THE GOLDEN RULES OF GOLF
GOLF ETIQUETTE & PACE OF PLAY
Besides knowing the RULES OF GOLF, understanding GOLF ETIQUETTE is the most important lesson you can learn. No matter what your score may be if you are courteous and keep up with the people playing in front of you, you will be welcome wherever you play.
Here are some tips:
Arrive early at the course, warm up and BE READY TO PLAY at least 15 minutes before your tee time.
Don't move, talk or stand too close to a player making a stroke. It is not only distracting; it is dangerous.
Wait until the group ahead of you is OUT OF RANGE before you make your shot....and NEVER WALK IN FRONT OF A PLAYER MAKING A STROKE!
If you hit a shot that goes astray, either into the players ahead of you - or into any area where others are playing yell FORE loud and clear!
ALWAYS PLAY WITHOUT DELAY! No one likes to hurry a shot, but if you HURRY TO your shot and as your walking think about what club you will use, you will greatly improve the pace of play. YOUR JOB IS TO KEEP UP WITH THE GROUP AHEAD OF YOU.
Never leave your bag or cart in front of the green. Always place them away from the green towards the next hole.
Don't mark scores on the green. Go to the next tee and record your score there.
REPLACE DIVOTS....YOURS AND OTHERS!
Take care not to walk across the line of someone else's putt. Always be aware of where you are on the green.
Never place yourself on the line of sight of a player, or too close behind a player.
Remember....YOUR SHADOW can be distracting.
Lay the flag and clubs down carefully on the green.
REPAIR ALL BALL MARKS on the green.
Remove the ball from the hole with your hand. NEVER with the club.
Replace the flagstick carefully in an upright position.
Enter and exit bunkers from the low side...not the high side. The edge of bunkers breakdown easily if you are not careful.
You may take the rake with you into the bunker to expedite play.
Always rake the bunker smooth for the next player.