Basic Golf Etiquette

Knowing some basic rules of golf will help keep the game enjoyable for you and those around you.

Golf is a fun, but dignified game of rules and manners, and it’s important that you know the basics before you play for the first time.

Whether you are playing alone, in a twosome, or a foursome, you have to wait your turn. Stay aware of the group in front of you and wait until they are well ahead of you before hitting your ball.

It’s never cool to “push” the group in front of you. If you are playing with others, wait for your turn to hit the ball, and never hit at the same time as another player.

While you wait for your turn, go to your ball and determine which club you’ll need and how you want to hit it. This is called "ready golf" and it keeps the game moving. But don’t rush your swing!

If your team is holding up the players behind you, let them play through. Simply wave them through, or if they're close enough, ask them if they’d like to play through. You will never make an enemy on the course by doing this!

When someone in your group is making a shot, you should be well behind them and you shouldn’t make a sound! It is so distracting when you're ready to hit or tee off, and just as you take your back swing, someone decides to jingle coins in their pocket, unwrap a piece of candy, or ask you what club you're hitting!

Replace your divots. When, in the fairway, you hit the ball and a clod of dirt and grass goes flying, replace it. On some courses you just put the clod back and step on it to press it on; on most courses, there is a sand/seed mixture on your card to put into the divot. If your ball makes a deep impression when it lands on the green, use your divot tool or a tee to repair it.

As soon as you have completed a hole, replace the flag and leave the green promptly so that the next group of players behind you can play. Count your score and write it on the scorecard when you’re back at your cart and clear of the green.

Of course, there are many more rules of golf, but these simple ones will enable you to get through the course without coming to blows with anyone. Enjoy your round!

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