The rules of golf go hand-in-hand with proper golf etiquette. Something you should be aware of if you hope to have an enjoyable game.
Respecting golf etiquette is the same as respecting those around you playing golf, which is incredibly important.
So if you’re in the early stages of your golf journey and don’t want to land yourself in hot water, or if you’re just looking to refresh your knowledge on rules of golf before heading onto the golf course, here are our top 5 pieces of golf etiquette you need to know.
Be silent while other golfers are playing
This one goes without saying. Literally.
Absolute focus is needed if any golfer wants to play the best game possible.
Noise is distracting and it’s easy to ruin someone else's shots by speaking.
That’s why you must show the golfers you're playing with the same respect you’d expect in return.
When someone else is squaring up to the golf ball, this is the time to be silent.
You can complement them on their shots later.
Mark your golf balls on the putting green
Putting green etiquette is a big part of golf etiquette as a whole.
This is especially true when talking about golf ball markers.
There’s not always a need to mark and lift your ball off the green, but here are two times when you should:
- To clean the ball if it is dirty or marked to the point it may interfere with a putt.
- If the ball is blocking or interfering with another player’s putt on the green.
Using a ball marker not only removes the risk of accidentally striking another player’s ball while putting on the green, but also removes the added pressure and distraction another player’s ball presents.
It also helps avoid confusion, should you have any ball mix-ups.
It’s a kind service to other players and is something that should be done when necessary.
Shout “Fore!” when other players are in danger
This is one of the few times the rules of golf allow you to raise your voice on golf courses.
The use of ‘Fore’ is an essential part of golf course safety and golf etiquette.
If a golfer strikes the ball and it becomes a danger to other players, the golfer who struck the ball must yell the word “Fore!” to alert fellow players.
This gives other players who may be in danger the chance to take cover. Or keep an eye out for the incoming ball.
There are several ideas where the term comes from. But a popular theory is that it is taken from the word ‘Forecaddie.’
Years ago, the forecaddies were the men on golf courses responsible for watching the golf balls and keeping track of where they landed.
Golfers used to yell “Forecaddie!” to let them know the ball was in motion.
It’s possible the ‘caddie’ was gradually removed, leaving us with the warning we all know today.
Allow faster players to play through
We all play at different speeds, and that’s OK.
Slow play is nothing to worry about. But if there’s another group on your heels, it could be wise to put your game on hold and let them pass you.
Think of it as if you’re taking up space in the right lane of the motorway.
If you’re going slower than the cars following you, it’s standard practice to move over and let them overtake you.
It’s nothing against you - they’re just moving at a quicker pace.
You’ll get a better feel of when you should let other golfers pass through as you play.
If you see the next group stuck once, you might get away with carrying on and pulling away. But don't feel pressured to play faster.
If it happens again, you should consider stepping aside at the green or the next hole to let the group play through.
But it works both ways. If there's a group ahead of you holding you up, they should let you pass.
Replace your divots
You should always take care of your environment when you’re on the golf course.
This is for the sake of the course as well as other golfers.
If you’re the type of golfer who takes a divot with your iron shots, always do your best to replace them.
Even if it's on a practice swing. Otherwise, the damage might affect other golfers’ games.
If your divot is still attached to the ground, or if it has detached in one or two full pieces, it’s still replaceable.
Collect the divot, place it soil-side down in the hole you’ve created and press down with your foot. Try to match the level of the ground surrounding you.
Mother nature should take care of the rest.
But if your divot is not replaceable, try looking in the rough for a loose piece of soil, if you have time.
Beyond this, divot mix is an option.
At Clarkes Golf, we have all the tools you need to make sure you have a great game. While following golf etiquette, of course.
You can take a look at our full range of golf clubs, golf trolleys, golf accessories and more here.
Or head down to our 27-bay driving range for some good practice swings.
