Golf Etiquette: First Simple Rules

You should never "push" the group that is ahead of you in the links. This is considered boorish behavior and not in the grand spirit of the game. You must wait your turn, no matter how badly you want to hit that ball!

It's never cool to "push" the group in front of you. If you are playing with others, wait for your turn to hit the ball; never hit at the same time as another player.

A good way to spend waiting time is to find your ball and figure out the club you will need for the next shot. That way, you will be following the rules while hopefully gaining an advantage for yourself by hitting the next shot better than the ones you are playing with. This is called "ready golf."

Another way of keeping the game pleasant is to wave players through if they are close behind you in play. This does two things: makes the whole golf course play smooth for you and others and encourages others keep etiquette in mind.

Anytime anyone you are playing with makes a shot, you should be behind them and be quiet. One of the most grievous breeches of etiquette is to disturb another player's shot. No jingling coins or unwrapping candy. Respect for the other player is the watchword.

When you knock that big clod of dirt out of the fairway, be sure to replace it. No one likes to have their ball diverted by holes in the fairway. If you want to play, make sure your divots don't drive anyone else crazy. Make double sure of this when playing on the green. On every hole, replace the flag after play. This allows the next player to know where the hole is and not have to guess. Don't tarry on the green, leave so the next person or group can play through. Be sure to keep score in a timely manner. It is hard to remember the strokes from hole 3 when you are at hole 7, or on the back nine.

Of course, there are many more rules of golf, but these simple ones will enable you to get through the course without coming to blows with anyone. Etiquette must be observed for everyone to enjoy the game!