GOLF ETIQUETTE
Since golf demands delicate co-ordination and concentration from players, a definite code of behaviour is followed by experienced players. These courtesies are intended to prevent distraction and increase player safety.
All Players Should be aware of the following.
1. Player farthest from hole goes first.
2. Everyone else stand behind player hitting ball.
3. Group following does NOT shoot until front group is out of range.
4. If ball is lost in the rough, it takes 4-5 minutes to find it, then allow following group to play
through.
5. No talking while player is hitting ball, OR putting on green
6. Replace your divots
7. Repair ball marks (dents) on green.
8. Remove flag when all players are on green and REPLACE when finished.
9. On a short part 3, once your entire group is on the green, you may allow group behind to hit off
tee, and then putt out.
10. Shoot behind the markers on the tees.
11. Hold the flag for your opponent, or see that the caddy does.
12. Allow the player winning the honour, to tee first.
13. When lost, or in a slow match, invite players following to play through, and allow them time to
get out of range before proceeding.
14. Back out of sand traps, & use rake to level off holes made by your club and foot tracks.
15. Admit penalty stroke.
16. Call “Fore” only if there is danger of ball hitting a player ahead.
17. Drop the ball over one’s shoulder when taking a penalty stroke.
Players Should NOT
1. Swing clubs while a player is stroking.
2. Hit until players ahead are out of range, and have taken at least their second shots.
3. Approach the green until players ahead have putted out and are off the green.
4. Stand near the cup when another is hooting.
5. Stand in line with the one putting and the cup.
6. Allow one’s shadow to cross the line of a putt.
7. Place a golf bag in a sand trap, thus roughing up the sand for players following.
8. Place a golf bag on the green, for fear of marring the surface.
9. Place a golf bag on the near side of the green where it might stop the ball of a player following.
10. Record scores while standing on the green.
11. Practice putts or play then over if missed.
12. Invite players to play through when a ball is lost and then start shooting before they are out of
range.
13. Take practice swings in the direction of the hole. (By taking them at right angles to the line of
flight you eliminate the possibility of being questioned by opponents.)
14. Concede, or ask to be conceded, a putt.
15. Take a careless stroke at a short putt and expect to take another trial if the hole is missed.
16. Pick up a ball for identification.
17. Stand close enough to the rim of the cup to disturb turf.
18. Press down grass or weeds to get a better stroke. This is improving the lie and is against the
rules.
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