• Q:  Q. Exactly how quiet should you be when someone is getting set over a shot?   ~   Anonymous
  A:  Dear Anonymous:
  A. Act as you would want the other player to act, when you were getting ready to play.


• Q:  Can I pat the edges of the hole to fix damages before I putt?   ~   Anonymous
  A:  Dear Anonymous:
  No, damage to the putting green can not be repaired if it will assist you in your putt. Ball marks may be repaired, even if they are not yours, or they are not in the line of putt.


• Q:  If I accidentally hit my ball on my practice swing, do I have to count it as a stroke?   ~   Anonymous
  A:  Dear Anonymous:
  If you did not intend to hit the ball, then there is no penalty for hitting it on accident. However, there is a penalty for not replaceing the ball as near to the original position.

People with questions can submit them to gogolfnw.com. (We've also assembled a sizable group of local pros but can always make room for more - if you're in the golf business and would like to share your expertise to this or other projects, please contact joebu@spokesman.com for more details.)