Handy tips about golf course etiquette for beginners

Golf is a highly popular sport played by many across the globe. Like any sport it involves practice to become skilful and can be enjoyed from beginner level through to professional standard. If you are interested in getting involved and looking to learn more about the sport, a great way to start off is to ask your local club. There are a range of tutoring options from one to one support through to group sessions to help kick start your golfing skills.

What to do and not to do on the golf course can often seem baffling on your first round. There are certain tacit rules of play which it can be helpful to get to grips with before hitting the course. Here are some simple tips on golf course etiquette to get you started.

Know your turn

The last thing you want to do is muddle up the play. The player that scored 'best' on the previous hole tees off first at the next hole. It then runs in order of score after this. If two players drew score at the last hole, the order is then taken from the best score at the hole before this. For the rest of the round the golfer that is furthest from the hole is 'away' meaning they hit first.

Shout 'fore'

If the ball takes a wayward turn and is heading directly for someone else on the golf course, shout 'fore' loudly to warn other players. It may be that two courses or holes run parallel to each other and in this case it is common for a shot to cross into the other group's path. If you or your team hear the 'fore' call, duck down out of the way quickly!

Stay safe

Along a similar theme, when you first start out your shots are likely to be slightly unpredictable. Before teeing off make sure that other players are not in the way of your ball or club.

Let faster groups through

It is courtesy on the course to allow a faster group to move ahead. If you notice whilst you are playing that there is another team waiting, consult with your players and if all is well give them a wave, which signals to them that you are letting them play the hole through.

Repair divots and rake bunkers

Often a chunk of turf will be dislodged from the course when you take a swing. Be sure you are prepared with a sand bottle on your route and fill any of these divots in with sand.

These are just a few handy tips to consider when hitting the course for the first time.