Stepping onto a golf course as a visitor is part adventure, part ritual. Understanding how to arrive, check in, and prepare will help you feel confident and welcome among members and staff.
“How you enter the course sets the tone for the round.”
Before You Arrive: Preparation
- Call ahead to book a tee time and ask about guest policies.
- Review the dress code; collared shirts and soft-spike shoes are standard at most clubs.
- Pack essentials: clubs, tees, ball markers, a towel, comfortable shoes, and a water bottle.
Check-In & Facilities: Orient Yourself
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early to allow time for check-in at the pro shop and to pay your green fee.
- Greet the staff politely and let them know you’re visiting; they’ll direct you to locker rooms and practice areas.
- Explore the practice facilities: hit a small bucket on the range and roll a few putts to warm up.
On the Tee: Start Right
- Introduce yourself to your playing partners and ask about any local course rules or traditions.
- Place your bag in the designated area, listen for the starter’s instructions, and be ready when it’s your turn.
- Maintain pace of play; if your group is slower, let faster groups play through when appropriate.
Etiquette & Enjoyment: Play with Respect
- Fix divots, replace or fill sand in bunkers, and repair pitch marks on greens.
- Keep noise down, avoid talking during swings, and silence your phone.
- Enjoy the scenery and relax; your first visit is about experience as much as score.
- Begin with a few stretches and swing drills to loosen up before heading to the range.
- Spend 5–10 minutes on the putting green to gauge speed and break.
- After the round, thank the staff and reflect on what you learned for next time.
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