GOLFING ETIQUETTE FOR ALL

A brief and practical overview of good behaviour on the golf course, for those just starting the game and a reminder to others, to help avoid embarrassment and conflict!

Aims:

Maximise enjoyment for all players Ensure safety of all people on the Course

Methods:

Spirit of the Game
Safety
Pace of play
Care of the Course

How?

Spirit of the Game – unlike many sports golf is played without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the players, to show consideration for all on the Course and, to abide by the rules.

Thus Courtesy, Discipline and Sportsmanship are the key drivers of behaviour.

TIP – GET A RULE BOOK AND READ IT. (see later)
TIP – ENSURE YOUR MOBILE PHONE IS OFF
TIP – when other players are about to play KEEP STILL AND QUIET.
TIP – On the putting green DO NOT STAND BEHIND PLAYER OR HOLE.
TIP – On putting green DO NOT WALK ON OTHER PLAYER'S LINE OF PUTT.
TIP – On putting green TAKE PARTICULAR CARE AROUND THE HOLE
TIP – On sunny days BE AWARE OF YOUR SHADOW
TIP – THE PLAYER FURTHEST FROM THE HOLE PLAYS FIRST.

Safety – ensure no one is close by or in a position to be hit by clubs, ball, stones etc. when playing a stroke or practice swing. This includes ensuring players in front are out of range and alerting greenstaff, working on the Course, of your intentions.

TIP - if you mishit a ball and it is in danger of hitting someone then a warning shout of “FORE” with arm raised pointing at the ball is good practice.

Pace of Play – keep up with the group in front. If you are a clear hole behind and are holding up the group behind then you should invite them to play through. Be ready to play when it is your turn.

TIP – as you walk towards your ball on the fairway DECIDE YOUR NEXT SHOT AND REMOVE THAT CLUB FROM YOUR BAG.
TIP – as you approach the green DETERMINE THE EXIT TO THE NEXT TEE AND PLACE YOUR BAG ON THAT SIDE.
TIP – as soon as the play of the hole has been completed VACATE THE GREEN AND SURROUNDING AREA IMMEDIATELY (complete score card at the next tee).

Often the biggest loser of time is LOST BALLS.

TIP – ACT AS “SPOTTER” FOR ALL BALLS PLAYED BY YOUR GROUP.
TIP – if any ball played heads away from the fairway WATCH THE BALL UNTIL IT COMES TO REST.
TIP – as the ball comes to rest PICK A REFERENCE POINT BEHIND YOU AND ONE BEHIND THE BALL AND PLOT THE LINE. If all in the group do likewise then the ball should be found quickly.
TIP – if you have played a ball into the rough PLAY A PROVISIONAL BALL FROM THE SAME SPOT.

Care of the Course -

Teeing Ground –

TIP - DO NOT REPAIR DIVOTS other than filling hole with loose earth and seed from tee box if provided.
TIP – DO NOT TAKE PRACTICE SWINGS WITHIN THE TEE AREA

Fairways -

TIP – REPLACE ANY DIVOTS YOU MAKE and press them in with your heel.
TIP – whilst walking the fairway REPAIR ANY DIVOTS LIKEWISE.
TIP – before leaving bunkers SMOOTH OVER ANY HOLES ETC. leave the rake just inside the bunker.

On the Green -

Repair your own pitch marks and any others near your ball. The rules state you may repair any pitch marks and remove loose impediments on the green.

TIP – other than that mentioned above you MAY NOT REPAIR OR FLATTEN ANY OTHER MARKS before you have completed the hole.
TIP – take care when standing near the hole DO NOT PRESS DOWN WITH A CLUB (ie LEAN ON PUTTER) OR FLAG OR SCUFF WITH YOUR SHOES.
TIP – when attending the flag STAND AS FAR AWAY FROM THE HOLE AS POSSIBLE BY LEANING THE FLAG AWAY FROM THE PUTTER.
TIP – when removing ball from hole DO NOT USE YOUR PUTTER TIP – before leaving the green QUICKLY TAP DOWN ANY SPIKE MARKS ETC NEAR THE HOLE.

Rules of Golf (where the majority of these notes may be found)

The Rules of Golf are based on common sense and pragmatism. They can in fact help you in many instances IF YOU KNOW THEM. Like most things in life there is an 80:20 rule – 20 per cent of the rules apply 80 per cent of the time. So, the trick is to ascertain which are the 20 per cent to learn. The other 80 per cent will be picked up through experience if you take the trouble to learn. Rule books are free from the Pro Shop and other members will be happy to lend their copies to you.