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What are the basics of golf etiquette?
How do I look and act like a golfer?
Where do I go for answers to rules questions?
What is the USGA’s role in the Rules of Golf?
Are there modified rules for golfers with disabilities?
Are there any other resources on the Rules?
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What are the basics of golf etiquette?
Within the USGA Rules of Golf, there are core golf etiquettes that are engrained into the very essence of golf:
- Safety: Be aware of the players in your group, others on the course and yourself. Never take any action that could endanger anyone.
- Consideration of other players:
- Show consideration of your actions by not disrupting anyone through excessive movement, talking and unnecessary noise.
- On the putting green, be sure not to stand in nor cast a shadow through the line of someone’s putt.
- Pace of Play: Be sure to maintain a good pace of play. Click here for the Play Golf America Pace of Play Hints.
- Course Conditions: Do everything you can to leave the course they way you found it.
- Bunkers – be sure to rake your footprints while leaving a bunker. Feel free to rake those that others left behind as well!
- Divots – Taking a divot is not bad, but leaving it un-repaired is bad.
- Ball marks – make the effort to repair any marks made on the putting surface.
The First Swing Golfer's Guide also contains important information about beginning to play the game.
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How do I look and act like a golfer?
What to wear:
Typically, men are required to wear shirts with collars. For women, shorts of mid-thigh length or longer are considered appropriate. Usually, golf courses have a no jeans policy for both men and women. Contact your local course for specific clothing requirements.
Many facilities do not allow metal spikes on your golf shoes. Be sure to ask if you need shoes with plastic cleats. Also, there are golf clubs that do not permit shoes with golf spikes in the clubhouse. Pay close attention to the signage for club rules.
What to do upon arrival:
- Check in at the golf shop and pay your fees.
- Warm up at the practice range and putting green.
- Make sure you have enough golf balls, tees, ball markers and a divot tool.
- Report to the Starter for groupings, course rules and final start time.
What to do on the course:
- Make sure you have your equipment ready including golf balls, tees, ball marker and divot tool.
- Be ready to play when it is your turn.
- When you are playing slowly or looking for a lost ball, ask the group behind you to play through so you do not slow everyone down.
- Never stand or walk in front of a golfer who is about to hit their shot. Also, avoid moving, talking or standing close to or directly behind someone as they are making a shot.
- Yell “FORE” when a struck ball is heading towards other golfers.
- Observe all cart path rules and don’t drive carts too near greens or in unsafe areas.
- Repair divots on the course and ball marks and spike damage on the greens.
- Enter bunkers from a low, flat place, and rake bunkers after play.
- Do not place golf bags on the putting green.
- Avoid yelling, screaming, throwing clubs or using profanity.
- Play according to the Rules of Golf.
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What is the USGA’s role in the Rules of Golf?
The USGA works in concert with the R&A in St. Andrews, Scotland, to write, interpret and maintain the Rules of Golf. One of the main purposes is to guard the tradition and integrity of the game.
While the game is pure with a simple concept, it is common for rules to spark discussion, inquiry and even debate between the finest gentle people in golf.
To help in a golfer’s quest to learn more and understand the rules, the USGA provides some great resources:
- Videos on the Rules of Golf.
- A fun activity is to take the USGA Rules Quiz. You will learn more about the rules of golf and even learn some things about the rules you might not know.
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Are there modified rules for golfers with disabilities?
Yes, the USGA has modified some rules to accommodate golfers with disabilities. Click here to view general rules and to access disability-specific rules. |
Where do I go for answers to rules questions?
Go to any golf course and you are bound to here discussions on interpreting the Rules of Golf. If you are looking to settle an disagreement with a fellow competitor or simply satisfying your curiosity, here are a few resources for you:
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Are there any other resources on the Rules?
Golfers can take advantage of numerous other resources. Play Golf America is happy to provide the following:
PGA First Swing Guide provides some great illustrations and easy descriptions on some of the more common rules.
PGA Summary of Rules of Golf is an easy to use resource providing more extensive coverage of the rule.
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