At Gentleman Zone, we know that millions enjoy the rules and etiquette of golf, playing the sophisticated game in the United States alone. If you’re a passionate cardigan who loves clubs, swings, long shots, and gentleman sports in general, you fully understand that there is nothing worse than a golf play alongside someone with poor golf etiquette.
While a brand-new golfer is bound to mistakes, it’s a rather distinct situation when you play with supposedly-experienced linksman that should know better.
The right golf etiquette is crucial in making and breaking a round, particularly if you play with complete strangers.
Here you find a guide to golf etiquette to aid you in leaving a great first impression on the golf course.
Get On The Golf Course Early
The first tip is to arrive at the golf course on time.
You’ll get surprised at how many golfers show up late every single day. Each time you head to the course, make sure you arrive 20 minutes prior to your tee time.
Otherwise, it’s bad manners. Arriving early gives you a chance to sign in, hit some range balls, and get prepared for the game.
Besides, punctuality is a valuable quality of a reputable cardigan, not only in terms of golf etiquette.
Never Throw Or Leave Golf Clubs On The Ground
This sounds obvious, but you’re likely to come across at least one golfer in your life throwing their golf clubs in anger.
Regardless of how poorly your game is going, never let your stress levels go out of control. Golf is a gentleman’s sport, which means you need to behave like one and eliminate any frustration.
If things don’t go your way, simply take a deep breath and move on, like real linksmen do.
Keep Noise Levels Down
During golf play, it’s important to be silent, so you show respect to fellow players.
It takes a lot of time, patience, and concentration to prepare for a swing. If you talk or make noise around a player about to swing, there’s a risk you distract them. Whatever you do, refrain to speak or use a lower voice, if you need to.
The last thing you want is for other players to see your presence as a nuisance!
Respect the Course
A golf course requires a lot of maintenance and care, so the players get the best golf experience.
So, it’s mandatory that you respect where you are and follow the rules. Sadly, some golfers dump trash on the course, which doesn’t set the best tone.
In very simple terms, leave the golf course the way you find it, neat and tidy.
Obey Cart Path Rules
For those new to golf, the idea of roaming the course in a game of golf is exciting. While golf carts are brilliant, you need to check with the golf shop prior to driving all around the course.
You get allowed to drive on the cart path depending on the weather and season.
If you decide to buy your own golf cart, there are various parts and accessories you’ll need to purchase first.
Whether you rent a golf cart or bring your own, obey the cart path signs to make a good first impression to new and pro golfers.
Follow OB Rules
The worst thing on the course is sending a ball out of bounds and your course.
By doing an OB (out-of-bounds) game as a lateral hazard, you can eliminate the possibility of a real stickler for the rules to insist that the player walk all the way back to the tee to hit again after discovering his tee shot flew away and out of bounds.
This is a great way to teach a golfer to develop a new swing path.
Move Your Ball Out Of A Footprint
Basic golf rules convey that you should play the ball the way it lies on the course. But what if someone was careless and left a footprint?
Then, it’s okay to move the ball to a smoother surface, make your shot, then warn staff, so they take care of the footprint.
Follow Winter Rules
Sometimes the field is moist and aerated or lacks areas with proper landscaping, It’s completely normal for golfers to lift and clean the ball and put it back a few inches away from its original spot.
Avoid Ball Off Of A Root
If you try a ball off a roof, there’s a chance you ruin your golf club or hurt your arm. Remember Rory McIlroy at the 2011 PGA Championship?
He seriously injured his wrist.
So, is your next shot really worth it? Instead of risking harming yourself, move the ball away from the root.
Make Use of Mulligans
The right of a mulligan is a rule with different variations depending on where you play or who you play with. In a certain situation, if your group of fellow players agrees, take advantage of that bonus shot.
Just don’t get greedy. There aren’t any limitations, but keep it to only one per round.
Change Handicaps Mid-Round
The handicap system allows people of different skill levels to compete together. Unfortunately, it’s not always relevant and effective enough.
So, to keep things fair, it’s possible to reevaluate golfers and, if there’s a need, change what they should be playing.
Drop Against Of A Forced Carry
Golf is always fun, but when you can’t lose a ball at every step. When coming across a hazard off the tee, then you should go ahead and drop in the rough.
Move The Ball Out Of A Fairway Divot
You finally succeed to make a good shot, but when you go to the ball, you find it nicely wedged into a shallow hole in the course.
Can you get away with this? Yes!
You have the permission to fix the position of your ball to a more predisposing one.
However, you have no excuses for making other mistakes during the rest of the game.
Benefit from the Leaf Rule
Fall time offers the perfect moments for some last few rounds of the year, but sometimes it’s quite frustrating. A large number of fallen leaves and scarce light make it difficult to find the balls, even those that you’re sure landed safely.
The leaf rule says that when you can’t find a ball in an area heavily inhabited with fallen leaves, you get free relief.
Try Not to Putt Too Much
Close putts are a way to save time and stop another player from snapping their putter. Yet, don’t rely on putting with anything within a six-foot radius. It doesn’t work every time.
Stay focused, don’t rush yourself, and consider your move carefully.
Play Ready Golf, Even On The Tee
Ready golf stands for playing when you’re ready to do so, rather than sticking up to the rule that says that the one standing farthest from the hole plays first.
As long as you don’t play a match in a formal atmosphere, the order doesn’t matter. Together with your partners, base the order on whoever is ready.
Don’t Worry if the Balls Moves When You Remove Debris
Golf rules state that it’s okay if the ball oscillates, but doesn’t change position. It’s crucial that you try your best to follow this regulation.
Still, if the ball shifts slightly when you remove debris, there’s nothing to worry about, as long as this doesn’t bring you a significant advantage.
Pick Up When You Max Out On A Hole
Depending on your Handicap Index, there is a specific max score allowed to record on a particular hole.
And rules say that when you reach your number, you announce it with the phrase: “put me down for the max”.
Don’t hit more shots in that same hole.
Ask for a Club When You Need to
In line with gold rules, you get to have 14 clubs at your disposal.
But what if you’re far away from your clubs and the one you need is right there in your partner? It’s completely normal to ask to borrow it.
Golf Etiquette & Rules, Recap
If you’re new to golf, some mistakes are inevitable.
However, learning from them and moving on is key. The helpful and easy-to-follow tips in our guide not only improve your golf etiquette, but taking them onboard shows that you respect other players and the game.
