If you can't hit somewhat straight and are forever getting lost balls, then you should be getting pro lessons and be on the driving range. Rounds of 6 to 7 hours are abominable.

— HELEN ESCHENBACHER, HONOLULU

A. Helen, you are a true aficionado of the game! It's great that you try to play by the rules and I share your desire to want others to do the same.

I'll be writing about some of the more common rules infractions in future columns, but I would like to address etiquette and pace of play today.

The founding fathers of the game felt proper etiquette or good behavior on the golf course are so important that they placed the guidelines on page 1 of the rule book.

I am a major advocate of pace of play.

There is nothing worse than playing with or playing behind a really slow player.

The rules state that every player needs to play at a good pace and be ready to play when it's his or her turn.

It's the responsibility of the entire group to keep up with the group in front of them.

As the late Jimmy Demaret once said, "Miss it quick!" The ability of a player to play quickly is not dependent upon his or her skill. Even if a player can't play well, they can still play quickly and not hold up play for everyone else.

Thanks to exciting and talented players such as Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie, the popularity of the game has never been greater.

Unfortunately, many new golfers are going out to play without learning the proper fundamentals, much less learning rules and etiquette.

As a PGA professional, I can assure you we are trying to reach these new golfers and offer our help in this area. We understand that a practical knowledge of rules and etiquette is vital to their full experience and enjoyment of the game for both them and others on the course.