Golf Rules of Etiquette

Follow the Rules

Earlier this week I arrived at the golf course with my son to play a round. As we were getting the clubs loaded into the cart, we could not help but notice all the commotion going on at the practice green. The course had decided to hold a clinic for young players, ages 5 – 11. We stood and listen for a few minutes before we set out to hole #1. As we played through our round, my son and I discussed the clinic and I was surprised by his comments. The “wise” 15 year old that he is, he stated that he hoped the instructor began the clinic with the “Rules of Etiquette.” He told me that he often finds himself out on the course watching young players – since he is so old! – Who do not have a clue about proper etiquette. I do have to thank his High School coach for instilling in his team the importance of etiquette and the reflection their behavior has on themselves, their school, their parents, and their coach.

Enough said, here are a few points of “Proper Golf Etiquette” to share with your young player.

1. The Spirit of the Game – Golf is a unique game, in that there is no referee following you around the course to ensure the game is played fairly and properly. It is a game of integrity and honesty. It is upon each player to show courtesy to other players, treat the course with respect, and keep their competitive side under control.

2. Keep It Safe – It is the players responsibility to ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing. Likewise, be sure that the group in front of you is clearly out of range of where your ball will go when you hit it. If, however, your ball takes a bad slice and is in danger of hitting another player, warn him or her by shouting the traditional word “fore”. It should go without saying, however, never throw clubs in anger. Not only is it rude and childish, but it could also be dangerous.

3. Order of play – Typically, the player with the lowest handicap tees off at the first hole. From that point on, the player whose ball is furthest from the green plays next. On hole 2 to the end of the round, the player who won the previous hole, tees off first.

4. Pace of Play - It is courteous to keep pace with the group in front of you. Keeps the round moving by being prepared to hit your shot when it is your turn. 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. If you fall behind, it is proper to allow faster groups behind you to play through – go around you.

5. No Disturbance or Distraction – Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making any unnecessary noise. Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players. On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play. Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

6. On the Putting Green – On the putting green, players should not stand on another player’s line of putt or when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt. Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

7. Lost Ball – If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, he should play a provisional ball. Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found. They should not search for five minutes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they should not continue play until that group has passed and is out of range.

8. Be Kind to the Course

Carts
Observe cart rules. Some courses will post “cart path only” signs; others will ask you to observe the ” 90-degree rule.” Keep carts away from greens and hazards. The wheels on carts can damage these sensitive areas.
Bunkers
Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any nearby made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.
Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Shoes
It is essential that all players are diligent in their repair of ball marks on greens. A correctly repaired ball mark will recover in 24 hours. A ball mark left unrepaired for two hours can take up to two months to recover. Unrepaired ball marks also leave the green more susceptible to disease and pests.