Etiquette

Golf Etiquette

PRIOR TO PLAY

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check-in.
• Have no more than 4 in a group unless previously discussed and approved.
• Be prepared to have others join you if have less than 4 in your group.
• Be ready to play when it is your time to tee off.
• Use course scorecard for reference on yardage, hole layout and local rules.

ON THE TEE

• Play Ready Golf!  Time can be saved if a player is not ready to tee off – Ready Golf should then be adopted.
• Mark your ball so that you can identify it.
• Hit ONLY when golfers ahead of you are out of range.
• Stand still and facing other golfers while they are hitting.
• Watch where all balls go to avoid time spent looking for lost balls.
• Yell the warning “FORE!” if your ball is heading toward another golfer.

THE FAIRWAY

• Walk directly to your ball unless you reach someone elses ball first.
• Place your bag or car to the right of you when hitting.
• Take no more than one practice swing.
• Player furthest from the hole plays first. Golfers out of range can play first if ready.
• Walk briskly between shots and be ready to play when it’s your turn.
• Keep pace with the group in front of you at all times.
• Assist playing partners when needed by bringing clubs, finding lost balls, etc.
• Follow posted riding cart rules

ON THE GREEN

• Avoid pulling carts or driving carts across the green.
• Place your bag or cart between the green and the next tee box.
• Take all clubs you may need.
• Repair your ball marks and one other.
• Avoid stepping on another player’s putting line.
• Players begin putting when all balls are on the green.
• The person furthest away from the hole putts first.
• On long putts have another player attend the flagstick.
• Mark your ball if it is in the path of another player’s ball.
• Record all scores on the next tee box.

TIPS TO AVOID SLOW PLAY

The number one problem in golf today, as evidenced by the overwhelming golfer complaint, is SLOW PLAY! The following tips can help you keep pace with the group in front of you at all times.

• Be ready to hit when it is your turn.
• Limit practice swings to one or none.
• Take plenty of clubs with you to your ball when leaving your bag or riding cart.
• Consider all options as you approach your ball to make decisions quickly.
• Watch all balls until they stop rolling to avoid lengthy searches.
• Use fixed object as a reference point.
• All players should go directly to their own ball and play when ready.
• If you do fall behind, pick up your ball and advance to directly behind group in front. Let faster groups play through.
• If stuck in a bunker after 2 attempts… toss it out 😉 Make it fun not painful! Continue putting until holed out unless you would be standing on someone’s putting line.
• Remember, keeping pace keeps the game more enjoyable for everyone!!