Home About Us The Instructors Clinics Private Lessons Junior Golf Instructional Tips Oak Marsh Golf Club Phone: 651-730-8886 Fax: 651-730-6711 institute@wpgolf.com Fall Golf - October 2004 By David La Pour As we enter one of the most beautiful times of the year, the golf course is a natural for enjoying the fall foliage (and discounted prices). All of the WP courses; Willow Creek, St. Croix National, Oak Marsh, Lost Spur and Mississippi National have beautiful trees and vistas that can calm the most frustrated golfer. The one downside to this beauty is the leaves that like to conceal your golf ball. With this in mind, check below for some suggestions on how to avoid the "can't see the trees through the forest" feeling when looking for your ball.  • When playing with other golfers, take extra time to watch their tee shot and help them mark it from the tee, even if it's in the fairway. The landscape changes when you leave the tee box.  • Hit two balls from the tee, or if you're not sure where your shot ended up (provisional). This not only saves you from having to go back to the tee if you don't find your first ball, but also allows you to get a feel off the second ball as to where your first one may be.  • The USGA rules state that once you start the search, you are allowed 5 minutes to look for your ball. If you can't find your ball, try not to get frustrated and let it ruin the hole or the round. Just take a look around, take a deep breath, and tell yourself there are a lot worse places to be. Next month I'll be talking about our upcoming golf education series. Good luck and enjoy your fall golf! MORE TIPS Home / Putting / Short Game / Full Swing / Mental / Health / Other "The USGA rules state that once you start the search, you are allowed 5 minutes to look for your ball"