Golf Etiquette

To enjoy the great game of golf we need to be aware of three facets of the game:

• RULES
• SHOT MAKING
• ETIQUETTE

A balance of knowledge in all three areas makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.

PRIOR TO PLAY

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check-in.
• Have no more than 4 in a group.
• Be prepared to have others join you if have less than 4 in your group.
• Be ready to play when it is your time to tee off.
• Refer to course scorecard for distances, hole layout and local rules.

ON THE TEE

• Mark your ball so that you can identify it.
• Hit ONLY when golfers ahead of you are out of range.
• Stand still and facing other golfers while they are hitting.
• Watch where all balls go to avoid time spent looking for lost balls.
• Yell the warning "FORE!" if your ball is heading toward another golfer.

THE FAIRWAY

• Walk directly to your ball unless you reach someone else's ball first.
• Place your bag or cart to the right of you when hitting.
• Take no more than one practice swing.
• Player furthest from the hole plays first.
• Walk briskly between shots and be ready to play when it's your turn.
• Keep pace with the group in front of you at all times.
• Assist playing partners when needed by bringing clubs, finding lost balls, etc.
• Keep golf carts outside double yellow lines.

ON THE GREEN

• Trolleys may be wheeled across greens without stopping.
• Place your bag or cart between the green and the next tee box.
• Take all clubs you may need.
• Repair your ball marks and one other.
• Avoid stepping on another player's putting line.
• Players begin putting when all balls are on the green.
• The person furthest away from the hole putts first.
• On long putts have another player attend the flagstick.
• Mark your ball if it is in the path of another player's ball.
• Record all scores on the next tee.

TIPS TO AVOID SLOW PLAY

• The number one problem in golf today is SLOW PLAY! The following tips can help you keep pace with the group in front of you at all times.
• Be ready to hit when it is your turn.
• Limit practice swings to one or none.
• Take plenty of clubs with you to your ball when leaving your bag or riding cart.
• Consider all options as you approach your ball to make decisions quickly.
• Watch all balls until they stop rolling to avoid lengthy searches.
• Use fixed object as a reference point.
• All players should go directly to their own ball and play when ready.
• If you do fall behind, let faster groups play through.
• Continue putting until holed out unless you would be standing on someone's putting line.
• Remember, keeping pace keeps the game more enjoyable for everyone!!