Golf Etiquette

If In Doubt, Ask

If you are unfamiliar with the course you're going to play, contact the club (Pro Shop) and ask if they have any regulations you should be aware of before you hit the links -- such as appropriate apparel on the course, speed of play, special cart path rules, if walking is allowed, what type of spikes can be worn, etc. A simple phone call can save a lot of embarrasment on the day if you are not prepared.

Dress Appropriately

Generally speaking, common sense-dressing applies. Most courses say no short-shorts, torn jeans or singlet tops allowed. Many courses require collared shirts for men, casual slacks or appropriate length bermuda shorts for men and women...not too much "skin" showing. More and more courses are adopting a soft spike only policy these days, if you have any doubt ring the club and check.

Pace of Play

There's a saying in golf, "your group should keep up with the group in front, not in front of the group behind". Whilst golf is a game to be enjoyed and nobody expects you to run, there is nothing more frustrating than being stuck behind a group of slow players. Here are some tips for keeping the pace of play at a reasonable rate. Golfers should be aware of any penalties that clubs are now starting to enforce for "slow play"

Silence

In any sport where competitors are required to concentrate, silence is paramount. Whenever any player within hearing distance is about to play a shot, any talking and moving should cease until the shot has been played. This is particularly important where a green and tee are adjacent, and players may be putting while others are teeing off. There is nothing more off-putting than being in the middle of your backswing and hearing someone yell out when a putt is holed on an adjacent green.

Movement

Movement anywhere near a player in the midst of playing is frowned upon. Don't get the idea that the player won't be affected because their concentration is good. Very few players can concentrate that well.

Where to stand

When standing near a player playing a shot, stand so that you are out of their eyesight. Preferably stand so that you are out of their swing range behind them and are facing their back. In this position you can see their ball in case they lose sight of it after contact.
On the putting green, if you are holding the flagstick for them, try to avoid letting your shadow cover the hole by standing to one side of it. Also avoid standing on a line either past the hole or directly behind the person putting as either position can put them off their putt.

When to hit

You should not attempt to hit a ball if you think that the players ahead of you are likely to be hit. Generally this means that if you are:
On the tee, on a par four or five, you should wait until all players ahead of you have played their second shots, or more if necessary.
On a par three, you should wait until the players ahead have cleared the green, unless they "call you up".
On any fairway and you can reach the green, you should wait until the green has cleared.
In a situation where your backswing or follow-through may hit someone, you should wait until the area is clear.

Care of the Course

Holes in Bunkers :
You may spend a lot of time here...in the bunkers, or sand traps...and you might really mess them up trying to get out. Be sure to rake the bunker neatly when you leave. A neatly-raked bunker is not only more attractive, but also allows subsequent players to more easily "play the ball as it lies" in the sand.

Repair Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Spikes :
Divots occur when your clubface takes a chunk of grass and dirt out of the ground on your swing. Divots happen as the result of good or a poor shot, either way divots are acceptable. Not replacing them is unacceptable. So replace the divot in the hole, and tamp it in slightly. The roots will quickly take hold again and the grass will soon be growing normally.

Damage to Greens. Flagsticks, Bags, etc :
Players should ensure that, when putting down bags or the flagstick, no damage is done to the putting green and that neither they nor their caddies damage the hole by standing close to it, in handling the flagstick or in removing the ball from the hole. The flagstick should be should not damage the putting green by leaning on their putters, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.

Have Respect for all Golfers
Golf is one of the few games that can be truly enjoyed by both men and women, young and old, healthy and physically challenged, and everyone "in between". Have respect, and encourage respect from golfing buddies, for all players -- regardless of whether they're "in your league" or not.