Mind your tees and queues - the ultimate guide to golf etiquette
Whether on or off the course, the game of golf has plenty of rules that need to be followed. While some rules are official (see our article on golf handicaps to find out more about the rules of golf), others are more discretionary - and no more so than the golfing etiquette to follow.
Whether you’re just starting out in golf, or you’re a seasoned player, you’ll want to head out for a round with the confidence that you know what’s good manners and what is downright offensive to other players. In this guide to golfing etiquette, we’ll take you through the main dos and don’ts of golf so you can step out onto the golf course without accidentally putting a foot wrong.
As you become more experienced on the course, you’ll spot the people who haven’t yet learned the correct golfing etiquette. While it can be a bit annoying, resist the temptation to be rude to them and instead gently help them understand what they’re doing wrong rather than making them feel bad or embarrassed. We were all learners once!
Many of these ‘rules’ will go without saying, but we’ll set them out anyway so you’re in no doubt as to the rights and wrongs of golfing etiquette. If you take nothing else away from this article, remember that the most important thing is that you don’t hold up, distract or inconvenience anyone else on the course. So from that point of view, the etiquette rules of golf aren’t much different than any other pastime.
As always, if you have any questions about golf - whether it’s the game or the used golfing equipment you need - get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.
Respect the course
A lot of time, money and effort goes into maintaining a golf course, and when players are out on the fairways they’ll expect them to be in immaculate condition. Much of this is down to the greenkeepers (and the weather that they might be facing throughout all the different seasons), but it is every player’s responsibility to ensure they cause no damage to the course. Whether that’s filling in divots and ball holes, picking up litter or staying in the designated areas, make sure you’re always treating the course with respect.
Golf cart and buggy etiquette
Golf carts can cause a lot of damage to a golf course, so if you’re using one then make sure you stick to the allotted cart paths. It’s a good idea to carry a plastic bag in your golf bag so that you can collect any rubbish that you may come across on your way. As with any outdoor pursuit, it’s important to always leave the course as you found it.
When it comes to golf buggies, they can be a helpful asset on the golf course, but don’t assume they’re always okay to use. Often in very wet weather a golf course will enforce a temporary buggy ban in order to protect the course (so keep your cart bags and stand bags at the ready). This is understandable as they can cause a lot of damage very quickly, costing a lot of money and taking a lot of time to put right. If you’re in any doubt as to whether you can use a buggy, it’s best to ring ahead on the day in question. Even if they are allowed, they may only be approved on specified routes, so be clear on where they are and aren’t allowed before you tee off.
Respect your fellow golfers
When you’ve arranged to meet other golfers for a game, make sure you turn up early. There’s nothing worse than being kept waiting or missing your tee time altogether. If it’s clear that you’re not going to make it in time, let them know as soon as possible. If you’re really early you can always warm up with some stretches or by hitting a few balls off the driving range.
Keep it kind and positive
It’s nice to be complimentary to your fellow players when they’ve hit a good shot, and commiserate with them when not all goes to plan. A bit of positivity on the course goes a long way, and when you hit those shots that you’re really proud of it’s lovely when your fellow golfers acknowledge it and let you know they’re impressed.
Warn people if your ball is heading their way
If one of your shots has gone astray and it’s looking like it might fall into the path of another player, shout ‘fore!’ as loud as you can to give them fair warning. If it’s a crowded space, shout the direction e.g., ‘fore left!’ or ‘fore right!’ to give people an additional clue. That way, they can get out of the way before the ball causes damage to them or their equipment. (We’ve developed a full list of golfing terminology that’ll give you some of the other golfing language you need to know on the course).
Minimise the small talk and don’t distract people
While it’s lovely to have a good chat on your way around the course, don’t let this interfere with your game or your pace. Don’t speak or distract another player when they are taking their shot; it’s important to them that they are able to concentrate and focus on their technique and tactics. They should also afford you the same consideration.
Maintain pace, or let people overtake you
If you’re taking a particularly long time to get through your game, that’s okay, but let faster golfers overtake you, or ‘play through’ so that you don’t hold them up. You should aim to keep up a fair pace without feeling rushed. Standing around chatting rather than getting on with your game won’t go down well with other golfers on the course. If you’re a slow player and would like to speed up your game, you may find that a GPS device or rangefinder will help.
Don’t obscure a shot
Especially on the putting green, make sure you’re not obscuring anyone’s view, and be mindful of your shadow as often this can be off-putting if it’s in the way of a shot. Generally speaking, use your common sense and if there’s something that annoys you while you’re out on the course you can be fairly sure that it’ll annoy someone else too, so always play in a mindful way, taking into account the needs of the players around you.
Give people space
Never stand too close to a player while they are taking a shot. It’s always best to stand to one side of them - and never right behind them (for your own safety if nothing else). It’s good practice to stop moving when someone is taking a shot, so if you come across another player lining up a shot on the course then stand still while they take it.
Remember it’s not a lesson
If someone helps you with some tips and tricks around the course, that’s great. But don’t treat it as a lesson or hold them up for too long by asking too many questions or taking advantage of their good nature. Thank them and move on, and ask if you can keep in touch in case you have more questions.
What to do when you lose your golf ball
If you lose a ball, you have three minutes to find it - and if it doesn’t turn up then you need to move on, otherwise you’ll hold up the players behind you and find yourself pretty unpopular! If you’ve hit a dodgy shot, keep your eye on the ball to see where it lands as this will help you quickly retrieve it.
Don’t use swearwords or foul language, even as a joke
And obviously, common courtesy and manners will take you a long way too. Don’t forget your pleases and thank yous, never swear or use aggressive language (even in jest), and show your fellow golfers that you respect them.
Respect and know the rules
There may be a lot of rules in golf, and sometimes it can get quite confusing, but it’s important that you know and understand them to avoid falling foul of good etiquette on the golf course. Brush up on your golfing rules at the English Golf Union, and if you’re in any doubt as to what is allowed and what is not, be sure to check with your golf club. They’ll be able to clear things up for you so you can play on with confidence.
Understand the handicap system
It’s a good idea to make sure you’re clear on the golfing handicap rules, too. We’ve written a complete guide to golf handicaps, which includes information on the new World Handicapping System, so have a read of that to familiarise yourself with how it all works.
Don’t cheat
Never ever feel tempted to break the rules, no matter how innocuous it might seem or even if nobody is watching. Knocking points off your scorecard only means you’re cheating yourself, so avoid the temptation, do things by the book and make sure you don’t get penalised.
Have the right gear
It’s really important to make sure you have the right equipment with you on the course. Make sure you have the right number of different types of clubs in your bag, and if you’re not sure what the rules are check out our guide to the most important clubs for your bag.
Wear the right clothes and shoes
Golf clothing is an important consideration of the game, and dress standards are generally quite high on a golf course. Every golf course will have its own set of rules, so it’s best to check them first - especially if you haven’t played that course before. Most golf clubs will have a copy of their local rules on their website, and if you can’t find them there then give them a call and they’ll talk you through it.
Generally speaking, polo shirts with a collar are expected, tucked into smart trousers (which are allowed for men and women) or a skirt, skort or capri pants for women. Denim is not normally allowed on the course. You can wear a cap or visor in sunny weather, and an extra waterproof layer in more inclement weather. Accessories such as spare balls, sunglasses, golfing gloves and towels are all perfectly acceptable to bring with you on the course, but make sure they’re safely tucked away when not in use, so as not to risk them falling out or obstructing a shot. You should always take a water bottle with you on the course, too, and again make sure this is safely stored in your golf bag when you’re not drinking from it.
Golf shoes are an important consideration for safety and to protect the course, so make sure you are wearing an approved pair of golf shoes.
Clubhouse etiquette
When it comes to accessing the clubhouse (or 19th hole as it’s often called!), the rules for clothing tend to be the same. So don’t expect to be able to change into denim jeans for example and be allowed in. Every clubhouse will expect a certain standard of golfing attire, so make sure you follow the rules or you may not be let in!
A word about mobile phones
While most players go out with mobile phones, and there is no rule to prevent it, make sure that it’s not going to distract anyone’s game by turning it on to silent. Don’t take calls or send messages while on the course - it’ll slow you down and get on everybody’s nerves. Stay present throughout the game, and even when there may be time to kill while you’re waiting for others to take their shots, that doesn’t mean that it’s okay to use your phone.
Of course, there is something wonderful about leaving your phone in a locker and heading out for a totally peaceful, uninterrupted game of golf. So while it may be handy to have a mobile phone on you, we recommend playing the odd round without it in your pocket - we promise it will aid your concentration levels if you can forget all about the outside world entirely for 18 holes.
In summary…
‘Respect’ is the name of the game when it comes to golfing etiquette, and as long as you’re mindful of others and treat them in a way that you would like to be treated, you won’t go far wrong.
With a good knowledge of the rules, a desire to learn and some common courtesy, you’ll be absolutely fine. So don’t let a fear of ‘getting it wrong’ prevent you from getting out on the course - some people say they feel nervous about playing a round of golf for the first time for fear of putting a foot wrong, but the truth is that most players will be very forgiving as long as you show that you’ve listened and learned.
Don’t forget that it’s always okay to ask, so if there’s something that you’re not sure of then ask a fellow player, someone at your local golf course or a PGA professional. At golfclubs4cash we have a team of friendly and experienced golfing professionals who have seen and done it all. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you have on golfing etiquette, while also advising you on the best second hand golfing equipment for you while you’re there.
Pop into one of our golf stores in Warrington or Edinburgh, or give us a call today. And while you’re here, why not treat yourself to a preloved golf driver, a used pitching wedge or perhaps a second hand putter to add an extra element of precision to your game?