Here are some tips for every golfer on proper etiquette on the golf course.

 

No Noise Please:  Switch your cell phones to silent/vibrate or turn off. Don’t make noise while another player is about to swing. Wait for the golf ball to be well on its way before stepping on the golf cart gas peddle. Practice your golf whisper.

 

Your Honors: The player who shot the lowest score on the previous hole has the honor to tee off first on the next hole.

 

Watch your golfing partner’s ball when possible: Try and keep an eye on your playing partner’s ball when they hit. This will help decrease search time.

 

Minimize Movement: When another player is setting up to swing, try to stay still. Avoid standing in another player’s line of sight during their swing.

 

Yell “Fore”: If you hit a shot that has the potential to hit another person on the course, yell “Fore” to warn the person of the incoming ball.

 

Wait for all players: Be sure to wait for all players in your group to tee off before you head off to your next shot. Don't leave the green area till all players in your group have finished putting.

 

Ready Golf:  Play ready golf being where one hits the ball when they’re ready, not necessarily in the order of who’s furthest. Play ready golf only if your group falls behind. When playing ready golf please communicate with your playing partners as to not have golfers playing at the same time and giving them the opportunity to practice proper golf etiquette.

 

Leave no trace: Rake the bunker, fix your ball marks and others when possible and replace your divots. Leave the golf course better than you found it.

 

Shadow Awareness: Avoid standing on the green or tee box in such a way that your shadow gets in another players putting line or line of sight as they address their ball.

 

Don’t walk on another players Putt  or Through Line: Nobody likes trying to putt through a footprint.Be mindful of other players putting line on the green and their through line, the path line the putt will travel if it misses the hole. Avoid standing or walking on this line to keep the green smooth for putting.

 

Your Ball Marker: If your ball marker is in the way of another players putting line offer to move the ball marker. Carefully move your marker to the left or right of the line, but take note of its original placement or else you could receive a penalty for incorrect placement.

 

Tending the Pin: For longer putts offer to tend the pin for your fellow golfer. Also in windier conditions try to keep the flag quiet.

 

Keep up with the group ahead of you: Play ready golf till you catch up.

 

Keep your Cool: While golf can be frustrating at times, it is important to not lose your temper on or around the golf course. Restrain yourself from shouting expletives and throwing clubs.

 

Follow the Dress Code: When golfing men should wear a collared shirt, for women golf tops vary to have a collar or not, and a nice pair of pants. Traditional attire adheres to a sense of modesty and professionalism.

 

Sportsmanship: Respect your fellow golfers. Don’t make fun of other players. Don’t laugh at their bad shots. Golf karma will catch up to you if you do.

 

Shake Hands: After a round of golf always shake hands with your playing partners. It is customary to remove one’s hat when shaking hands. When adhearing to CDC guidelines. Acknowledge your playing partners from a safe distance. 

 

Don’t offer Advise: Everyone has advice to give. Many golfers are more than willing to listen, but not everyone. During a stipulated round, you must not: Give advice to anyone in the competition playing on the course; or. ask anyone for advice from anyone other than your caddie; touch another player's equipment to learn information that would be advice if given by or asked of the other player. Common knowledge such as yardage is permisable.

 

Have Fun and Learn: Not a rule as much as a mind state you should have. Golf is a game that you learn best as you play. If playing with better players, use that as an opportunity to watch and gain some insight. Learn as you go.

 

Return Lost Clubs: If you find a lost golf club while playing, pick it up and return it to the pro shop when your round is finished. You’d want someone to do the same if you forgot your club.