What are the basic rules of golf?
Rules that some new or occasional golfers aren’t always aware of but really do need to know to make the game safe and enjoyable for everyone. The main basic thing to understand is that the game of golf involves the high speed movement of golf clubs, that generally have metal heads at the end of their shafts.
What are the safety rules on the golf course?
Safety on the golf course. Be aware of who and what is around you before hitting. Before you hit any golf shot whether it’s on the practice area, driving range or the golf course. It’s your responsibility to make that sure your playing partners are going to be a safe distance away from you while you hit.
Do you know etiquette on the golf course?
Unfortunately, not knowing etiquette on the course isn’t an excuse for most players, and you’ll be shown little sympathy, especially if your actions directly affect their round of golf.
Can you practice on the course?
Practice makes perfect, some say; practice makes permanent, others say; practice on the course before or during a round and you may end up with a penalty, the Rules of Golf say… but not always! So it’s important you know what you can and can’t do pre- and mid-round to avoid falling foul of Rule 7, which addresses practice.
Why is golf important?
But it's important to remember you are sharing the golf course with everyone else, and there are rules to remember and etiquette to be followed.
How many people can play golf in a group?
Most golf courses do not allow more than four golfers in a group. Larger groups take far too long to finish each hole, and it's unfair to those playing behind. Most courses also require that each player has a set of clubs. You can usually rent them if you don't own any.
What to do when you take a divot in the fairway?
Maintenance. When you take a divot in the fairway, replace it. Some courses ask that you fill the divot in with sand (provided on the carts) instead. When you walk through and play out of bunkers, rake the sand afterward to be fair to those playing behind you.
Why is it not fun waiting for an extended period on each hole?
It's no fun waiting for an extended period on each hole because the group ahead is slow. If your group is slow, let faster groups play through. Almost every course stresses the importance of playing "ready golf"--be prepared to play as soon as it's your turn.
Can you drive on private property on a golf course?
Do not damage the golf course with carts. Don't drive on or around the greens or tees. Stay within the boundaries established by the golf course and don't drive on private property.
Why is it important to observe golf etiquette?
Observing golf etiquette really serves 2 main purposes: keeping pace of play at a good speed, and leaving the golf course in the best possible condition . Keeping pace of play up is extremely important, as your pace will affect golfers both in your group and all golfers who are playing behind you. Leaving the golf course in ...
What is the etiquette of golf?
Golf Etiquette: Rules To Know on the Golf Course. If you’re new to the game of golf, it’s likely that you’re not aware of the etiquette observed on and off the course in the game of golf. The truth is that good players will always be willing to play with newer players, but they will expect that you show respect to the rules ...
What does it mean to replace a divot in golf?
Chances are, if you’ve hit a good shot you will have taken a divot out of the ground. Replacing your divots is a fundamental of good golf etiquette; you always want to do your best to leave the course the way you found it. Doing this shows that you care about keeping the golf course in good shape, and helps maintain the golf course. Most golf courses will have a mixture of sand and seed to help fill in your divot, and it’s imperative you do so. Just do it.
How long should you be on time for a golf tee?
Being on time for your tee time means arriving at the course at least 20 minutes before you’re due to tee off as a group; you should be ready at the tee box at least 5 minutes before your time.
How to use a golf cart?
Using the golf cart in a time efficient manner helps everybody. Locate the ball that has the furthest to the hole, and drop that player off with their clubs to hit their shot while you go to your ball to set up. Once the first player hits, have them walk up to where the golf cart is, and you’ll be on your way.
What do you wear to a golf course?
This is typical dress, but it’s important to know you can usually wear either golf shorts or golf pants at any golf course, and a golf polo is standard. Playing great starts with looking the part, so make sure you put in the effort.
What does "ready" mean in golf?
Ready golf means that whoever is ready first goes up to hit. This speeds up play for the entire group, and creates a good flow from hole to hole. Feel free to ask your partners if they’re fine with playing ready golf, and then just go for it.
What is the penalty for stroke play?
In stroke play, the greatest penalty of all is disqualification for practising on the competition course before a competition round, or between rounds on any competition course you haven’t yet played in an event of two or more rounds over consecutive days.
Does practice make perfect?
Practice makes perfect, some say; practice makes permanent, others say; practice on the course before or during a round and you may end up with a penalty, the Rules of Golf say… but not always!
Is practice on the course allowed in golf?
Rules of Golf: Practice On The Course. Generally, practice on the course is prohibited in competitions, but there are certain exceptions as GM's Jeremy Ellwood learns from The R&A's Shona McRae.
What happens if you hit a golf ball at a higher speed?
You could be in danger of being physically injured in some minor or major way but it’s not only you that has to be considered ...
Is golf safe?
Safety on the golf course. Golf is normally a fairly safe sport – as long as all of the golfers follow a few basic, common-sense safety rules. Rules that some new or occasional golfers aren’t always aware of but really do need to know to make the game safe and enjoyable for everyone. The main basic thing to understand is that the game ...
Is it dangerous to be injured on the golf course?
You could be in danger of being physically injured in some minor or major way but it’s not only you that has to be considered when it comes to safety on the golf course. As the other golfers out there who are trying to focus on their game won’t be expecting your golf ball to be heading towards them at great speed.
Why Is This A Thing?
Pre Round
- Yes, there are some expectations of you even before your round begins. Pre round expectations are pretty straight forward, but they set you up for success for the rest of the day.
on The Course
- Golf Cart Etiquette
This can make or break the pace of play for a group. Using the golf cart in a time efficient manner helps everybody. Locate the ball that has the furthest to the hole, and drop that player off with their clubs to hit their shot while you go to your ball to set up. Once the first player hits, have them walk upto where the golf cart is, and you’l… - Phone
Unless it’s an emergency, the best practice is to keep your phone use to a minimum while playing golf. Staying off your phone helps you be in the right mindset to play well, and gives you a chance to chat with the people you’re playing with.
Bunker Etiquette
- There are a few basic things to know about etiquette when you need to play out of a bunker. First off, locate the most convenient rake; the rake should always be outside the bunker, so that the ball doesn’t come to rest against the rake. There are usually a few, so grab one and place it near where you’d like to enter and exit the bunker. Next, try to give yourself as little work as possible in the bunker. Walk in carefully, and once you’re hit your shot, retrac…
on The Green
- No Golf Bags
Never bring your golf bag onto the putting surface of the green. Doing so will create marks on the green that are unwanted, and can potentially ruin someone else’s approach to the cup. Instead, leave your golf bag on the fringe completely off the putting surface, or leave it near the next tee for convenience. - Fixing Ball Marks
This is another cornerstone in golf etiquette, yet so many lazy and inexperienced golfers don’t fix their ball marks. Nothing is worse than getting to the green and seeing several ball marks carelessly left by others; not only does this hurt the green, but not catching this could mess up a putt for you. Always carry a repair tool with you, and qu…
Post Round
- Shake Hands
I’m sure you’ve seen this at some point on tv in professional golf; on the green once a group has finished the 18th hole, they’ll all shake hands. Doing this shows the people you’ve played with that you enjoyed playing with them, and is another cornerstone of sportsman-like conduct. - Before You Go Inside
It’s always a good idea to just do a quick check and make sure you have everything you came with before going into the clubhouse or hitting the 19th hole. One key here is, do not go inside the clubhouse with dirty golf shoes. Use whatever the course provides to clean the grass and dirt off the bottom of your shoes, so you can keep the c…
Final Thoughts
- Golf has plenty of rules, and honestly it can be overwhelming to try and remember them all. Golf etiquette is pretty important, and boils down to helping the game move faster while keeping the golf course in the best condition possible. I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide on golf etiquette, and can use these best practices in your next round! Like this post? Check out more like it in our Game Improvement Section, or read some of our beginners equipme…