Etiquette is a word that's often heard in the game of golf
- more so than with any other sport. But it's not just about
manners.
Why have etiquette in golf?
Many of golf etiqutte's rules relate to the safety of golfers,
many relate to pace of play (which helps keep the game enjoyable),
and other rules of golf etiquette relate to maintaining the
quality of the golf course.
In other words, golf etiquette is an essential part of the game.
And it's something that newcomers to the game often learn as
they go - on the course, when playing with more experienced
golfers.
So if you're new to the game, or just need to brush up on your
golf etiquette, here are some basic rules that will help keep
the game enjoyable for you and those around you.
Keep It Safe
• Do not swing your club until you know that others in
your group are at a safe distance
Likewise, keep your distance when others are swinging. Be aware
to steer clear of trouble.
• When practicing your swing, never swing in the direction
of another player. There may be pebbles or twigs or other matter
in the grass that could fly up and injure a playing partner.
• Do not hit the ball until you are certain that the group
ahead of you is out of range.
• If your ball appears headed toward another player or
another group, give them a warning by yelling out, "Fore!"
• Observe the safety suggestions posted in golf carts
and drive carefully. Golf etiquette requires keeping your cart
off the grass as much as possible.
• Never throw clubs in anger. In addition to being rude
and childish, it could also be dangerous.
Maintain a Good Pace
• Keep the round moving by being prepared to hit your
shot when it is your turn. You probably don't like waiting on
other groups - don't make other groups wait on you.
• The player who is away hits first in a group. However,
in friendly matches (as opposed to tournament play), this rule
can be ignored in favor of "ready play" - players
hit as they are ready. All players should agree to "ready
play" before it is put into effect.
• Do not spend too much time looking for a lost ball,
particularly if there is a group behind you ready to play. If
you insist on taking the full five minutes alloted to look for
lost balls, golf etiquette says wave up the group behind to
allow them to play through.
• Always try to keep pace with the group ahead of you.
If space opens in front of you, allow a faster group to play
through.
• When two players in a cart hit to opposite sides of
a hole, drive to first ball and drop off that player with his
club, then drive to the second ball. After both players hit,
meet up farther down the hole.
• When walking from your cart to your ball, take a couple
clubs with you. Taking only one club, then having to return
to the cart to retrieve a different club, is a huge time-waster.
• Always leave the putting green as soon as your group
has finished putting.
Be Kind to the Course
• Observe cart rules. Some courses will post "cart
path only" signs; others will ask you to observe the "90-degree
rule." Do as you are told.
• Keep carts away from greens and hazards.
• Repair all divots.
• Repair all ball marks on the green.
• Always rake sand traps after hitting to erase your footprints
and damage to the area where your ball was.
• Never take a divot on a practice swing.
And a Few More Golf Etiquette Hints
• Quiet, please! Never talk during another player's swing.
• Do not yell out following a shot. Even if boisterous
behavior doesn't bother your playing partners, there are other
people on the course who may be within earshot.
• Be aware of your shadow on the putting green. Don't
stand in a place that causes your shadow to be cast across another
player or that player's putting line.
• Never walk through a playing partner's putting line.
Your footprints might alter the path of a partner's putt. Step
over the putting line, or walk around (behind) the partner's
ball.
