Golf Etiquette 101: A Helpful Beginner's Guide

Golf is a sport built on tradition, and knowing the proper etiquette is just as important as learning the rules. Whether you’re playing for fun or improving your game, following these guidelines will help you enjoy the game while ensuring a respectful environment for everyone.

Respect the Pace of Play

Golf is meant to be a leisurely game, but slow play can be frustrating for others. Always be mindful of your pace. Keep up with the group ahead of you, and if you’re holding up players behind you, allow them to play through. Being aware of time and moving efficiently between shots helps maintain the flow of the game.

Repair the Course

A crucial part of golf etiquette is taking care of the course. When you take a shot, especially from the fairway, your club may take out a chunk of grass—this is called a divot. Make sure to replace the divot or fill the hole with sand, depending on the course’s practice. If your ball leaves a mark on the green, take a moment to repair it with a ball mark tool. This keeps the course in good condition for everyone.

Silence is Golden

Golf requires a lot of focus, so it’s important to be considerate of other players when it’s their turn to take a shot. Stay quiet and avoid moving while someone is addressing the ball. Even subtle noises or movements can be distracting, so give your fellow golfers the respect of a quiet and calm environment.

Keep the Course Clean

Part of being respectful on the course is leaving it as clean as you found it. Dispose of trash properly and avoid leaving personal items behind. Most courses will have designated trash cans and recycling bins—use them to help maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the course.

Know the Dress Code

Many golf courses have a dress code that requires players to wear collared shirts, golf pants or skirts, and golf shoes. Before heading to the course, check its specific guidelines to ensure you’re dressed appropriately. Not only does adhering to the dress code show respect for the course’s rules, but it also helps you look and feel confident as you play.

Wait Your Turn

In golf, it’s customary to let the player farthest from the hole take their shot first. This applies whether you're on the fairway or the green. While waiting, stand off to the side to give the current player room to take their shot without feeling rushed. Respecting the order of play ensures fairness and keeps the game running smoothly. However, to keep pace of play, many golfers play “ready” golf. Ready golf' is a term used in stroke play golf only, which encourages golfers to play when they are ready to go if they can do so safely and it might assist with pace of play, rather than strictly following the procedure of “farthest from the hole should play first”

Show Good Sportsmanship

Golf is as much about character as it is about skill. Show respect to your fellow players by maintaining good sportsmanship throughout the game. This means congratulating others on good shots, avoiding negative comments, and keeping a positive attitude, even if you're not playing your best. Golf’s tradition of honor means you’re responsible for calling penalties on yourself if necessary, upholding the integrity of the game.

Conclusion

Golf etiquette is about showing respect for the game, the course, and your fellow players. By being mindful of your pace, taking care of the course, maintaining silence during shots, following dress codes, and demonstrating good sportsmanship, you’ll ensure an enjoyable round for everyone involved. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these practices help preserve the traditions of golf while fostering a welcoming environment for all.