​Golf Etiquette: Common Etiquette That Every Player Should Follow

Although separate from the formal rules of golf, the guidelines that make up good golfing etiquette are important to observe to keep the game safe and enjoyable for all involved. The practices of golfing etiquette are intended to safeguard the course, players, and equipment from damage or injury, and it is important to be well versed in these rules before setting foot on the course.

This etiquette fosters an atmosphere of consideration and respect toward others during the game, making golf more enjoyable (and less dangerous) for those around you.

Here are the top practices you should observe when taking part in “the gentleman’s game,” to ensure everyone has a fun, frustration-free day.

Keep It Moving

Slow play can cause delays for everyone behind you, and there is nothing more irritating than spending long periods of time standing around in the hot sun, waiting your turn. To avoid causing tension on the course, always try to keep pace with the group ahead of you.

If your group is falling behind, members should walk at a faster pace between shots to increase the rate of play. There should be no more than one minute between the time you select your club and when you take your shot. If you are not ready to play when it is time for you to take your shot, encourage other members of your group to play first to avoid wasting time.

Clean Up After Yourself

Maintaining the green as you play is vital in preserving the course and making the game more enjoyable for the group behind you. Having to clear up after another group before you can play is no fun at all, and leads to more of those dreaded delays.

Divots should always be replaced and, if this is not possible, you can alternatively pack the turf back around the divot with the toe of your shoe. If you go into the bunker, bring a small rake with you to smooth out the area you played from, along with any footprints, before you leave. It is also important to repair any indentations in the turf made by the ball hitting the green, to smooth out the green and not interfere with other people’s play.

FORE!

Safety is paramount during a game of golf, as a high-speed golf ball contacting any part of the body can cause serious injury. If you hit a shot that has even a slight chance of hitting another player, it is important to yell “fore!” immediately, to give those around you fair warning. It is also considered polite to apologize to anyone the ball may land near.

Mark Your Balls

It is a good idea to take note of your brand of golf ball before beginning a game, so you can easily distinguish it from those of the other players. Additionally, marking your balls is a wise move, as this can go a long way toward avoiding confusion and delays during the game. If you lose a ball, go and look for it, but bear in mind that five minutes is the maximum acceptable amount of time to spend searching for a lost ball. Any longer than that, and you start to cause delays for your group and those behind you.

Avoid Creating Distractions

Show respect for your fellow players and allow them to concentrate when it is their turn to take a shot. Do not stand in their line of sight, and don’t move or make any noise.

Golf carts, especially, should not be used to distract or annoy players—these are large and often noisy and can create a significant diversion to the game when driven on the course. Golf carts provide wonderful transportation but should be parked unobtrusively on the cart path when the game is in play, and many golf courses require they are parked only on the path.

Be a Good Sport

Golf can be a frustrating game, and the odd groan of exasperation is perfectly acceptable. Wild, loud outbursts of anger, however, are not. No matter how irate you may get, remember to always take a deep breath and fight the temptation to take your golf club to the nearest tree. At the end of the round, shake hands with your fellow players and congratulate the winner—after all, whether you win or lose, golf is meant to be fun!

Final Thoughts

Always treat other golfers on the course with respect. This includes everything from good sportsmanship to replacing divots so everyone can enjoy their game.