repaired ball mark can heal quickly, while an unrepaired or incorrectly repaired mark can damage the putting surface for weeks. When you reach the green, take a moment to repair your ball mark—and if you see another nearby, repair it too. A good goal is to leave every green a little better than you found it.
Replace or Fill Divots
Divots are part of the game, but leaving them unattended affects both course appearance and playing conditions. Follow the course's preferred procedure by replacing the divot or using the provided divot mix. Taking a few seconds after each shot can make a big difference when hundreds of golfers play the course each week.
Rake Bunkers for the Next Player
After playing from a bunker, please rake your footprints and the area where you played your shot. Enter and exit from the low side whenever possible and leave the bunker in the condition you would want to find it.
Be Smart with Golf Carts
Cart traffic has a significant impact on turf conditions. Please follow daily cart rules and directional signs, avoid wet or damaged areas, and keep carts away from greens, tees, and bunker edges. When conditions require cart restrictions, those decisions are made to protect the golf course and help maintain better playing conditions for everyone.
Keep Up with the Group Ahead
Good pace of play does not mean rushing. It means being ready when it is your turn, limiting unnecessary delays, and maintaining your position with the group ahead. Play ready golf when appropriate, select your club while others are playing, and keep practice swings reasonable. Small time savings throughout the round add up quickly.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Great golf course conditions are a partnership. Our maintenance and golf operations teams work hard every day to provide an enjoyable experience, but players have an important role as well.
Repairing a ball mark, filling a divot, raking a bunker, following cart rules, and maintaining a good pace may seem like small things. When everyone does them, however, they have a tremendous impact.
Take care of the course, respect the players around you, and leave the course better than you found it.
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