Golf Course Etiquette

Golf Etiquette is one of the most talked about topics in the sport. Golf began as a gentlemen’s sport, and etiquette has been integral to the sport since its inception. Golf Course Etiquette reflects the history and culture of golf and is one of the most important aspects of the game. The Golf Etiquette Rules were created to ensure golfer safety, a normal pace of the game, and that golf course quality will be held to a certain standard. Proper Golf Course Etiquette is an essential part of the game. Beginner golfers should learn Golf Course Etiquette before heading out to the links, however, with so many Golf Etiquette Rules it is difficult to learn them all at one time. Playing with other seasoned golfers will help you learn all the ins and outs of Golf Course Etiquette. Here are a few of the most common Golf Etiquette Rules.

Practice Safety – While You Swing

• Only swing your club after you have ensured that all others in your group are at a safe distance. When others are swinging or teeing off, stay clear.
• When practicing your swing, never swing in the direction of another player. When you tee off or practice your tee off, you should pick up pebbles, twigs, and other small debris that could fly up and hit another player.
• If your ball ever appears to be heading toward another player or playing group, give them a fair warning by yelling out, “Fore!”.
• Observe the safety suggestions on the golf carts and drive carefully when in motion. Golf Etiquette Rules call for drivers to keep the cart on the cart path and side grasses as much as possible.
• Never throw clubs or balls in anger; it is rude and very dangerous to yourself and other players.

Keep a Good Pace on Your Game

Etiquette

Golf Etiquette Rules were created to ensure golfer safety, a normal pace of the game, and that golf course quality will be held to a certain standard.

• If you are in a group, keep the game moving by being prepared to tee off or hit your shot when it is your turn.
• The player who is furthest away from the tee hits first in a group. In a casual game, it is common to play “ready play” and hit the ball when you are ready to play.
• Try not to spend too much extra time looking for lost balls, especially if the course is busy. If you insist on taking your full five minutes of investigation time, then Golf Course Etiquette requires that you wave the group behind you on and allow them to play through your group.
• Try to keep pace with the group ahead of you. If space opens in front of you, allow a faster group to play through.
• When two players in a cart hit to opposite sides of a hole, drive to the first ball and drop off the first player with his club, then drive to the second ball. Both players will hit and then meet at the hole.
• When you walk from your cart to your ball, try to bring a few clubs with you instead of a solitary one. When you only take one, you might have to return to get a different club and this takes up a great deal of time.
• After your group has finished putting, always leave the putting greens.

Know Your Cart Signage

• Observe and follow the cart path and cart signs along the course; do as the signs indicate.
• Always keep golf carts away from the greens and hazards.
• Repair all divots you create.
• Repair all ball marks on the greens.
• Always rake the sand traps after you have hit from them to erase your footprints and damage to the area.
• Never make a divot on a practice swing.

Shhh! Here are a Few More

• Remain quiet when other players are taking a shot.
• Do not yell out following a shot. Even if your group does not mind, others on the course may be distracted.
• Be aware of your stance and shadow on the putting green. Try not to stand in a place that causes your shadow to cast across the path of another player’s putting line.
• Never walk through a playing partner’s putting line. Your footprints in the grass will alter the path of a the player’s putt. It is wise to step over the putting line or walk around or behind the other player’s ball.