Golf Etiquette

Copyright (c) 2011 Jack Moorehouse

Golfers can do things that can really annoy you. Take slow play. Most golfers can play a round of golf in about 4.0-4.5 hours. That's moving at a steady but brisk pace. But some golfers take all their time, especially when it comes to putting. Playing behind these players isn't fun. In fact, it can be annoying and frustrating. It can also be upsetting, taking enjoyment out of the game. But it doesn't have to be that way if you follow golf's rules of etiquette.

Golf's rules of etiquette do have a place in the game. For example, the key with slow play is playing ready golf. That means hitting when ready, even if you're not away. It also means being prepared to putt when it's your turn. Playing ready golf speeds the pace of play, keeps everyone moving on the course, and enables you to maintain a good rhythm, which can lead to better shots. Better shots can mean a lower golf handicap. Playing ready golf can make the game more enjoyable and more fun.

Below are five additional golf tips that can more fun. But you need to commit yourself to following them to benefit from them:

Always Make Your Tee Time: Everyone's time is a valuable. That's why you should always make your tee times. Don't decide to clean your garage at the last minute or to just not show up. If you're scheduled to play at a specific time, plan to show up on time unless something serious happens. In fact, plan to show up early. That gives you time to stretch, hit a bucket of balls, and/or visit the practice green before teeing off. Plan to show up early also for golf lessons. That way you'll get your money's worth. After all, instructors usually charge by the hour for golf lessons.

Turn Off Cell Phone: Having a cell phone ring when in the middle of a swing or a putt is annoying. If you have a cell phone, shut it phone off when on the course. If you must stay in touch by phone, buy one that vibrates. Shutting your cell phone off is common courtesy. If you do have to answer the phone, move off to the side and keep the call brief. Also, shut your phone off during golf instruction session.

Stay Out Of Another's Field Of Vision: Stay out of another player's field of vision. If you're not swinging, stand still until after the player hits. If you're close to a player, stand behind her or off to one side where she can't see you. Also, don't step on a player's line of play when on the green—even if you're wearing soft spikes. If you must cross someone's line, step over it.

Repair Fairways And Greens: Repair the ground you play on. We tell players this in our golf instruction sessions all the time. You wouldn't want to play from a fairway divot, would you? Neither do other players. So replace divots on the fairway or use the seed-mix packed on the side of your carts. Also, repair ball marks on the green with a divot tool or a penknife. Rake bunkers with a purpose. And don't leave furrows from the rake. Make sure the bunker is nice and smooth before you leave.

Help Out Fellow Players: Try to help out others when you can—especially when it comes to looking for a lost ball. Better yet, watch carefully where the shot goes. And never spend more than five minutes looking for a lost ball. Also, pick up the extra club or the head cover left on the green, move a cart that's in the wrong place, and lay the flag stick down carefully. And tamp down spike marks on the green.

Golf rules of etiquette have a place. But you have to make an effort to keep them, which is why we provided these golf tips on etiquette. Being courteous when playing a round of golf or taking a golf lesson won't chop strokes off your golf handicap. But it will make the round more fun and the golf instruction session more productive.

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