100golfschools-Etiquette on the Golf Course

Make sure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any foreign objects when they make a stroke or practice swing. Be aware of the people around you at all times.

Do not play until the players in front are out of range.

Always alert anyone nearby or ahead when you about to make a stroke that might endanger them. If someone is in danger of being hit, you should immediately shout a warning of “FORE” to alert them.

Always be aware of weather conditions. Every year more people are killed or injured by lightning than by tornadoes, floods or hurricanes. In fact, it's estimated that in the United States, as many as 300 people are killed by lightning each year. For more information and safety rules on lightning dangers on the golf course click here.

Use Sun Block and drink plenty of fluids during hot weather.

Use common sense and safety in mind when using golf carts. Unsafe operation of Golf Carts can lead to accidents and injuries and can cause serious damage to the course if used improperly. Obey all course rules regarding golf carts. Click here for a summary of golf cart etiquette and safety.

It is through “COURTESY” we show to other people that we communicate our respect for them and that we show them how important we think they are. Be sure to be patient and respect other players on the course as you wish to be respected.

When playing as a guest on a private course, even if you paid your green fee, you are still a green fee player and not a club member! Please behave as you would expect from your guests!

Follow the dress code. Classic dress for men: slacks or shorts, collared sport shirt, golf or tennis shoes. Classic dress for women: knee-length skirt, shorts or slacks, collared sport shirt, golf or tennis shoes. Call the pro shop if you have any questions about attire.

Show consideration for other players on the course and do not disturb their play by moving, talking or making any unnecessary noise. So keep your voice down.

Walk, don’t run.

Cell phones or any other electronic devices should be turned off or put on vibrate so that they do not distract other players.

You should not tee your ball until it is your turn to play.

Do not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

Never give nor ask for advice on the golf course. Keep complaints to yourself and never make excuses. If you have had more than 10 swings on a hole, pick up your ball so as not to hold up other golfers on the course.

Play at a good pace.

It is a group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group.

You should be ready to play as soon as it is your turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, you should leave your bag or cart in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, you should immediately leave the putting green.

If you believe your ball may be lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, you should play a provisional ball.

A Player searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found.

They should not search for five minutes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they should not continue play until that group has passed and is out of range.

If possible, try to observe not only your own but also the balls of the other players in your group. This will help to save time in case one of your partners may not be able to find his ball immediately.

To save time, Always be prepared to play your ball and while walking to your ball, try to consider how to play it best. You should start thinking about what club you will hit, or whether to go over the water or lay up to it. Be ready in advance.

As you approach the green determine in which direction the next tee is located and leave your clubs on that side of the green.

When playing from a golf cart, if one player is on one side of the fairway and the other player on the opposite side, drop one player off at his or her ball with a choice of a few clubs, then drive to the next player's ball and meet farther down the fairway, after both have hit their shots.

Keep up with the group ahead of you. As they leave the green you should be ready to hit up to the green. Don't worry about how far ahead you are of the group behind you, focus on staying a reasonable distance from the group ahead.

Any group playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round.

Don't stand or wait if not necessary.

For additional ways to combat slow play click here.

Before leaving a bunker, you should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made and any nearby made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.

You should carefully repair any divot holes made and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball (whether or not made by the player himself). On completion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.

Players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason.

Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting green when putting down bags or the flagstick.

In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole.

Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole. Don't pull the ball out of the hole with your putter as this may damage the hole. Bend down and pick it up.

The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before players leave the putting green.

Observe cart rules. Some courses will post "cart path only" signs; others will ask you to observe the "90-degree rule." Rules pertaining to golf carts should be strictly observed. Click here for a summary of golf cart etiquette and safety.

Most of all, “RESPECT” the course. Golf superintendents take great pride in their work. Help them achieve their goals.

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is the leading professional organization for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide.