Basic Golf Course Rules & Etiquette
"Fore!" Anyone who has ever watched a PGA event, "Caddyshack," "Happy Gilmore" or the old Tom and Jerry cartoons has heard that word. And they generally know that it means a ball is coming at them. But where does it come from and what else does someone need to know before hitting the links?
Other People Are Reading
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Tee Box
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Wait until the group in front of you has left the green. Only shoot from the marked areas and replace any damage done to the tee box area.
Fairways
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While walking to a shot is recommended, most people drive carts now. Speak quietly and move fast to your ball. The person farthest from the hole shoots first and so on until all people are on the green. Replace damaged areas as well as possible.
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The Green
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Again, farthest person away shoots first. Do not block any lines of view. Do not loiter on the green after all the players have finished the hole. Make sure to replace the flag when done.
Sandtraps
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Enter the trap from the lowest side. Do not hit the sand with your club during practice shots. Rake out the trap when done and leave the rake on the side of the trap. Clear any debris such as broken tees and litter left over from other golfers.
Courtesy
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If you are playing slow, allow faster players to go ahead of you. Do not demand to move in front of slow players, though. It is their right to be on the course just as it is yours.
Holes in One
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While cheering and noise is discouraged, most courses look the other way if someone hits a hole in one. A hole in one needs a witness to be considered official. It is also customary for the person who hit the hole in one to buy drinks for their playing partners.
Odds and Ends
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No one really knows the exact origin of "fore," but it is believed to come from a phrase used for artillery. It has been with golf since the late 1800s.
Avoid noise when your playing partners are swinging, and wear proper clothing on the golf course.
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