Golf Etiquette - Your Guide to Proper Golfing Etiquette

Golf etiquette is more than just a handshake before and after a match, it is however more or less common sense and having due consideration for others on the golf course. Here is a short guide to proper golfing behaviour.

Golf etiquette is more than just a handshake before and after a match, it is however more or less common sense and having due consideration for others on the golf course. Before stepping onto a golf course you should be aware of a few simple rules, to help you here is a short guide to proper golfing behaviour.

Because of the very social nature of the game of golf you are playing with either partners and or opponents and they are entitled to play without any hindrance or irritations caused by you, here are some tips.

If someone is playing a stroke try and stand behind and out of their eye line, making sure not to stand too close. When on the green make every effort not to stand or walk across the line of another players putt. When a shot is being played keep as still and quiet as possible.

One of the biggest bugbears these days is Slow Play and holding up of all the play on the course. If for instance a ball is lost during your round and you are helping to look for the lost ball, you should call the following match and allow them to play through

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Two ball matches have precedence over three and four ball matches and are entitled to pass them. If you are a single player, you have no standing on the course and must give way to any match of any kind. If you lose one clear hole on the match in front of you, you should invite the following match to pass through as you are holding up play.

No one wants to rush their shots; however there are a few steps that can be taken to prevent slow play. While your partner is playing their shot you can be preparing by thinking about your shot, making club selection and being ready to take your shot just after your partner. After your group has putted out you should clear the green promptly, mark your score cards off the green, you will have ample time to mark cards on your way to the next tee.

Care of the fairways and greens is another must on the course, failure to do so is unforgivable. It is an essential part of etiquette to always replace divots on the fairways even if it wasn抰 caused by you. Divots are often moved off their spot by birds and rabbits so it is good practice to replace them and firm them down with your golf shoe.

You should always repair any pitch marks left on the greens. Use a pitch mark repair fork and work your way around the edge of the pitch mark and tamp the area down with the sole of your putter.

Studies have shown that it takes at least 21 days for an untreated pitch mark to fully recover. It has been said that the best policy is to repair as many marks as you can when on the greens. If everyone repaired at least one additional pitch mark there would never be any problems.

You should always place the flag gently down on the green never throw or drop it. You should never lean on your putter when bending down to remove your ball from the hole as this can leave a mark on the grass.

If your ball unfortunately ends up in a bunker it is your duty to rake the sand and smooth over any holes or footprints you have made. If there is no rake you should try and smooth out any footprints and holes prior to leaving the bunker.

Following these simple guidelines on your part will ensure that others will enjoy their golf as much as you.