Observing a pair of events early last week gave some real insight on the rules and etiquette of golf. First was the Junior clinic at Point Sebago, and the second was the Unicel Tournament of Club Champions the following day at Penobscot Valley in Orono.

This year the junior clinics are mandatory for those wishing to play in the MSGA Junior Tournaments, and although I had seen the material, I wanted to see how it was presented. It was well worth the short trip.

The program was put together by the Maine PGA Chapter with input from the Golf Course Superintendents and MSGA, centered on a video from USGA.

After a brief introduction, children watch the 50-minute video, “The Spirit of the Game.”

Arnold Palmer kicks it off and closes the tape. In between, various pros explain everything from rules to etiquette and care for the course. Jack Nicklaus notes, “If you haven’t done it right it’s a very shallow victory.”

Another makes the point that golf is “the only major sport where players monitor themselves.”

Respect for the course is explained and demonstrated with the theme, “Always leave the course better than you found it.” Replaced divots will heal in 2-3 days while it can take weeks if they are not replaced. The same is true of ball marks, and the video shows how to fix them, with a pro saying, “You go first for the ball mark, and then to your ball”.

Pace of play is covered as well as being ready, as is where to stand when others are teeing off. Fluff Cowan has a part in demonstrating how to play from a cart, a distinct departure for a professional caddy.

Safety is covered both as an individual topic and worked in throughout whether waiting for the group ahead to get clear or checking to make sure no one is close when swinging.

In a sequence filmed at Cape Arundel, former President Bush talks about the integrity of the game. Between him and the numerous PGA and LPGA pros, the video delivers a clear message and sets the stage for the local pro, in this case Sean Kicker, to explain the rules.

The course material contains outlines for playing quick and courteous golf, definitions and terms and some key rules. Working from the outline, Kicker explained how to use the rule book the kids had just received and discussed how various rules are implemented. After this came the test. The open book (USGA rules) exam had 20 yes-or-no questions and 10 multiple choice.

As MSGA Executive Director Nancy DeFancesco explained, “We want them to learn how to use the rule book.” The idea of the exam and player certification is not to eliminate players, but to make the game more enjoyable for all participants.

After observing the clinic, my thought was that all new golfers should view the video. While most professionals incorporate rules, integrity, courtesy, pace of play and care of the course into their instruction, it’s impossible to do a complete job. Players taking lessons want to learn to play better and they don’t want expensive time spent on anything else. That’s normal. Maybe the video can be made available at clubs before and after lessons. We can’t make it mandatory for adults, but we can certainly recommend it. If your club has a copy, check it out. If nothing else, it will make it easier to teach someone the game, especially children.

On the new mandate for all MSGA junior tournament participants to be certified, those unable to attend one of the clinics do have other options, but if they plan on playing in the first event this year (Belgrade, June 23), it’s time to get moving. It can be done through the local pro or through MSGA. Call 207-846-3800 to learn how. DeFrancesco says they will send out the tape, which must be returned and the test to be administered by a parent or the local pro. Woodlands assistant pro Kevin Roberts, who administers the clinics for the Maine PGA , pointed out that with Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and various graduations, it was tough for a lot of juniors to make the clinics. Everyone involved wants to make it as easy as possible to get the information so everyone who wants to play the junior tournaments can be ready.

Plummer shows how it is done

Monday one of the state’s best golfers demonstrated care for the course in a tournament setting. I’m sure Mark Plummer was only doing what he always did, but having been to the clinic the day before I couldn’t help but be reminded the example he would have set for the kids. We were watching him tee off on a par three and when the group finished, Mark got out the scoop and filled every divot he could find with the seed mixture beside the tee. When someone commented on it, he said, “Just doing a little gardening.”

We were Penobscot Valley Country Club for the annual Unicel Tournament of Club Champions. Put on by the Maine Golf hall of Fame, the 18-hole, stroke-play event is open to all golfers who won their club championship. This year’s winners will be invited to play next summer at a club to be determined.

Plummer, who is from Augusta Country Club, won the men’s division with one-under 71, while Barbara Rondeau of Brunswick GC won with 83 for the ladies. Springbrook GC had the club aggregate winners, with Pennie Cummings and Blake Eldridge combining for 159. Cummings had second gross at 84 and Eldridge second net at 72.

Other club champions from this region who did well were Ed Grossman, Mingo Springs, fifth gross at 77, Cindy Globush, Bethel fourth gross, at 93, and Jane Diplock, Augusta, fifth gross at 95.

Those club champions with an eye on the Maine Amateur took advantage of an opportunity to play the PVCC layout where it will be contested July 8-11.

With the clinic and the tournament, it was an educational start to the week.

Dave Irons is free-lance writer who lives in Westbrook.