Even the finest golfers can’t control how they perform on a given day. But there is one thing that every golfer can control, whether you’re a single-digit handicap or one who can’t break 100, and that is understanding and following proper golf etiquette on the course.
Many a round has been ruined for others by a golfer who walks cluelessly through the day, never ready to hit when it’s their turn, causing a distraction while others are playing, angrily tossing clubs, stepping in others’ putting line, and failing to replace divots or rake bunkers.
Just as proper etiquette at dinner can be taught, the same is true on the golf course. Ultimately, the experience will be more enjoyable for everyone.
With that in mind, here are a few tips that will make all your playing partners happy to shake your hand when the round is over, regardless of what you score.
- Silence Is Golden
Don’t be that golfer who is always making noise when others are preparing to hit, whether it’s launching into a story, pulling a club from your bag or taking practice swings. Stand still, keep quiet and position yourself so that you are out of line of sight of the person playing next. And above all, make sure your cellphone is on mute. If you must answer a call, walk away from your group and keep it brief.
- Don’t Dawdle
Few things ruin a round faster than slow play. If the foursome behind you is waiting on every hole for you to hit, play ready golf until you reach the green. Determine your distance and club selection before it’s your turn, and be prepared to go when it is. If you are consistently the slowest player in your group, then you’re a slow player, period. Understand this and make adjustments. If you’re not ready to play when it’s your turn, encourage one of your fellow players to go ahead and hit.
- Keep Cool
Throwing clubs, cursing and complaining makes everyone miserable. We all hit poor shots. Accept them and move on with grace. Your playing partners will respect you for it.
- Respect the Course
Keep in mind that people are playing after you. You probably aren’t happy if a ball lands in a divot or a putt is knocked offline by a ball mark on the green. So why would anyone else be? Take the time to replace divots, repair ball marks and rake bunkers nice and smooth, without leaving deep furrows from the rake. Also, gently place the flagstick on the green after removing it. If you’re riding a golf cart, avoid wet areas and spots that can create damage, and follow the signs for where to enter and exit the fairways. And speaking of bunkers, always enter from the low side at a point nearest to the ball, and avoid walking on the steep face of a bunker.
- Be Helpful
Watch errant shots so they don’t turn into lost balls, and help others search for wayward shots. Pick up that extra club left on the fringe or the headcover dropped next to the tee and hand it to your fellow golfer.
- Be Invisible
Know where to position yourself. Never stand in the line of play, either beyond the hole or directly behind the ball. Before and after putting, be cognizant of how you approach your ball so that you never walk across another player’s line, which is the path between their ball and the hole. Take note of the location of every ball in your group when you walk onto a green and steer clear of their lines to the hole. If your ball marker is in the path of another player’s putt, ask if they’d like it moved. And always remain quiet and still when another player is putting.
- Learn the Wave
By that, we mean learn to wave faster groups through. Sometimes, no matter how determined you are to maintain a steady pace, there is a group on your tail who is waiting on every shot. Allowing them to play through will make everyone happy. The group behind you can play at their own pace and you won’t feel the pressure of someone breathing down your neck all day.
- Show Good Sportsmanship
Praise good shots and offer encouragement when a player is struggling. Unless you’re competing in a tournament, don’t be hesitant to concede close putts. Offer to hold the flagstick. Provide yardage to the green when feasible. If you know the course and others don’t, be helpful with tips on how and where to play shots, along with hazards to avoid and best spots on the green to aim. And when the round is over, remove your cap, if you’re wearing one, and extend your hand with a gracious, “It was a pleasure to play with you.”