How to Practice General Golf Etiquette

The rules of golf have changed very little since the game's inception. For this reason, they often go unspoken nowadays. Here's a chance for you to learn the basic rules that apply to your entire golf game.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Golf Shirts
• Golf Practice Equipment
• Golf Course Memberships
• Golf Balls
• Golf Gloves
• Golf Bags
• Golf Club Cleaners
• Golf Lessons
• Golf Shoes
• Golf Clubs
• Sunglasses
• Golf Hats

Starting the Round

1. Read and follow the specific rules posted at the golf course.
2. Follow these instructions for dress codes, allotted time of play, golf carts and other necessary guidelines.
3. Determine the order of play. Generally, for the first hole, the player with the lowest handicap tees off first. On subsequent holes, the player who won the previous hole gets that honor.
4. Be completely quiet and still whenever any player is attempting a shot.
5. Pick up your tee after hitting your drive.

General Etiquette

6. Allow the person whose ball is farthest from the green to play first. Continue play in this manner.
7. Allow all other players to hit if you plan to take a mulligan (see glossary).
8. Don't spend more than five minutes looking for a lost ball. Play a new one to avoid holding up your group and others.
9. Yell "Fore!" after hitting an errant shot to alert other players to possible danger.
10. Rake all sandtraps after use. Make sure to smooth over all footprints left in the sand.
11. Repair all divots you create by retrieving and replacing the chunks by hand and pressing them down with your foot.
12. Play fairly and keep score accurately. Quite simply, cheating is not a part of the game.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't venture out on the course until you've gained a level of consistency and proficiency in your golf game. Time guidelines are based on players who can consistently hit the ball. Learn how to play on the course; learn how to hit at the driving range.