Stay Graceful on the Greens – 10 Etiquette Tips for the Golf Course
Whether you hit the golf course every weekend or only go to the occasional charity tournament, there are simple etiquette rules surrounding the game of golf. Even non-golfers know to yell “FORE!” after hitting a ball that is headed in someone’s direction.
But, there’s more to golf etiquette than that! Convey respect to everyone you interact with on the golf course by practicing these simple tips.
1 – During your game, your club will make divots in the ground, pulling up the well-manicured grass. Do your part to maintain the course by repairing your ball mark, especially on the green, by filling it with sand or replacing it with uprooted grass.
2 – Stay out of fellow golfers “sightlines.” Focus before taking a swing is key. Be still and quiet. Stay out of someone’s peripheral vision and watch where your shadow is!
3 – If you haven’t played on the course before, learn what the dress code is. Collared shirts and “no jeans” is standard, but some courses do not allow shorts.
4 – Be mindful of your volume. Whether you are discouraged or celebratory, remember there are others on the course and avoid being a distraction.
5 – Losing a ball in the rough can be frustrating and discouraging. When a fellow player is looking for a ball, it’s a nice gesture to help the player look for it.
6 – Carry a flat ball marker for the greens. Replace your ball with a marker when it may be in someone’s way.
7 – The player with the best score on the previous hole has the right to tee off first. Give them the honor of teeing off first by observing this rule. Another standard to follow is after everyone has made the first shot, the farthest from the hole goes first.
8 – During the “turn” at the clubhouse between the first nine holes and the back nine, it’s a nice gesture to offer to pay for refreshments for your foursome.
9 – Don’t be the “teacher.” If instruction isn’t asked for, refrain from sharing it.
10 – Are you playing with a caddie for the first time? Like many other service workers, they rely on tips. Fifty percent of the caddie fee or $30-40 is acceptable.
