Golf has a long and rich history with many traditions. It may seem overwhelming for beginning golfers to remember what is acceptable and what is not acceptable protocol. Do not let the rules of golf and golf etiquette deter you from grabbing your clubs and hitting the links. Follow a few guidelines detailed here and you will be welcome on any golf course.
- Noise Levels
Golf requires concentration, so noise levels or lack of noise is important during a round of golf. To get started, preparing your clubs before you get to the course is important. Using golf headcovers will eliminate the clicking noise unprotected clubs make. Using putter covers will not only reduce noise, but it will also protect the club you use on every hole from damage.
You can certainly have conversations with your playing partners as you walk or drive the course. However, when someone in your foursome is preparing to hit the ball and while striking the ball, you should stay quiet.
Two other noise makers that can distract golfers are cell phones and the zipping sound from Velcro. Leave your cell phone on silent and in your golf bag during play. The other distractor is when golfers remove their glove while someone is swinging their club. Wait until between shots to remove your glove.
- Pace of Play
Moving along the course is respectful to your playing partners and to others on the course. If the group behind you is moving along faster than your foursome, then courtesy dictates that you let that group play through. So, you and your foursome step to the side while the other foursome plays out the hole.
Knowing your choice of clubs and being prepared to select one is important to the pace of play. Minimizing the number of practice swings will make you an efficient golfer and one that is welcome to play often. Walking from shot to shot at good tempo keeps the game focused and fun.
- Course Conditions
All golfers create divots, which are loose pieces of grass or dirt from when your club hits the ground. Divots need to be replaced. Pick up the clump of grass and return it to where the dirt is showing. With the tip of your golf shoes, tap the grass back into the ground. Some courses supply soil mixture in their carts to put in divots. If this concoction of seeds is on your cart, use that for divot repair.
Another experience common to all golfers is landing in sand traps. Once you have struck your ball out of the sand, use the rake provided. Rake your footprints and the area where you hit your ball. Leave the rake on the edge of the bunker.
- Stay Calm
Golf can be a frustrating sport, but it is also one of the most rewarding. When you miss that “easy” putt, you might want to toss your putter or slam it into the green. Neither is acceptable behavior. Instead, keep the missed putt in perspective; enjoy the day out and your companions.
