Golf Etiquette & Course Courtesy
Essential etiquette for competitive and recreational golf
🏌️ Basic Golf Etiquette
On the Tee
- • Honor System: Player with lowest score tees off first
- • Quiet Please: Remain silent when others are hitting
- • Stay Back: Stand behind or to the side of tee box
- • Tee Height: Don't exceed maximum tee height rules
- • Ready Golf: Be prepared when it's your turn
In the Fairway
- • Farthest Away: Player farthest from pin plays first
- • Cart Path: Follow 90-degree rule or cart path only
- • Yardage: Help others with distances
- • Lost Ball: Allow faster groups to play through
- • Provisional: Announce when playing provisional ball
⏱️ Pace of Play
Pre-Shot Routine
- • Keep routine consistent but efficient
- • Line up putts while others are playing
- • Select club while walking to ball
- • Take practice swings away from ball
- • Be decisive with club selection
Between Shots
- • Walk at good pace to next shot
- • Help others look for balls
- • Keep carts moving efficiently
- • Don't delay when group ahead is clear
- • Be ready when it's your turn
On the Green
- • Mark ball immediately
- • Read putt while others are playing
- • Replace divots and repair marks
- • Leave green promptly after holing out
- • Record scores on next tee
🌱 Course Care and Maintenance
Divots and Ball Marks
- • Divot Repair: Replace divots or use sand/seed mix
- • Ball Mark Repair: Fix your mark and one additional
- • Proper Technique: Use divot tool, don't lift turf
- • Spike Marks: Repair after group finishes putting
- • Tee Boxes: Replace divots in tee areas
Bunker Etiquette
- • Entry: Enter from low side of bunker
- • Raking: Rake all footprints and divots
- • Rake Placement: Leave rake outside bunker
- • Multiple Shots: Rake between shots if needed
- • Exit: Exit from low side, don't damage edges
🏆 Tournament Etiquette
Competition Specific
- • Arrival: Arrive early for warm-up and check-in
- • Dress Code: Follow tournament dress requirements
- • Cell Phones: Turn off or put on silent
- • Scoring: Keep accurate scorecard
- • Rules Officials: Call official when needed
Sportsmanship
- • Congratulations: Acknowledge good shots
- • Honesty: Call penalties on yourself
- • Respect: Treat competitors and officials with respect
- • Composure: Maintain composure regardless of score
- • Handshake: Shake hands after round