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Essential Golf Etiquette Tips

May 10th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

You can not play golf unless you know basic golf etiquette. I enjoy golf and it’s a lot of fun, but there are some definate rules that you must follow at any respectable golf course. Fail to follow the rules and you may be asked not to return to the golf course.

Here are some simple, basic tips that every golfer needs to know and follow:

follow the acceptable dress code. In most instances, a pair of khaki’s and a short sleeve shirt with a collar is acceptable. You do not need an expensive golf outfit in order to play golf.
reserve a tee time and show up early. You should never be late for your tee time, golf runs on a very tight schedule. If you are late, it will impact other golfers.
keep pace with the group ahead of you. Golf courses frown upon people that play too slow. The best gauge of time is to keep up with the foursome that is immediately ahead of you.
do not speak when someone is getting ready to hit the golf ball. Golf is a mental game that requires concentration. There is plenty of time to chat between golf swings.
play the ball no matter where it falls. You should never move the golf ball once it is in play. If your ball lands behind a tree, you must take your next shot from behind the tree. Do not move the ball, not even one inch.
if your ball does not land on the golf green within par, you should pick up your ball and drop it at the edge of the green. You then begin putting from the green like everyone else. You do not keep hitting the ball until you reach the green, there is a limit on the number of shots you can take. This helps keep the game moving regardless of the expertise of the golfers.
when someone is putting, make sure you are not blocking their sun. Make sure you are not casting a shadow over the area of green that is currently in play. This can be very distracting to the putter.
make sure you have the minimum required golf equipment in order to play. It is not appropriate to borrow golf balls, golf clubs or tees from other players.
if you damage the golf course while hitting the ball, replaced the portion of grass that was displaced. You can easily move the grass into place and step down on it with your foot. This helps maintain the golf course for other players.
if your foursome is really slow, consider allowing the group behind you to move ahead of you.

These are some of the basic etiquette tips that you should follow. And above all else…make sure you have fun!