Golfing Etiquette

Unlike many sports, golf is played for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrate courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, and take necessary steps to care for the course being played on.

The word etiquette refers to guidelines on the manner in which the game of golf should be played

Consideration for Other Players

• Players should not disturb other players by moving, talking, or making unnecessary noise.
• Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.
• Do not hit until you are certain that the group ahead of you is out of range.
• On the putting green, players should not stand on or walk on another player’s line of putt (an imaginary line that connects the ball to the hole) or when making a stroke, cast a shadow over his/ her line of putt.
• Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out. In addition, the first person to hole out should be the one to replace the flagstick in the hole.

Pace of Play

• Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front of them.
• Generally, the player with the best score on the previous hole has the honor of teeing off first. However, it is very common to play “ready golf” to help speed up play.

Care of the Course

• Players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason.
• Players should replace all divots made by them in a fairway and repair all ball marks on the putting green. Divots made on a tee box should be filled with sand mixture if available.
• Before leaving a bunker, players should rake holes and footprints made by them and any others nearby.
• In order to avoid damaging the hole on the putting green, players should not stand too close to or on the edge of the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole.