The game of golf relies on the individual player to show consideration for other golfers while abiding by many written and unwritten rules.
This approach protects the integrity and spirit of the game. New and advanced golfers alike are often in need of advice concerning customary golf behavior, which allows everyone to play safely, respectfully and without delay.
Regardless of how competitive golfers may be, they should always conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times. Here are a few tips to help get maximum enjoyment out of your game.
Proper golf etiquette will provide a level of enjoyment for yourself and those around you, which only can enhance your experiences on the course. It begins with your consideration for other players. Players should not disturb their fellow competitors play by talking, moving or making any unnecessary noise (cell phones) while preparing to hit each shot anywhere on the course. Golfers should never stand too close to a player, his ball or directly behind the hole when play is about to commence.
On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play. The player with the lowest score on the previous hole plays away first. On the putting green, one should always be cognizant of his shadow or not stepping on or near a player’s line of putt. If you are the chosen one in the group to be scorekeeper that day, only ask a player’s score on the way to the next tee once the hole is completed. It is impolite to ask a competitor his score during the hole or on the green of the current hole.
Pace of play is of unbounded extent in terms of enjoyment for your fellow players and those playing behind you on the course. Play at a good pace, and do your best to keep up with the group in front of you at all times. Be ready when it is your turn to play. It’s not an excuse to play slowly if you are a novice player, or not highly skilled at this point in your golf career. Slow play takes the enjoyment out of the game for you and others around you.
The United States Golf Association has set specific guidelines and rules, which each player should follow. When it is your turn to make a stroke anywhere on the golf course, if you do your preparation and swing within 45 seconds, you will never create disturbances for anyone on the golf course. It is a good rule of thumb to do much of the preparation for your swing while the other players are attempting their shots.
Caring for the course is of ultra importance on my list of suggestions. Do your best to repair divots, ball marks and any damage respective to the course as long as you do not interfere with pace of play while doing so. There is an unwritten golden rule in the golf industry. Specifically, when you make a ball mark on the greens, fix two, and when you make a divot in the fairway, fix yours and one more. If everyone did this, the golf course would remain lush and ready for future players.
Lastly, do your best to always prevent any unnecessary damage to the course. Examples would be leaning on the flagstick, pressing your putter against the green like a cane, or standing too close to the hole, where you could stumble and create damage to the cup. If you happen to notice another player unknowingly doing something out of character, it is not against the golf code of ethics to speak your peace. It is one of the ways we all learn from each other.
I hope you have enjoyed this overview of tips for better golf etiquette so you may enjoy your next golf game to the highest degree. Adhering to such manners on the golf course will create a much more wonderful experience for you if you decide to follow these suggestions. You will feel better and more confident about yourself and your abilities for many golf games to come.
If you have any further questions, or wish to discuss any aspect of your golf game, please contact me directly at benweir@pga.com, or call (602) 391-7100. I will be happy to address all of your golfing needs.