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GOLF ETIQUETTE BASICS

If you are new to the game of golf 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.

 

BE KIND TO THE COURSE

  • Observe cart rules.  If a hole is marked “cart path only” stay on the cart path. Exit the cart from the fairway when signs indicate to do so.  If you’re told to observe the 90° rule don’t assume it’s about temperature! 
  • When the 90° rule is in effect, golfers are required to keep carts on the cart path until they are even with a golf ball on the golf course.  Only then should the cart leave the path, turning sharply (90-degrees) to drive straight across to the golf ball.
  • Remember that all par 3 holes are cart path only.
  • Keep carts away from greens and penalty areas.  The wheels on carts can damage these sensitive areas.
  • Repair your divots on the fairway.  Fill divot with sand from your cart.
  • Repair your ball marks on the green.
  • Always rake sand bunkers after hitting to erase your footprints and damage to the area where your ball was.
  • Avoid taking a divot on a practice swing.

MAINTAIN A GOOD PACE

  • Keep the round moving by being prepared to hit your shot when it’s your turn.
  • After hitting, hold your clubs in the cart and replace them to your bag at the next stop.
  • The player who is farthest away from the green hits first in a group.  However, in friendly matches (as opposed to tournament play), this rule can be ignored in favor of “ready play” – whoever is ready to hit first hits first.  All players in the foursome should agree to “ready play” before it is started.
  • 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 three minutes allowed in the rule book to search for a lost ball, you should wave the group behind you to play through.
  • Always try to keep pace with the group ahead of you.  If space opens up in front of you, allow a faster group to play through.  Alternatively, pick up your balls and move to the next hole.
  • When two players in a cart hit to opposite sides of a hole, drive to the first ball and drop off the player with his club.  Then drive to the second ball.  After both players have hit, meet up further down the fairway.
  • When walking from the cart to your ball, take a couple of clubs with you so you won’t have to return to the cart for a different club.
  • Always leave the putting green as soon as your group is finished putting.
  • Put clubs back in the golf bag at the next tee.  Also record scores for the hole at the next tee.

KEEP IT SAFE

  • Do not swing your club until you know that others in your group are at a safe distance.  Also remember to keep your distance when others are swinging.
  • When practicing your swing, never swing in the direction of another player.  There could be things (sticks, stones, debris) in the grass that could fly up.
  • Do not hit the ball until you are certain that the group ahead of you is out of range.
  • If your ball appears headed towards another player or group, give them a warning by yelling out “FORE!!”
  • Never throw clubs in anger.

GENERAL GOLF ETIQUETTE HINTS

  • Never talk during another person’s swing.
  • Don’t yell out following a shot (unless you’re yelling “fore”).  While your own group may not seem to care, there are others on the course that might be within earshot.
  • Be aware of your shadow on the putting green.  Avoid standing so that your shadow is over the hole or across another player’s putting line.
  • Never walk through a playing partner’s putting line.  Step over the putting line or walk behind the partner’s ball.
  • When a partner is swinging or putting, try to stand out of his or her line of vision.
  • When putting, have the group decide if they would like to keep the flag in or out as a general consensus, as this will speed up play deciding to leave it in or out.