Golf is more than just hitting a ball into a hole. It’s a game of tradition, respect, and courtesy. Understanding golf etiquette is just as important as mastering your swing, especially for newcomers to the sport.
Knowing the unwritten rules of golf helps everyone enjoy their time on the course while maintaining the game’s integrity and spirit. Whether it’s repairing divots, maintaining proper pace of play, or respecting fellow golfers, these courtesies make the difference between being welcomed back or becoming the subject of clubhouse chatter.
The beauty of golf etiquette is its simplicity. Most rules boil down to treating the course and other players with respect. From showing up on time to properly caring for bunkers, these principles enhance everyone’s experience and preserve the game’s traditions for future generations.
Getting Started in Golf
Stepping onto a golf course for the first time can feel intimidating, but with a basic understanding of the game and the right equipment, anyone can enjoy this timeless sport. The welcoming golf community values proper etiquette above all else.
Understanding the Game
Golf is played on courses typically featuring 18 holes, though 9-hole rounds are common for beginners. The objective is simple: complete each hole in the fewest strokes possible.
Players take turns hitting their ball from the tee box toward the green, where the hole awaits. The USGA Rules 101 provides a foundation for new players to learn the basic regulations.
Before playing, new golfers should familiarize themselves with basic terminology:
- Par: The expected number of strokes to complete a hole
- Birdie: One stroke under par
- Bogey: One stroke over par
Most importantly, beginners should focus on pace of play. Always be ready when it’s your turn and keep up with the group ahead.
Essential Equipment
Starting golf doesn’t require a massive investment. Beginners can begin with these basics:
Clubs: A starter set typically includes:
- Driver
- 5-iron through 9-iron
- Pitching wedge
- Putter
- Golf balls (budget-friendly options for beginners)
- Tees
- Golf glove (worn on the non-dominant hand)
- Comfortable clothes (collared shirts and khakis are standard)
- Golf shoes (athletic shoes work for beginners)
Most golf facilities offer club rentals, making it easy to try the sport before purchasing equipment. Golf etiquette extends to equipment care—always clean clubs after use and avoid dragging golf bags across greens.
Before You Swing
Preparing for a round of golf involves more than just showing up with clubs. What you wear and how you prepare physically can set the tone for a successful and enjoyable experience on the course.
Dress Code
Most golf courses have specific dress code requirements that players must follow. Typically, men should wear collared shirts, slacks or tailored shorts, and proper golf shoes. Women can wear polo shirts, golf dresses, skorts, or tailored pants.
Avoid wearing t-shirts, jeans, athletic shorts, or sweatpants as these are often not permitted at many courses. Some traditional clubs may have stricter rules requiring longer socks or prohibiting shorts altogether.
Golf shoes come in spiked and spikeless varieties. Both provide good traction during your swing. Remember to bring a hat or visor for sun protection, and always pack weather-appropriate gear like a light jacket or rain gear.
Arrival and Warm-Up
Golfers should arrive at least 30 minutes before their tee time. This allows enough time to check in, organize equipment, and warm up properly.
« Golf Course Manners: Dos and Don’ts for a Pleasant Round
The Road to the Majors: Qualifying and Exemptions »
Start with some light stretching to loosen your muscles. Focus on your shoulders, back, and hips—areas critical for a good swing. A proper warm-up helps prevent injury and improves performance.
Visit the practice putting green to get a feel for the green speeds that day. If time permits, hit a small bucket of balls at the driving range to groove your swing.
Organize your golf bag before heading to the first tee. Make sure you have:
- Enough golf balls
- Tees and ball markers
- Divot repair tool
- Golf glove
- Water and snacks
Being prepared and warmed up properly demonstrates respect for the game and other players.
The Rules of Play
Golf is a game governed by specific conduct expectations that ensure fair play and respect for all participants. Knowing these unwritten codes of behavior helps create an enjoyable experience and maintains the integrity of this time-honored sport.
Teeing Ground Rules
When at the tee box, players should respect the order of play. The player with the lowest score on the previous hole typically hits first, though casual games often use “ready golf” where whoever is prepared can tee off.
Stay quiet and still when others are hitting. Even small movements can be distracting to golfers preparing their shots.
Keep tee box conversations friendly but brief to maintain pace of play. Remember that walking at a reasonable speed between shots helps prevent backups.
Don’t spend too much time on practice swings. One or two is sufficient for most players.
Replace or repair your divots before leaving the tee area. This shows respect for the course and players following behind you.
Fairway and Rough Etiquette
When playing from the fairway or rough, always be aware of other players’ positions. Safety should be everyone’s top priority on the course.
Begin planning your next shot as you approach your ball to maintain good pace. Have your club selected before it’s your turn to hit.
Replace all divots by placing the turf back in its spot and pressing down firmly. For courses that use sand bottles, fill divots completely with the provided sand mixture.
Keep carts on designated paths when required. Otherwise, follow the 90-degree rule if in effect, driving in the rough until reaching a point even with your ball.
Don’t walk in front of players who are preparing to hit. Always be aware of your shadow, especially on sunny days, so it doesn’t fall across another player’s line of sight.
Maintain silence when others are hitting their shots.
Bunker Considerations
Entering a bunker properly shows respect for both the course and other players. Always enter from the lowest point to minimize damage to the edges.
Bring your sand wedge and putter together to avoid making multiple trips to the bunker. This helps maintain pace of play.
Take time to care for the bunkers properly. After your shot, smooth all areas disturbed by your play using the provided rake.
Rake from the inside of the bunker toward the outside, working backward toward your entry point. This creates the best surface for future players.
Place the rake outside the bunker parallel to the direction of play when finished, or follow the specific course policy on rake placement.
Remember that there’s no penalty for grounding your club in a bunker under the updated rules, but avoid taking practice swings that touch the sand.
Water Hazard Protocol
When approaching a water hazard, be prepared with an extra ball in your pocket. This saves time if your first attempt finds the water.
Understand the drop options if your ball enters a water hazard. Players can take relief with a one-stroke penalty by:
- Returning to the original spot and hitting again
- Taking a drop behind the hazard keeping the point of entry between you and the hole
- Using designated drop zones if available
Don’t spend excessive time searching for balls in water hazards. The five-minute search rule has been reduced to three minutes under current rules.
Keep pace with the group ahead even when dealing with hazard situations. If you’re falling behind, let faster groups play through.
Consider using a more conservative club selection when playing over water to improve your chances of clearing the hazard.
The Green Rules
The putting green requires the most careful etiquette. Players should repair any ball marks they create using a repair tool or tee.
Never walk on another player’s putting line. The line extends about a foot on either side of the direct path between ball and hole.
Mark your ball when it might interfere with another player’s putt or line. Use a small coin or plastic marker placed behind the ball.
The player closest to the hole typically tends the flagstick for others. When removing the flag, place it gently on the green away from putting lines.
Stand still and remain quiet when others are putting. Position yourself where you won’t cast a shadow across someone’s line.
Exit the green promptly after everyone has finished putting. Record scores at the next tee rather than lingering on the green.
Safety First
Safety is the foundation of enjoyable golf. Preventing injuries and accidents should be every player’s top priority while on the course.
Being Aware of Surroundings
Before taking any swing, players should always be aware of their surroundings. A quick look around ensures no one is standing too close or in the path of a potential shot.
If a ball is heading toward other golfers, shouting “Fore!” is essential. This warning gives others time to protect themselves from the incoming ball.
Trees, water hazards, and maintenance staff should also be noted. Many accidents happen when golfers are focused only on their ball and not on what’s around them.
The location of fellow players should be considered before every swing. This includes people in front, behind, and to the sides.
Ensuring Player Safety
Never stand directly behind someone who is swinging. The proper position is away from the hitting line and within the player’s field of vision.
When putting, players should avoid standing on another player’s line. This means not standing directly behind the hole or behind them when they’re putting.
Golf carts should be driven responsibly. Always follow cart path rules and never drive recklessly or in hazardous areas.
Group safety involves moving at a reasonable pace between shots. This prevents the dangerous situation of having groups too close together where errant shots might reach players ahead.
Club handling matters too. Never swing clubs randomly or in jest, as this is one of the most common causes of golf injuries.
Pace of Play
Maintaining a good pace on the golf course ensures everyone enjoys their round. Slow play frustrates other golfers and can ruin the experience for everyone on the course.
Keeping Up with the Group
One of the most important rules in golf is keeping up with the group ahead of you. The group in front of you should always be visible on par 4 and par 5 holes. If you can’t see them, your group is likely playing too slowly.
Be ready when it’s your turn to hit. While others are hitting, plan your shot and select your club. This saves valuable time rather than waiting until it’s your turn to start thinking about the shot.
Carry multiple clubs with you when approaching your ball. This eliminates extra trips back to your bag if you change your mind about club selection.
Play “ready golf” when appropriate. This means hitting when you’re ready, rather than strictly following the honor system, as long as it’s safe to do so.
Lost Ball Procedures
When a ball might be lost, act quickly to keep play moving. The rules allow 3 minutes to search for a lost ball – not a moment longer!
Hit a provisional ball if you think your original might be lost or out of bounds. This saves time by avoiding having to return to the original spot if your ball isn’t found.
While searching for a ball, wave the group behind through if there will be a delay. This is good etiquette and prevents backup on the course.
Mark the approximate location where you think the ball landed. This gives you a target area for your search rather than wandering aimlessly.
If you’re taking too long to find a ball, simply drop a new one with a penalty stroke and keep moving. Remember that avoiding slow play is one of the most considerate things a golfer can do.
Honoring the Game
Golf is founded on principles of integrity and respect. Players are expected to uphold these values through their conduct on the course, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and fair play.
Respect for Other Players
Showing respect for fellow golfers is fundamental to the game. When playing, be mindful of your position on the course and act with integrity toward others.
Avoid standing close to another player or directly behind their ball when they’re preparing to hit. Your shadow or movement could distract them.
Remember to stay quiet when others are playing. Even small noises or movements can break concentration.
Be aware of your pace of play. If your group is slower, let faster players play through. This keeps the flow of the game smooth for everyone.
Don’t walk through another player’s putting line on the green. Footprints can affect the ball’s path and potentially ruin someone’s shot.
Silence During Strokes
Maintaining silence when others are hitting is one of golf’s most important courtesies. The spirit of the game depends on this consideration.
Stop talking when a player is setting up for their shot. Even whispers can be distracting.
Turn your phone to silent mode before starting your round. An unexpected ringtone during someone’s backswing is a serious breach of etiquette.
Hold still completely during another player’s stroke. Even small movements in their peripheral vision can be distracting.
Wait until all players in your group have hit before discussing the previous shots or planning your next move.
Conceding Putts and Keeping Score
Honesty in scoring reflects your respect for the game. Peter Post emphasizes that proper handling of handicaps and accurate scorekeeping are essential manners in golf.
In casual play, short putts (typically within 2-3 feet) are often conceded as “gimmies.” However, always wait for your playing partner to offer this courtesy rather than assuming it.
Be truthful about your score on each hole. Count all strokes, including penalties and whiffs.
When conceding a putt to another player, make it clear by saying “that’s good” or picking up their ball and handing it to them.
In competitive play, all putts must be holed out unless explicitly conceded in match play formats.
Caring for the Course
Taking care of the golf course is one of the most important aspects of golf etiquette. Good players always leave the course in better condition than they found it, which shows respect for both the game and fellow golfers.
Repairing Divots
When your club strikes the ground during a shot, it often removes a chunk of turf called a divot. Always repair these spots promptly. If you can find the displaced piece of turf, place it back in the hole and gently press it down with your foot.
If the divot cannot be found, fill the hole with the divot mix provided in containers on many golf carts or at tee boxes. Respecting the course means repairing not just your divots, but any others you notice nearby.
On par-3 tees especially, where divots are common, take a moment to use the provided sand and seed mixture. This simple act helps the turf heal faster and keeps the course in good condition for everyone.
Fixing Ball Marks
Ball marks occur when your ball lands on the green, creating a depression. These marks can disrupt putting surfaces if left unrepaired.
How to properly fix a ball mark:
- Insert a ball mark repair tool or tee around the edges of the depression
- Gently push the edges toward the center
- Avoid lifting upward, as this damages the roots
- Smooth the area with your putter
Experts recommend fixing your own ball mark plus at least one more on each green. According to golf etiquette rules, this practice shows consideration for others and care for the course.
Ball marks can take weeks to heal if left unattended but only a few days when properly repaired. Many golfers don’t realize that incorrect repairs can cause more damage than leaving them untouched.
Raking Sand Traps
After playing from a bunker, always rake the sand to restore its smooth surface. Enter and exit from the lowest point of the bunker to minimize damage to the edges.
When raking, focus on:
- Smoothing your footprints completely
- Filling and leveling the area where your ball landed
- Raking backward toward your entry point
- Placing the rake outside the bunker parallel to play (or according to course policy)
The proper care of bunkers ensures fair play for everyone. A good rule is to leave the bunker in the condition you wish you had found it.
Raking takes just a moment but makes a big difference for the next player. Unraked bunkers can lead to unfair lies and unnecessary frustration.
Proper Disposal of Trash
Keeping the course clean is everyone’s responsibility. Carry a small plastic bag in your golf bag for any trash you generate during your round.
Never throw cigarette butts, wrappers, or broken tees on the ground. Most courses provide trash cans at several holes throughout the course, typically near tee boxes.
Be mindful of maintaining proper pace while also keeping the course clean. If you see trash that isn’t yours, picking it up is a kind gesture that other golfers will appreciate.
Empty water bottles and other recyclables should be placed in designated recycling bins if available. Remember that food wrappers can attract wildlife, which may become a nuisance on the course.
Post-Game Etiquette
The 18th hole isn’t the end of your golf experience—how you conduct yourself after the round matters just as much. Good post-game behavior strengthens friendships and upholds the sport’s traditions.
Acknowledging Your Peers
Always shake hands with all players in your group after completing a round. This simple gesture shows respect regardless of how the game went.
Remember to thank your playing partners for the game. A simple “thanks for the round” goes a long way in building goodwill on the course.
Be genuine when congratulating others on good shots or overall performance. Golf manners that matter include offering sincere compliments when deserved.
Take time to chat briefly in the clubhouse after your round. This social aspect helps build the golf community and creates lasting connections.
Quick Tip: Remove your hat when shaking hands—it’s a small traditional courtesy that many experienced golfers appreciate.
Handling Disputes Graciously
Address any scoring disagreements calmly and privately. Never create a scene on the course or in the clubhouse about disputed scores or rulings.
If you can’t resolve a rules dispute, consult with a course professional rather than prolonging an argument. They can provide neutral expertise on golf etiquette matters.
Accept unfavorable rulings with grace. Remember that how you handle disappointment reveals more about your character than how you celebrate success.
Give others the benefit of the doubt in disputed situations. Assuming honest intentions helps maintain a positive atmosphere.
Remember: In recreational golf, maintaining friendships is ultimately more important than winning a single dispute over a minor rule interpretation.
