Golf Course Etiquette

When you think about etiquette, golf is one of the most well -mannered sports in the world. Nobody is ever going to see Tiger Woods hip check one of his opponents on the fifth hole. Greg Norman probably never ran after anyone with his club held over his head. Nobody gets called any variety of body part or farm animal just as they bend their head to tee up. The game is quiet, almost tranquil, without the finger pointing, name calling or chair swinging of other sports.

One of the most basic etiquette rules begins before you even tee up that very first shot. Find out about the dress code of the course that you are playing at, and try to adhere to it as closely as possible. Make sure that you know what kind of shoes you should be wearing cleatted or not. If you are using a golf cart, make sure that you park far enough away that you will not impede other golfers, or better yet, walk the course. Next, you should know that during each player's tee shot, there is no talking to allow for supreme concentration. It is bad etiquette to stand in someone's line of vision, and leave your cell phone at the clubhouse or set it to vibrate.

Another rule of golf etiquette is to pay attention to the game, even when it is not your turn, and be ready to play when it is your turn. Nobody wants to have to keep reminding an adult that it is their turn, nor do they want to stand around and wait while you get yourself situated and ready to go. You should be lining up your next shot, going over what you would like to do before you ever walk up to the tee.
Know who will play first, and the subsequent order thereafter for each hole. In most cases, the first player on a new hole is the one who had the lowest score on the last one. Of course, if there is a tie, then whoever had the lowest on the previous hole to that one is first.
Make sure that you know where everybody is, including all others who might be on the course around you. Not only do you have to see where your own group is, take a look around before rearing back and taking your swing. Also, be aware of the speed with which your group is playing. Are the folks behind you ready to declare war on you? If you are playing at a slightly slower speed than the group behind you, invite them to go ahead and play through to avoid holding them up unduly. In the same respect, if you find that you are behind a slower group, and they have not invited you to play through, then it is good etiquette to remain calm and polite without any semblance of trying to rush or hurry them.

And finally always show good etiquette towards the golf course itself. Do not tear up the course without making an effort at repairing the divots. Do not leave trash behind, nor allow any member of your group to do so. Be a responsible golfer who always demonstrates etiquette on the golf course.