In addition to the hundreds of rules that golf has, there are also a bunch of unwritten and etiquette type rules that apply. They can be confusing to understand and not everyone should have to learn each one, so we put together a guide of the most important ones to help you out. Let’s get right into it!
Little Things
The little things in golf can be learned by simply observing your playing partners. Whether it’s laying down a flag stick or tamping down spike marks when leaving a green, they can all add up and lead to a better playing experience for those around you.
Invisible Golf Cart
Golf carts are part of today’s game and everyone for the most part is used to them. However, they can still be a nuisance to some and it’s best to know a few things about them. Make sure to park the cart far enough away while your playing partners are swinging and make sure to follow all cart path rules. Try to avoid wet spots as the weight of the golf cart can easily damage the soft turf. Also remember to always apply the parking brake, whether you are in or out of the cart. That beeping sound that a cart makes when it rolls backwards is a good way to get your playing partners upset.
Don’t Be a Slow Poke
No one likes to play with a slow player, so try not to hold up your group. If it’s a casual round and you aren’t having your best hole, don’t be afraid to pick up your ball and tell the group to finish the hole without you. It will save time for you and for the groups behind. Included in this is to make sure that you are playing ready golf. When you get to your ball, get the yardage and pick your club so that when it is your turn you will be ready to go.
No Temper Tantrums
The guy who rages after every shot can sometimes be funny, but make sure it isn’t you. It reflects poorly on a person when they yell and scream and is unpleasant to be around. Don’t throw your clubs either as that can be a recipe for disaster.
Time is Valuable
Don’t be the person who cancels a tee time at the last minute. Golf is a time consuming activity and people spend their hard earned money to play it. The last thing someone wants is to be the only one on the tee after a tee time was organized with 4 people a week before.
Respect the Course
Make sure you are constantly doing whatever you can to improve the condition of the course. Rake bunkers so that if your ball ended up in it you would be okay with the lie. Fix all of your divots on the green even the ones that you didn’t make and fill divots in the fairway with sand and seed.
Silence is Golden
Whether you are playing with one other player or you have a foursome, don’t make any noise while your playing partners are swinging. Don’t stand somewhere where you can easily be heard and don’t stand in the line of play. You can stand on the left or the right of someone, but never in front of or behind a person.
Look Good, Play Good
Make sure you show up to the golf course looking like you care about the round. No one likes to play with someone in a t shirt and shorts, even at a public course. It is the first thing that others notice about you and it can dictate how your playing partners will treat you throughout the round.
Phones
Everyone’s tip would just be to simply turn off your cell phone, but in today’s age that isn’t likely. So just make sure it is on silent mode if you want to keep it in the golf cart. If you keep it on vibrate you can still hear it rumbling in the cubby hole in the cart.
Help Your Playing Partners
Try to help out others in your group when they need something. Help them look for a lost ball or give them a yardage if they are looking for one. Simply observe what is going on in the group and it will be a better experience for everyone.