Golf Etiquette

“Etiquette means behaving yourself a little better than is absolutely essential.” - Will Cuppy

Golf etiquette is consideration for your fellow golfers, good manners, while playing a round of golf. Etiquette for golfers are not rules or regulations, they are accepted social behaviours or conventions in a golfing environment. Some conventions are universal while others are local, both can be declared a rule for an individual event or golf course.

Whichever course you golf on, check for the local etiquette conventions.

Etiquette conventions to be aware of.

• Arrive early. This applies to most private golf courses. Public courses can be ‘first in first served’ or prebooked tee times by online or in person.

• Be quiet when your fellow golfers are taking a shot.

• Do not stand directly behind a golfer taking a shot.

• Be aware of where you walk on the fairways and greens.

• On the fairways walk briskly between shots.

• Repair fairway divots.

• On the greens do not walk across the line of a putt.

• Repair pitch marks on the greens.

• If using a cart stay on any designated paths.

• Acknowledge the good play of others.

• Slow playing groups give way, where appropriate, to those behind you.

• Abide by any dress code.

• Does a ‘clean and place’ rule apply on this course?

The official rules of golf and etiquette are both designed to help all golfers have an enjoyable experience and reap the benefits of playing golf.

Have fun out there.