Golf Etiquette Explained

Golf is an age-old game that's rich in culture and tradition. Playing golf involves the ability to adhere to strict rules of etiquette, and that includes your choice of attire. If you respect and happily comply with the rules of etiquette, you will be welcomed to play at proper golf courses.

Golfers who scoff and consider the rules "stodgy" are destined to contain their games to a golf course that shares their disdain. That is, if they can find one.

Public and private golf courses enforce etiquette rules to some degree, and nearly all courses will hold restrictions on golf apparel. The use of proper golf attire is considered to be one of the most important areas of etiquette. Collared shirts, long pants and proper golf shoes are the most common of golf course dress code requirements. These rules come into play on the links and in the clubhouse, and respectful players are happy to oblige.

The primary rule of etiquette on the course itself is to arrive promptly for your scheduled tee time. It's important to arrive at the course twenty to thirty minutes before your tee time. This allows ample time to park the car, change your clothes, purchase balls, pick up a cart, warm up and practice. Don't arrive at the course five minutes early and expect to hit the driving range right away.

Modern times have brought about another important rule of golf etiquette. Your cell phone or pager is not welcome on the links. Leave your electronic gizmos in the car or keep them in your locker. If you absolutely must bring the phone along to check for emergency calls, turn the ringer off and tuck it into your bag.

Using proper golf etiquette is all about minding the needs and wishes of the other players. It's important to understand how your group wishes to play before you get started. Ask if the first ready golfer should be the starter, or if the golfer with the best score on the proceeding hole should tee off first. It's easy to offend a stranger if you don't understand their wishes. Be sure that you ask the rules when you join a new group.

Above all, respect the other golfers' need for a quiet place to play. Golf requires precision and a great deal of concentration, and golfers are unforgiving if they think you've blown their big shot. In following golf etiquette it is absolutely essential that you keep quiet and stay out of the shooter's direct line of vision. This can be a hard rule to remember when you're having fun with you buddies, but it is golf etiquette in its most basic form.

To you, golf may be a fun game. Others, however, see it as a showcase of their good breeding and even an opportunity to climb the social ladder. It's serious stuff. If you enjoy playing a game of golf, you've got to respect the fact that there's more to golf etiquette than just a persnickety dress code. These rules are part of a culture and tradition that have been observed by generations of golfers. Press your collared shirt, put on your long-legged chinos and lace up your golf shoes. Tee off with due respect.