Golf is possibly the most well-mannered sport in the world. No hipchecks, no throwing chairs, name calling or finger pointing, and no yelling either. The only physical contact between players is at the end of a round when they shake hands - quietly and politely. If you look at the scenery during a game, you can see why they are so calm.
Any golfer will tell you that the game is frustrating and requires patience. You rarely would guess this because of all the etiquette involved. Infringement of rules is usually dealt with based on the severity of the rule.
The first etiquette rule you will need to adhere to is the dress code - on the course and inside the clubhouse. On the course, it may include sock length, shoe type, and sometimes even color. Sneakers and jeans are never acceptable, even in the clubhouse. Some places will not allow cleats inside the clubhouse.
Most of the rules are based on good manners. If you are using a golf cart, make sure you park it out of the way of other golfers using the course. Allow players to concentrate on their shot by not speaking when they are teeing up. Cell phones should be on silent or off. Never walk over the line of a putt and stay out of other player's line of vision.
You should not have to be told when it is your turn-Pay attention. You should be lining up your next shot and planning it before you walk up to the tee, not only once you get there. This will keep the game moving.
Know who plays first and the order after that. Usually, the person with the lowest score on the last hole plays first on the next hole. The last first player goes first again in the event of a tie. Make sure you know where everyone is, including others on holes around you. Take inventory of where everyone is before rearing back.
Speed is one of the hardest concepts on the golf course. Some players will shoot faster than others. Allow more experienced players ahead of you so you don't hold them back. Do not, however, harass a slow group in front of you. Politely ask if you can play through - but only if you are sure that you are going to maintain your pace.
If you lift some of the grass when you take a shot, repair the divot as best you can. Rake it over if you do this in a sand trap or a bunker. Make sure you or your players do not ever litter on the course.
Golf etiquette really is just a matter of good manners. When in doubt, ask more experienced players for advice - they will appreciate you making the effort to learn the etiquette of the game. A good rulebook will tell you traditions and rules. Act upon what you feel would be the most polite way to proceed. A gentleman's sport indeed!
Any golfer will tell you that the game is frustrating and requires patience. You rarely would guess this because of all the etiquette involved. Infringement of rules is usually dealt with based on the severity of the rule.
The first etiquette rule you will need to adhere to is the dress code - on the course and inside the clubhouse. On the course, it may include sock length, shoe type, and sometimes even color. Sneakers and jeans are never acceptable, even in the clubhouse. Some places will not allow cleats inside the clubhouse.
Most of the rules are based on good manners. If you are using a golf cart, make sure you park it out of the way of other golfers using the course. Allow players to concentrate on their shot by not speaking when they are teeing up. Cell phones should be on silent or off. Never walk over the line of a putt and stay out of other player's line of vision.
You should not have to be told when it is your turn-Pay attention. You should be lining up your next shot and planning it before you walk up to the tee, not only once you get there. This will keep the game moving.
Know who plays first and the order after that. Usually, the person with the lowest score on the last hole plays first on the next hole. The last first player goes first again in the event of a tie. Make sure you know where everyone is, including others on holes around you. Take inventory of where everyone is before rearing back.
Speed is one of the hardest concepts on the golf course. Some players will shoot faster than others. Allow more experienced players ahead of you so you don't hold them back. Do not, however, harass a slow group in front of you. Politely ask if you can play through - but only if you are sure that you are going to maintain your pace.
If you lift some of the grass when you take a shot, repair the divot as best you can. Rake it over if you do this in a sand trap or a bunker. Make sure you or your players do not ever litter on the course.
Golf etiquette really is just a matter of good manners. When in doubt, ask more experienced players for advice - they will appreciate you making the effort to learn the etiquette of the game. A good rulebook will tell you traditions and rules. Act upon what you feel would be the most polite way to proceed. A gentleman's sport indeed!
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