Golf is more than just a sport—it's a tradition steeped in courtesy, respect, and personal integrity. While learning to swing a club properly is essential, understanding golf etiquette is equally important for anyone new to the game. In fact, your behavior on the course often makes a stronger impression than your playing ability.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything beginners need to know about golf etiquette, from preparing for your first round to navigating the 19th hole. By familiarizing yourself with these unwritten rules, you'll feel more confident stepping onto the first tee and earn the respect of experienced players around you.
Why Golf Etiquette Matters
Before diving into specific guidelines, it's important to understand why etiquette holds such a valued place in golf culture:
- Safety: Many etiquette rules exist to keep players safe on the course.
- Pace of Play: Following proper procedures helps everyone enjoy a timely round.
- Course Preservation: Proper etiquette protects the course for future players.
- Respect for Others: Golf is a social game, and consideration for fellow players enhances everyone's experience.
- Tradition: Many etiquette practices connect today's players with centuries of golfing tradition.
Before You Arrive at the Course
Golf etiquette begins before you even set foot on the property:
Making Tee Times
- Book your tee time in advance—don't just show up expecting to play.
- Be realistic about your group's ability level when scheduling. If you're all beginners, consider booking during off-peak hours.
- Confirm the dress code when booking; most courses have specific requirements.
- If you need to cancel, do so at least 24 hours in advance.
What Golf Attaire to Wear
Golf has traditionally maintained dress standards that may seem formal to newcomers:
Women typically wear collared shirts, golf dresses, skorts, or shorts of appropriate length.
- Proper golf shoes are recommended, though many courses now allow clean athletic shoes.
- No denim, sweatpants, or workout attire.
- Remove hats when entering the clubhouse.
Remember that golf dress codes vary by course—country clubs generally have stricter requirements than municipal courses.
Preparing Your Golf Clubs
- Make sure you have enough golf balls, tees, and a ball marker in your bag.
- A divot repair tool is essential for fixing ball marks on greens.
- Carry a few snacks and a water bottle to maintain energy during your round.
- Ensure your phone is silenced before arriving at the course.
- Consider removing your rangefinder, GPS device, or phone apps to track distances.
Arriving at the Golf Course
Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your tee time. This allows you to:
- Check in at the pro shop
- Warm up properly
- Meet your playing partners
- Familiarize yourself with any local rules
Driving Range Etiquette
The driving range has its own set of etiquette guidelines:
- Set up behind the designated hitting line or markers.
- Don't walk forward to retrieve range balls.
- Take practice swings behind or to the side of your hitting position.
- Keep chatter to a minimum so others can concentrate.
- Don't offer swing advice to strangers unless they ask for help.
On the Practice Green
- Don't step on another player's putting line.
- Limit yourself to two or three balls if others are waiting.
- Practice short putts that require retrieval by hand—don't rake long putts back with your putter.
- Return any stray balls to their owners or place them at the edge of the green.
Starting Your Round of Golf
At the First Tee
- Arrive at least 5 minutes before your tee time.
- Determine playing order—traditionally, this is decided by "honors" (lowest score on the previous hole) or by agreement among players.
- For beginners, consider "ready golf," where whoever is ready hits first to maintain pace.
- Keep pre-shot routines brief, especially when learning.
- Announce which ball you're playing to your group.
Meeting Your Playing Partners
If you're paired with strangers:
- Introduce yourself with a handshake on the first tee.
- Share a bit about your golf experience so expectations are clear.
- Offer to keep score if you're comfortable doing so.
- Show interest in your playing partners without being intrusive.
During Play
General Golf Course Awareness
Situational awareness is perhaps the most important aspect of golf etiquette:
- Always be aware of where other players are standing.
- Never swing a club when someone is nearby.
- Stand still and remain quiet when others are hitting.
- Be ready to play when it's your turn.
- Stay aware of the group ahead and behind you.
Pace of Play
Slow play is often considered the cardinal sin of golf. To maintain good pace on the golf course:
- Play "ready golf" when appropriate.
- Limit practice swings to one or two.
- Plan your shot while others are hitting (club selection, strategy).
- Place your bag or cart on the side of the green closest to the next tee.
- Mark your score at the next tee, not on the green.
- If you're holding up the group behind you, invite them to play through.
- Consider picking up after reaching double par on a hole when learning.
For context, a four-person group should complete 18 holes in about 4 hours and 30 minutes. Aim to keep pace with the group ahead of you.
On the Tee Box
- Stand well behind the player hitting and remain still.
- Don't talk during another player's swing.
- Wait until everyone has hit before recording scores or retrieving tees.
- Watch each player's drive to help locate balls.
- Yell "Fore!" loudly if your ball heads toward other players.
In the Fairway
- Replace or fill divots with the provided mix when you take a chunk of turf.
- Don't move, talk, or stand close to a player about to hit.
- Wait until you're well away from other players before taking practice swings.
- If using a cart, follow cart path rules and avoid wet areas.
- Mark your ball's position if you need to identify it, and announce this to playing partners.
Playing from Bunkers
Bunker etiquette is especially important for golf course maintenance:
- Enter and exit from the low side, not the steep face.
- Take time to rake thoroughly after your shot, smoothing all footprints and divots.
- Leave the rake outside the bunker, parallel to the line of play (or according to local practices).
- Rake from the inside out, working backward to avoid stepping in freshly raked areas.
On the Putting Green
The putting green requires the most careful etiquette:
- Repair your ball mark and at least one other.
- Never walk on another player's putting line.
- Don't stand where you might distract the putter—stay out of their peripheral vision.
- Remain still and silent during putts.
- Mark your ball when it might interfere with another player's line.
- If tending the flagstick, remove it completely and step away from the hole.
- The player closest to the hole should attend to the flagstick if needed.
- Don't move around the green when others are putting.
- Learn to mark your ball properly with a small marker or coin.
Golf Cart Etiquette
If using a golf cart:
- Follow all cart path rules and signs.
- Keep carts at least 30 feet from greens and tees.
- Never drive through wet areas or hazards.
- Take several clubs when you leave the cart, so you don't need to return for a different one.
- Park on the path toward the next tee while others finish putting.
Golf Course Care
Divots
- On the fairway, replace your divot when possible, pressing it firmly into place.
- If the divot has shattered, fill the depression with the provided seed/soil mix.
- On the tee box, place your divots in the provided containers or scatter them in rough areas.
Ball Marks
Proper ball mark repair is crucial for green health:
- Insert your repair tool around the depression, not in the center.
- Gently push the edges toward the center.
- Tap down the repaired area with your putter.
- Never pull up from the center, as this damages the roots
Bunkers
- Always enter with a rake in hand.
- Rake thoroughly, removing all footprints and club marks.
- Place the rake according to local course policy.
Special Situations for Beginner Golfers
When to Pick Up Your Ball
To maintain pace as a beginner golfer:
- Consider implementing a "double par" rule (pick up after reaching double the par for the hole).
- If you're having significant trouble with a shot after multiple attempts, move your ball to a better position.
- When you're significantly behind the group ahead, suggest that faster players go ahead.
Lost Golf Balls
- Limit your search to 3 minutes (the official rule).
- Let the group behind play through if you're spending time searching.
- Carry extra balls to avoid delays from running out.
- If others are helping you search, call off the search once you've found your ball.
When to Ask for Help
- Don't hesitate to ask about rules or procedures you're unsure about.
- Ask more experienced players for advice between holes, not during play.
- If you're completely new, consider mentioning this on the first tee—most golfers are happy to help beginners who show an interest in learning etiquette.
Mobile Devices and Photography
The modern question of technology on the course:
- Keep your phone on silent or vibrate mode.
- Take calls only in emergencies, and step away from play to do so.
- Avoid using phones on the green or when others are hitting.
- Ask permission before taking photos of your playing partners.
- Check course policy—some prohibit phones entirely.
After Your Round of Golf
Etiquette continues after the 18th hole:
- Shake hands with your playing group, regardless of how you played.
- Thank the staff you encounter.
- Return any rental equipment in clean condition.
- If you're entering the clubhouse or restaurant, follow dress codes (some clubs require a change of shoes).
Tipping
Tipping practices vary by course and region:
- If you had a caddie, the standard tip is 40-50% of the caddie fee.
- For bag attendants, $2-5 per bag is customary.
- Beverage cart attendants: $1-2 per drink.
- Starter or ranger who provided special assistance: $5.
- Locker room attendant: $2-5.
The 19th Hole
The "19th hole" refers to post-round socializing:
- Offer to buy a round if someone has shown you special courtesy.
- Keep golf stories brief—no one wants a blow-by-blow account of all 18 holes.
- Be gracious about your play, regardless of score.
- Thank the staff and tip appropriately.
Common Mistakes Made by Beginner Golfers
Understanding common etiquette errors can help you avoid them:
- Talking during another player's swing
- Walking on putting lines
- Not being ready when it's your turn
- Taking too many practice swings
- Not watching where your ball lands
- Driving carts where they shouldn't go
- Not repairing divots or ball marks
- Giving unwanted advice to other players
- Moving or making noise during someone's putt
- Not raking bunkers properly
- Spending too long looking for lost balls
- Using phones inappropriately
Teaching Golf Etiquette to Children
Introducing children to golf:
- Start with the basics: safety, quietness during shots, and course care.
- Consider youth-specific programs that teach etiquette alongside skills.
- Begin at the practice facilities before heading to the course.
- Choose appropriate tee times when the course is less busy.
- Emphasize fun while gently reinforcing etiquette rules.
- Set a good example through your own behavior.
Adapting to Different Golf Courses
Etiquette may vary slightly depending on where you play:
Private Golf Country Clubs
- Often have stricter dress codes and cell phone policies
- May require proper introduction by a member
- Typically expect thorough knowledge of etiquette
Public Golf Courses
- Generally more relaxed atmosphere
- May be more accepting of beginners learning etiquette
- Often have rangers to help enforce pace of play
Resort Golf Courses
- Blend of country club formality with accommodation for vacationers
- Often provide more guidance and assistance to newcomers
- May have additional rules to protect scenic features
Conclusion: Golf Etiquette for Beginners
As you begin your golf journey, remember that etiquette isn't meant to be intimidating—it's part of what makes golf special. These traditions create a framework for fair play, mutual respect, and course preservation that has sustained the game for centuries.
Don't worry about perfection; even experienced golfers occasionally breach etiquette. The key is showing consistent consideration for the course and other players. Most golfers are happy to welcome newcomers who demonstrate a genuine interest in learning both the skills and the courtesies of the game.
By embracing golf etiquette from the beginning, you'll find yourself welcomed into the global community of golfers who share a love for this challenging, rewarding sport. You'll also discover that following these unwritten rules enhances your own enjoyment of the game, connecting you to its rich history and the natural beauty of the courses you play.
