Golf Etiquette

Golf is a dignified game of rules and manners, and it is essential to know the basics prior to you play for the very first time.

Whether you are playing alone, in a twosome or a foursome, you must wait your turn. You must keep aware of the group on the next hole and wait until they are well ahead of you before hitting your ball.

It's in no way cool to "push" the group in front of you. If you are playing with others, wait for your turn to strike the ball; in no way strike at the same time as an additional player.

While you wait for your turn, go to your ball and determine what club you'll need and how you are going to hit it. This is called "ready golf" and keeps the game moving. Don't rush, just be ready.

If your team is holding up the players behind you, let them perform through. You would simply wave them via, or if they're close enough, ask them if they'd like to perform via. You'll in no way make an enemy in performing this!

When someone is making a shot, you should be behind them and you shouldn't make a sound! It is so distracting to be ready to tee off and just as you pull back, someone decides to jingle in coins in their pocket or noisily unwrap a piece of candy.

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 to repair it.

As soon as you've completed a hole, replace the flag and leave the green so that the next players can play. Count your score and write it about the scorecard when you're back at your cart.

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. We must all keep the game dignified, right?