A golf guide for beginners: basic golf manners
Playing golf can be fun and interesting when you are courteous of others. Review ethics and standards you are expected to follow when playing on the course. This is more than just being nice to your fellow players. Manners helps improve play experience and reduces risk of injury. This may seem obvious to beginners, but there are areas you need to pay closer attention. You can save yourself stress and headache in the future.
- Be considerate of other golf players. When playing at the golf course, be considerate of your time. Be on time when arriving for tee time. Show respect to other players and be courteous. This also applies to staff members and people who work at the golf course such as the bag handler, Caddy and Golf Marshal. If the Caddy did well tip them.
- Learn dos and don’ts of putting on the green. Avoid walking, standing or leaving your ball on other players putting line. Try not to cast shadows on players as they putt. Keep your voice down or whisper when a player is set to putt.
- Avoid causing distraction when on the course. Try to leave electronic devices behind instead of on the course. If you have a cellphone place it on vibrate. Avoid talking or unnecessary movement when players are taking their shots. Do not engage in practice tee shots at the tee box; especially if another player is ready to take their shot.
- Stay out of a player’s peripheral vision when they want to take their shot.
- Maintain steady pace while playing. You can ask the group behind you to play through or try to pick up the pace of your own group. If you need to take a practice swing do just one. Have your shot planned out before taking your turn.
- Know the order of play. A player has the right of play when they have the lowest score. When playing at a hole, the player who hits farthest is first to play.
- Know your role with proper course care. Learn to make repairs on divots (the mark left in the grass after you tee off). Discard broken tees and pick them up after teeing off. Use a ball washer and towel with care when using them at the golf course to avoid damage.
- Review golf course safety. Watch for other golfers before taking your shot. Have a safe distance when playing. Don’t throw your golf club when you get angry.
