Golf is a fantastic sport to play and is enjoyed by millions all over the world. But there’s a great deal more to the sport of golf than meets the eye. To truly master the game, one must first understand the unwritten rules of golf etiquette.
Playing golf is more than just knowing the rules and regulations on the course. Whether you’re hitting the green for business or pleasure, adhering to an unspoken set of guidelines is crucial. I’ve always thought of golf etiquette as unwritten laws and keeping them in mind is necessary to ensure that every player is safe, and the game remains enjoyable for everyone involved. That being said, If these rules are not written, then how can you possibly be aware of them? Do not fret, as assistance is available.
In this article, I will cover the basics of golf etiquette rules and golf course etiquette, including golf cart etiquette, and provide you with some tips for beginners.
What is Golf Etiquette?
If you are new to golf, like I was, and like every player to step onto the course, you may not have even heard of golf etiquette, Golf etiquette by definition is a set of unwritten rules and practices that all golfers, professional, amateur and recreational, should follow while playing the game. You don’t need to worry too much if you haven’t been sticking to them as golf etiquette isn’t written into the rules of golf itself so golfers don’t get punished for not abiding by it. However, it is generally frowned upon by all players if another golfer is breaking golf etiquette so it’s a good idea to get to grips with all kinds of golf etiquette before you start to worry about your handicap.
Golf Etiquette Rules
My best advice for keeping in line with standards set by the golf clubs would be to familiarize yourself with a few of the main no-nos and faux pa that all golfers should listen to before playing the game no matter how experienced, so if you are about to hit the golf course for the first time or are just starting out, take note. Some of the golf etiquette rules I have picked up over the years include:
Dress code: Dressing appropriately is an essential part of golf etiquette. Most golf courses have a smart dress code that includes wearing collared shirts, trousers, chinos, or shorts. This is why some people class golf as a ‘country club sport’ however it is accessible to anyone that wants to play as long as you stick to the rules. Different clubs have different rules around dress codes so it is always a good idea to check the dress code of the golf course you plan to play at before arriving.
Keep the noise down: One of the things I hate the most when I’m about to tee off is noise. I would always suggest keeping the noise to a minimum if you see others around you that are about to take a shot. Doing this can avoid distracting your fellow players. Take it from me, noise travels far on a golf course so even if you think you aren’t in earshot of another golfer, it’s best just to keep the noise down as standard. Just think, how would it feel if you were about to sink a putt and you get distracted at the last moment by a screeching golfer that just missed his shot? Not happy? Me neither.
Respect other golfers: Respect goes a long way in the world of golf as it does anywhere in life. It’s important to show respect to other golfers on the course as you would anywhere else. Golf can be a frustrating game sometimes; we’ve all been there when you miss a short putt that puts your scorecard theoretically in the dustbin, but the key is to keep your cool and remain respectful at all times.
Let players play through: I also don’t like to take too long on my shot. If there’s a queue behind me it makes me feel like I’m being watched and critiqued, this was much worse for me as a beginner. If you are stuck with a shot or maybe even teaching your kids how to play, for example, It’s considered good etiquette to allow the person behind you to take their shot next or ‘play through’ as it’s known. This will allow you to take more time with your shot and not feel rushed by the impatient golfer behind you.
Golf Course Etiquette
Golf course etiquette refers to the course in particular and how it should be respected by all players. I will now go over some of the unwritten rules for keeping the golf course as you found it:
Show awareness: It’s key to know your surroundings while on the course. Look out for other golfers, wildlife, and other hazards on the course. If you hit a ball that is heading for danger, you should shout FORE! In my opinion, this is the only time the quietness rule should be broken!
Repair ball marks: Repairing ball marks and divots are essential to keep the course in good condition. I use a ball mark repair tool to fix any marks I might leave on the green. If you leave a divot by hitting the ground with your club, please repair this immediately before taking your next shot, and don’t leave them for other golfers to repair. It’s just annoying!
Rake bunkers: I like to rake the bunker after I use it. Funnily enough, I used to wonder why people would bring a rake to a golf course but it was only as my game developed that my awareness did too. Raking the bunkers is good practice to keep them in good condition and prevent the spread of weeds. Try to avoid using your feet or club and come prepared with a rake to leave the bunker how you found it.
Golf Cart Etiquette
Golf carts are without a doubt my favorite way to travel around the golf course, but before you take one for a spin, I’ve put together some golf cart etiquette rules. These rules include:
Driving carefully: You should always drive the golf cart carefully, especially when you’re going up and down hills. My advice would be to drive at a reasonable pace. Do not drive the cart on greens or over tees.
Following cart path rules: It’s not always clear know the paths you are allowed to go down and which are for pedestrians only. If you are unsure about the cart path rules, I would advise you to ask in the pro shop before starting your round.
Parking properly: If you can, try to park the golf cart in designated areas. These areas should be marked out for you but if you’re not sure where to park the cart, I would ask a course marshal or an employee.
Golf Etiquette for Beginners
If you’re new to golf, like we all were one day, the rules and etiquette can be tricky to navigate. Here are some basic tips I have gathered to help you get started:
Be Aware: You should always be aware of your surroundings and the golfers around you. Look out for flying golf balls and listen for calls of Fore!
Correct Pace: Don’t take too long to take your shot. If you need to, allow players to play through.
Putting Lines: You should avoid crossing the imaginary line between the player’s ball and the cup while on the green.
Repair Divots: Learn how to properly repair divots and ball marks on the green. Use a divot tool and don’t use your feet or your driver.
Show Respect: My golden rule is to be respectful. If you think about it, all of these unwritten rules of golf etiquette come down to respect in some way or another, whether it’s respect for the other golfers, respect for the course, or respect for the equipment provided by the course.
