West Liberty-Salem High School Golf Handbook

Golf is a challenging and humbling game. My goal is for each golfer at WL-S to develop a lifelong
love of the sport, improve his/her skill level, and compete for district championships. Most
importantly, I want each student-athlete to become an honorable and hard-working young
man/woman. We will demonstrate this every day in practice and at tournaments.

High school golf allows golfers to compete as individuals and teams. Since it is a competitive
sport, the expectation is every player will practice improving skills and course management.
Students who don’t desire to practice and compete against other golfers need not participate in
UIL golf. Because we are a team, teamwork and unity will be stressed. We will encourage one
another and assist each other to improve our games and perform at the highest possible level.

Golf is ultimately an individual sport that requires an extremely high skill level to perform at the
highest level. In order to improve your skill level, you must be willing to work on your own. “If
you don’t invest much, then defeat doesn’t hurt very much and winning is not very exciting.”-
Dick Vermeil

All students will be respectful to employees, patrons, and others when visiting golf courses. We
are guests at their facilities. They have the right to refuse our access at any time. TIger golfers
will be the best-behaved and most responsible students to use the courses and practice
facilities.

I believe that without goals, it is impossible to achieve success. “Winners imagine their dreams
first. They want it with all their heart & expect it to come true. There’s no other way to live.” -
Joe Montana

My Goals for WL-S golf (immediate and long-term):

I look forward to working with you.

Every golfer will be expected to attend all team practices. Practices will be held every day we
don’t have a match during the season. Mandatory practices start August 1. Summer practice
schedule is TBD. These are not mandatory, however they will be needed in order to be
competitive and to get in game shape once the season starts. *Practice times are subject to
change due to my other responsibilities.

We will practice at Liberty Hills Golf Club. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated. Students
must be willing to commit to practice to be considered for the golf teams. Practice attendance
will be a factor in determining teams and playing time. An unexcused absence will result in loss
of playing privileges for the next tournament. Three unexcused absences from practice will
result in being dropped from the team. The top 5 golfers will play every match and tournament.
Any player can be challenged for their spot in the top 5 at any time. These members will be
fluid as we want to put the best 5 on the course at any given time. Hard work and results pay
off in golf.

Dress

1. All golfers will be required to purchase a team shirt to be eligible for tournament/match
play.
2. For practices at courses: all golfers must meet the dress code of the golf course. When
in doubt, wear a collared shirt and dress shorts. No sleeveless t-shirts or athletic shorts
will be allowed.
3. For tournaments: all golfers will be required to wear the team shirt and slacks or dress
shorts.
4. All golfers need either tennis shoes or golf shoes.

Teams/Tournaments

The roster will be chosen based on my observations during practice, qualifying scores, attitude,
attendance, coachability and work ethic. We will take the top 5 boys/girls to each tournament.
Tournament teams will be determined on previous tournament performances and weekly
qualifying rounds/practice sessions. To be considered for the tournament teams, a golfer must
be able to keep their own score accurately, shoot a competitive score, and have a basic
understanding of the rules and etiquette of golf. All golfers will demonstrate this to me directly
on the course.

Lettering Policy

In order to earn a varsity letter, a golfer must be a member of the WL-S HS golf team and WL-S
student body in good standing as well as meeting one of the following criteria:
 1. Compete in more than 50% of the scheduled varsity golf tournaments throughout the
year or qualify for the sectional golf tournament.
2. Place in the top three individually in a tournament with four or more teams.
3. Have a score count toward the team placing in the top two(1-6teams)or top three (7 or
more teams) in a tournament.

The golf coach retains the right to award a letter to a golfer based on achievement throughout
the year. Likewise, the coach reserves the right to deny a letter in the event the golfer has
either been removed from the team for academic or disciplinary reasons, or has not
represented the program with honor, integrity, and/or good sportsmanship.

Tournament Expectations

1. All golfers will wear the team shirt and slacks/shorts. No jeans will be permitted for
tournaments. Girls may wear skorts. In cold/wet weather, wind/rain pants may be worn.
All clothing must meet the school dress code.
2. Golfers will be expected to have plenty of golf balls, tees, and a ball marker/coin for
tournament play. Optional equipment suggestions include: rain gear, umbrella,
sunscreen, lip balm, glove, Band-Aids, water bottle, rule book, high protein snacks and
divot repair tool.
3. All golfers will ride to tournaments/matches with the team from school at the time
prescribed.
4. All players will be expected to remain at the tournament site until all of their teammates
have finished and scores are posted. Students may leave with parents after being signed
out.
5. Golfers should clean their clubs the night before play. Look sharp.
6. Each golfer will play with honor and integrity. All players will abide by the USGA and
OHSAA Rules of Golf. Cheating will not be tolerated.

Parental Involvement

Parents are encouraged to take an active part in their child’s golf career. Since golf is ultimately
an individual sport, outside support is critical. Your student’s development will ultimately be
his/her responsibility. Improvement is directly correlated with the amount of practice time
involved. Anything you can provide, from lessons and equipment to emotional support and
gentle nudges to practice will help your child become a better golfer. During a
tournament/match, though, parents should consider themselves spectators and fans.

Here are some things spectators are not allowed to do (USGA Rule 8):
1. Take and/or give any equipment from any golfer at any time
2. Give any advice to players (how to play a hole, what club to hit, etc.)-cont.
3. Make any rulings or give advice on a rule
4. Assist in players keeping score(players are responsible for keeping their own scores)
5. Give food or drink to any player
6. Never touch a player’s ball while it is in play
Here are some things parents are allowed to do:
1. Encourage all players
2. Help all players find lost balls
3. Encourage all players

Golf Etiquette

For the game to be enjoyed, each player participates in accordance with a code of decent and
friendly conduct, which includes safe and fast play, proper care of the golf course, and basic
courtesy. Use this summary as a guideline:

Care of the course:

1. Rake all bunkers. Replace all divots. Don’t make divots with practice swings
2. On greens, repair all ball marks. Repair spike marks on the greens after finishing play. Be
careful walking on the greens, especially near the hole.
3. Leave the course, particularly the greens, in the condition you would like to find them.

Safety:

Be careful when you swing a club, whether in practice or in play. Always be aware of those
around you. Don’t play until the group in front of you is out of the way. Courtesy:

1. Don’t move, talk, or stand close to or directly behind a player making a stroke.
2. Observe all rules including who has the honor.
3. Play without delay. Slow play is a huge aggravation and could result in penalty strokes.
Leave the putting green as soon as all players in your group have holed out. Write scores
on the next tee box.
4. Invite faster groups to play through.
5. Don’t step on the line of another player’s putt.
6. Replace the flagstick carefully in an upright position.
7. Never place your bag on the putting surface.
 WL-S Golf Expectations
1. I will play by the rules of golf, be honest and never cheat. Golf is unique
because there is no referee. Players call penalties on themselves.
2. I will respect the golf course, my teammates, and my opponents. Golf is a
gentleman’s game. This includes not throwing golf clubs or cursing during
the course of play or practice.
3. I will never give up and compete on every shot. Maximum effort at all times
is expected.
4. I will represent West Liberty-Salem High School and myself with class at
practice, in tournaments, and wherever I go. I am a representative of WL-S,
my team, my family, and ultimately myself.
5. I commit to work as hard as I can to become the best golfer possible. Golf is
a lifelong sport and is inherently challenging at every skill level.
6. I will strive to be a leader in the classroom and at school, through my
behavior and class work. Behavior and conduct are more important that
ability.

One of my goals is that we will be the most respectful and classiest team wherever we are.
Whenever you are at a golf course, whether a coach is present or not, you are a West Liberty-
Salem High School golfer. The WL-S Extra Curricular Code of Conduct and Student Code of
Conduct also apply at all times.

I have read and agree to the previous expectations:

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Print Name Date

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Student Signature

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Parent Signature Date