One of the most appealing aspects of golf is the traditions and sportsmanship that have always been an important part of the sport. Being a good golfer does not just mean being a good hitter of the ball; it also involves how you hold yourself as a person, how you treat other players, and how you respect the course. For those new to the game, understanding all of the spoken and unspoken rules of golf can be quite daunting. However, there are only a few fundamental etiquette rules you need to follow in order to respectively play golf and get on with your fellow golfers.
Don’t Criticize a Player’s Game
One of the reasons that many people find playing golf so intimidating is the thought of playing badly in front of others. It is considered very poor manners and sportsmanship to comment on another player’s game, unless asked, outside of telling them they hit a good shot. This is especially true if playing with strangers. The only game you should be concerned about is your own. This also means not blaming others for your mistakes and errors.
Quiet on the Course and Stay Out of Line of Sight
In line with the above point, knowing when to talk and when not to make a sound is good golf etiquette. Always be quiet when a player is making a shot; there will be plenty of time to talk between shots and when traveling between holes. Alongside being quiet, always make sure you are not in a player’s line of sight or directly behind them when they strike the ball. Any sort of distraction is considered bad etiquette and will quickly make you an unpopular playing partner.
Repair Divots and Ball Marks and Keep Bunkers Tidy
The tell-tale sign of a poor golfer is one who doesn’t respect the course. Every golfer has a responsibility to maintain the course for other players, and this means fixing any divots on the fairway and ball marks on the green. The same applies to bunkers; not only is leaving a bunker scuffed with footprints and swing marks disrespectful, but it is also unsporting, as it could negatively affect the next person who lands in the bunker.
Always Be on Time
Tee times are sacred in golf and you should ensure that you are at your first tee at least ten minutes before the allotted time so you are ready to immediately start playing. It is best to arrive at a golf course 40 minutes early to park, check-in, and have a quick warm-up on the range or putting green. A golf course is within its rights to give your slot away if you are a no-show during peak times. Being late will also make you very unpopular with your fellow players.
Maintain a Reasonable Pace of Play
Arguably, the most important of all golf etiquette is to make sure you don’t play too slowly, which could lead to a backlog on the course. This means that you must be ready for your turn and be mindful of your time taking each swing – a few practice swings are fine, but a 5-minute shot analysis is not. If you are playing slower and causing the group behind you to wait, it is considered proper etiquette to let them play through. This also applies if you are a large group and a single player is behind you, it is considered the right etiquette to let them play ahead of you.
Follow the Dress Code
Always ensure you are wearing the right attire as outlined by the course management. Most dress codes simply require collared shirts, golf pants or shorts, and proper golf shoes. Following the dress code shows not only respect for the course, but also for the game of golf and its traditions.
Keep Calm
Golf is easily one of the most frustrating sports to play. No matter your level, at some point, you are going to mis-hit a shot. Shouting, cursing, and throwing clubs are considered very poor manners and the sign of a poor sportsman. No matter how badly it goes, you should always maintain your decorum.
Follow the above tips, and you will always have a happy experience on the fairways and be respected by your fellow golfers. In many ways, golf is as much a game of manners as it is of technique.