The golf rule book has the title R&A, which stands for Royal and Ancient. The game of golf was originally played by the 15th-century gentry and noblemen of Scotland, not the common folk. Golf has a long history of tradition. Fortunately, we can all play nowadays, but how it started in formality explains why the game has golf etiquette.
The most intimidating thing for a beginner is not the rules but how to behave. Along with tradition comes a whole list of dos and don’ts for golf course etiquette. The golf etiquette rules extend beyond the game, so any golf fan will benefit from knowing them.
The 10 Forgotten Rules of Golf Etiquette: Video
Here’s a video from Clint McCormick, resident golf pro here at Golfspan.
Prefer to read the rules? Here’s a transcript.
Video Transcript
Here are 10 golf etiquette practices that are slowly disappearing. Which ones do you agree with?
10: Shadow Control
I’ve noticed more and more people not caring about their shadow on the green, and new players letting it slide because they don’t know that this is a common courtesy. Keep your shadow clear of your playing partner’s body, target, and line of sight.
9: Backwards Hat
Fewer and fewer public courses are enforcing this rule, and I don’t know why. The point of the hat is to keep the sun out of your eyes. If you’re not using it properly, then don’t wear it. Like it or not, golf has a dress code like other aspects of life. If wearing a hat backwards is that important, then maybe golf isn’t for you.
8: Untucked Shirts
The same goes for the untucked shirt. Is it really that big of a deal to tuck your shirt in and respect the game and those who played it for hundreds of years before us? It’s not like they’re asking us to keep wearing button-up shirts with ties and vests. Simply tuck in your dry-fit Under Armour polo and get back to enjoying the game.
7: Extended Target Line
I blame scramble tournaments for the loss of this etiquette practice. Standing on a player’s target line, no matter how far back or how far behind the hole you are, is frowned upon. Sure, it’s not officially in the rulebook—Rule 10 only states your caddie is not allowed to stand there—but it should be observed. However, many golfers play in scramble tournaments, and gathering together to assess and watch every shot has become common practice.
6: Shorts on Tour
Again, this doesn’t seem like something worth changing the rules over. I’m only talking about PGA players here when I say just wear the pants. You’re professionals. It’s not that hot no matter where they go. This is one of the cool traditions because I remember as a kid wearing pants to junior tournaments to act more professional and try to intimidate the other kids.
5: Ready Golf
Hey, I’m all for the correct pace of play, but many people are looking to cut corners in the etiquette simply so they can play faster. Golf is not a fast sport. It takes longer than most other games. That’s the way it is. The rules state that the furthest player goes first. If everyone is aware of this, then it shouldn’t slow play. New golfers should be aware of their position on the course to determine the order in which they play, and not just play when they’re ready.
4: Playing Music on the Course
I’m split on this decision because I like listening to some tunes when I’m out with my buddies, but I turn it off when I have other golfers within 100 yards of me. I don’t expect everyone else to have to hear my music simply because I think I’m entitled to listen to it. Listen to music when you’re alone, and respect the etiquette of being quiet for others as soon as someone approaches—no questions asked.
3: Tending the Flagstick
Just because you like leaving the pin in for your putts doesn’t mean your playing partners feel the same way. If you’re nearest the flag and your playing partner is away, still offer to tend the flag for him, no matter the distance. Don’t assume he wants it left in. This used to be golf etiquette 101, but it seems to be disappearing at a rapid rate.
2: Cell Phones
It was only ten years ago that the only people who were allowed to have cell phones on the course were doctors and those who had health issues themselves.
Nowadays, everyone is taking time to video their swing, their friend’s swing, the clubhouse, every drink they’ve had—the list goes on. If new golfers were really worried about pace of play, they would ban phones from the course so people can get back to enjoying the game for themselves and not playing for their followers.
1: Shaking Hands at the End of a Round
Medical conditions aside, shaking hands is an integral part of the game that many are omitting. The pandemic started this trend, but now that we’re a few years removed, we should make an effort to keep this golf etiquette going as it embodies everything that golf stands for. Shaking hands with your playing partners acknowledges your appreciation of their company the past few hours.
Despite the outcome of the match or differences in opinion, the important thing is that you got to spend the afternoon playing this wonderful game knowing there are way worse places to be at any given moment in life. Remove your hat, remove your sunglasses, and always shake hands with your playing partners.
Three Categories of Golf Etiquette
When it comes to golf etiquette rules, you should understand the three categories that include:
- Care of the Course: This follows the principle of “Leave No Trace.” Take care of the golf course; fill it in even if you didn’t create a divot. If you enter a bunker, rake it afterward. Leave no trace on the green.
- Consideration for Others: Consideration for others goes a long way on the golf course. Whenever you play, think of other golfers. Don’t do things that will hurt their shots or annoy them.
- Pace of Play: Keep a steady and consistent pace. You don’t need to play fast, but keep up with everyone else. If other golfers behind you catch up, let them play through. When your turn arrives, always be ready.
Related article: Why Do Golfers Take Their Hats Off to Shake Hands?
Common Golf Etiquette Mistakes
Especially in the beginning, you may violate one of the rules. The most commonly violated mistakes in etiquette include:
- Giving unsolicited golf swing advice
- Playing out of turn
- Not raking the bunkers
- Not repairing divots
- Walking in someone’s line
- Throwing clubs or smashing objects
With the exception of the second one, most of the things mentioned are common sense and acting politely toward others. For example, it should be common sense not to smash objects with your golf club.
Basic Rules of Golf Etiquette
The earliest golfers established unwritten rules and laws for a reason. They wanted to protect the course’s beauty and ensure everyone’s safety. They also make the game more enjoyable for all. This is the intention of the golf course rules written by The R&A.
Because a full round (18 holes) can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, with four hours being the average, you don’t want to distract anyone during the round.
As I walk you through a day at the golf course and how to behave, you will notice that most of the golf etiquette for beginners is not a minefield to trip you up, but common courtesy and common sense.
1. Arrive 30 Minutes Early
Before the game, know your tee time and arrive at least 30 minutes ahead. Nothing more annoys everyone at the course than delays on the first tee because it disrupts the whole field. I say 30 minutes early because you should also allow some time to warm up at the driving range and try a few putts on the practice green.
2. Dress Code
Before you head to the golf course, dress appropriately. That basic golf and etiquette rule will go a long way.
Don’t wear:
- Round-neck T-shirts
- Untucked shirts
- Sports jerseys
- Vests with team logos
- Shorts no more than 4 inches above or below knee
- Denim
- No socks
Do wear:
- Shirts with collars neatly tucked into long slacks
- Shorts at knee length with a belt fit right in on the golf course
- White ankle socks or long socks with shorts and proper golf shoes are a must
- Proper golf shoes would include molded spikes, cleats, lots of hidden padding, breathable material, and lightweight
This proper golf etiquette creates a classy vibe out on the course and helps you feel more comfortable.
Related article: Golf Terms Every Golf Must Know [Over 250 Terms!]
3. Getting to the Tee
When you get to the first tee, identify your four-ball, introduce yourself, and let them decide the tee-off order. When another player is on the tee, there is a right place and a wrong place to stand.
Don’t stand directly behind the ball in line with the target or at 45 degrees over the golfer’s shoulder. This distracts the golfer. Directly behind the player can create a dangerous situation. The best place to stand is 90 or 45 degrees to the player’s chest and 2 to 3 yards away.
4. Avoid Distractions
Let’s look at the unwritten rules of golf for distractions. On the first tee and throughout the game, don’t talk when another player addresses the ball. Smartphones should be on silent or left in the changing room.
Pay attention to small things like the sound of Velcro ripping on your glove or digging in your bag while someone tees up. For golf etiquette on the tee box, don’t walk off the tee area until everyone has played their tee shots.
Related article: What to Wear When Golfing: The Dos and Don’ts on the Course
5. Don’t Be a Poor Sportsman
While losing your temper might look funny in the movies, don’t throw or break your clubs. Don’t swear after a bad shot. Don’t hack at the fairway or green in anger. Protect the course and practice good sportsmanship. Poor etiquette on the golf course won’t win laughs—it will guarantee that you play by yourself in the future. Bad behavior on the course can even lead to confrontation.
6. Fix Your Divots
Never leave the fairways scarred with big divot holes. That’s one of the USGA etiquette rules. Always replace the grass with a divot or fill it in with sand.
Ask the country club ahead of time about their rules on divots. Many golf courses offer a mixture of soil and grass seed that you can pour into the divot, which helps to restore the fairway to its original condition.
7. The Play-Through in Golf
If your approach shot is likely to reach the four ball in front of you, wait for them to clear the area before playing—common sense, basically. Should your shot be a bit wayward, shout “Fore!” at the top of your lungs if it is heading toward other players on the course. When you get there, apologize and make sure nobody got hurt.
One of the most frustrating things in a round of golf is to wait for the people in front of you. If a group comes up behind you, let them play through. It lets you relax and enjoy the game more. Try to speed up the play as much as possible, but if you wander into the rough, allow about three minutes to find the ball, then take a drop and a penalty to keep the game moving forward.
Think of courtesy, too—more common sense polite things. For example, when someone loses their golf ball, help them look for it.
8. Sand Traps
As you near the green, you might find the bunker. Always enter the trap from the low side directly to the ball. If you enter the sand trap, your wedge can’t touch the sand before your shot because it ensures you don’t ease the challenge of getting out. Take the rake in with you and return the sand to its original condition after you escape the trap, including removing the footprints.
9. The Putting Green
Now, a little bit about the golf etiquette on the green. The person farthest from the green plays first. Don’t walk ahead because you might find yourself in the line of fire and blocking someone’s shot.
Now you are on the green, and the first thing you do is to check for pitch marks and repair them. Lift it with a tee peg or a pitch mark repairer working from outside. Tap it down with your foot or putter, and check for other pitch marks that players might have missed. Nothing wrong with doing a little extra to benefit everyone.
When on the green, don’t talk, and don’t move whenever a player putts. Don’t stand behind the putter or in front of the putting line. Move away if your shadow interferes with the putting line since this can throw off the golfer. Don’t step on the green between the hole and your buddy while he’s putting. Also, don’t bring your bag with. Leave it at the far end of the green, where you exit to the next tee box.
10. Going to the Next Tee
Here we are on the next hole, and one of the honor rules of golf etiquette comes into play. Traditionally, the player with the lowest score on the previous hole will tee off first. The tee-off order stays the same if there was no outright winner. If it’s an informal game, you can play “ready golf” and not wait for the best score if he is not ready. Ready golf will also help to speed up the play. They encourage it in all stroke play formats.
It is also a good idea to put ball marks on your ball and know the brands of your golf buddies. When you hit the ball out on the course, golf balls all look the same, creating an issue with mixing up the balls. If you have the same brand as a buddy, mark your ball to find it fast.
Related article: Golf Slang 101: Master the Lingo of the Game
11. Golf Cart Etiquette
There are a few more things to consider, such as hiring a caddy ($100 to $140 per bag), taking a golf cart, or taking a cart bag. New golfers may especially enjoy the benefits of a caddy, but even the PGA Tour pros use caddies. They can advise you on club selection, read the line on a putt, rake the bunker, and find your ball in the rough. Especially if you play an unfamiliar course, their advice could mean the difference between a par and a bogey.
If you choose to drive one of the golf carts, obey the local cart path rules. Some golf courses don’t allow you to leave the cart paths, but even those that let you, most advise against it to protect the fairways. Know where the golf cart can drive, and remember the 90-degree rule. The 90-degree rule says to enter the fairway opposite the ball’s lie and exit back to the path at the same place. Don’t cruise up the fairway at full tilt.
If you’re carrying your own bag, just be aware of where you place the bag on the tee and around the greens.
Related article: Famous Golf Quotes from Legends of the Game
Final Thoughts
When you come off the 18th hole, it is still not over. Smile, take off your hat, shake hands, and thank your fellow golfers for an enjoyable day—good sportsmanship.
Learning golf etiquette takes time, so don’t feel bad if you break a rule from time to time. These rules will become secondhand nature over time.
The rules of golf etiquette may seem a bit over the top at times, but they protect the players, the condition of the course and ensure that you enjoy the game.
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Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni. He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.
