Etiquette is heard in connection with golf more than any other sport. The rules of
etiquette cover many aspects of the game; safety, pace of play, and maintenance of the
course, as well as conduct towards your playing partners and everyone else on the course.
Keep it Safe
When practising your swing make sure everyone else is well out of danger.
Do not hit the ball until you are certain that the group ahead is out of range.
If your ball is heading towards someone, or if you cannot see where it is likely
to end up and there may be someone there, shout “Fore” loudly, plus the direction
“Fore Left”
Maintain a Good Pace
Make sure that you are ready to hit your shot as soon as it is your turn.
Normally the player furthest from the pin is next to play but if playing in a
friendly game, agree to ‘ready play’ – as long as it is safe you can hit your shot
if you are ready and someone further away from the pin isn’t.
If you have to look for a ‘lost’ ball and the group behind you are waiting to play,
call them through as soon as you know that you are likely to cause any delay.
Do not exceed the 5 minute search time if the course is busy.
Try to keep up with the group in front of you – if a gap opens up, and the group
behind are keeping up with you, you should let them go through.
A two-ball has precedence over three or four-ball groups and should be let through if
playing quicker.
Vacate the putting green as soon as the last putt is made – do not stop to record the
score until you are well clear of the green, and any incoming shots.
On the Tee
Make sure you have agreed the score and completed the scorecard for the previous hole.
Do not distract partners whilst they are playing.
Be ready to play as soon as possible.
If there is a danger that a ball is out of bounds, or possibly lost, play a provisional
ball.
On the Course
Make sure any mobile phone or other electronic device is switched off.
Limit your practice swings to just one and try not to take a divot.
If you do take a divot, replace it!
Make sure at least one of your group is carrying a rake. Smooth over holes and
footprints in bunkers where needed.
On the Green
Always repair any pitch mark (if repaired immediately it only takes 24hours to
repair itself – otherwise it could take 15 days).
Take care not to damage to edge of the hole whilst removing the pin or taking out a ball.
Local Conditions
When playing the 1st hole do not tee off until the 18th green is clear.
When teeing off at the 2nd hole wait until the 3rd tee is clear.
Do not take your trolley into any bed of heather.
Be particularly careful to check for members of the public where the footpaths cross
the course – make sure you shout “Fore” if there is any risk of danger, and add the
direction of your shot eg “Fore Left”, “Fore Right”, or “Fore in the (Noctorum) Lane”.
If you are teeing off at the 5th or 15th holes, check with any other players on those
tees to agree who plays first, and when both parties can move off.
When teeing off at the 10th and 11th holes, be aware of the people around you –
it is a very busy area!
