Golf thrives on honour and kindness. Long before you talk about handicaps or swing speeds, respect and courtesy define the golfer.
“Courtesy isn’t a cost, it’s an investment in the game.”
Before You Tee Off
- Arrive at least 20 minutes early – a calm start sets the tone for a graceful round.
- Check in with the pro shop and introduce yourself; a smile here travels far.
- Dress neatly and adhere to the course’s dress code – tucked‑in shirts, clean shoes, and a sense of care.
- Warm up quietly; putts and chips are rehearsed in whispers, not shouts.
On the Tee
- Let the player with the lowest score on the previous hole tee off first – tradition honours rhythm.
- Stand to the side, out of the player’s peripheral vision, and remain still until the ball is struck.
- Watch the flight of every ball; extra eyes are acts of kindness when someone loses sight.
- If you take a practice swing, replace any divots immediately.
On the Fairway
- Keep pace; be ready when it’s your turn and walk briskly between shots.
- Let faster groups play through – generosity is the hallmark of confident players.
- Replace divots and rake bunkers as if you’re leaving the course nicer than you found it.
- Speak softly; golf is a conversation with nature more than with volume.
On the Green
- Mark your ball with a small marker and avoid stepping on another player’s line.
- Repair your pitch marks and one other – gratitude in action.
- Plan your putt while others are putting; efficiency is a courtesy.
- Finish the hole and move to the next tee before jotting scores.
Around the Clubhouse
- Greet the staff and fellow players; warmth builds community.
- Keep your mobile phone silent; your attention is a gift to those around you.
- Golf thrives on honour and kindness. Long before you talk about handicaps or swing speeds, respect and courtesy define the golfer.
- “Courtesy isn’t a cost, it’s an investment in the game.”
- Before You Tee Off
- Arrive at least 20 minutes early – a calm start sets the tone for a graceful round.
- Check in with the pro shop and introduce yourself; a smile here travels far.
- Dress neatly and adhere to the course’s dress code – tucked‑in shirts, clean shoes, and a sense of care.
- Warm up quietly; putts and chips are rehearsed in whispers, not shouts.
- On the Tee
- Let the player with the lowest score on the previous hole tee off first – tradition honours rhythm.
- Stand to the side, out of the player’s peripheral vision, and remain still until the ball is struck.
- Watch the flight of every ball; extra eyes are acts of kindness when someone loses sight.
- If you take a practice swing, replace any divots immediately.
- On the Fairway
- Keep pace; be ready when it’s your turn and walk briskly between shots.
- Let faster groups play through – generosity is the hallmark of confident players.
- Replace divots and rake bunkers as if you’re leaving the course nicer than you found it.
- Speak softly; golf is a conversation with nature more than with volume.
- On the Green
- Mark your ball with a small marker and avoid stepping on another player’s line.
- Repair your pitch marks and one other – gratitude in action.
- Plan your putt while others are putting; efficiency is a courtesy.
- Finish the hole and move to the next tee before jotting scores.
- Around the Clubhouse
- Greet the staff and fellow players; warmth builds community.
- Keep your mobile phone silent; your attention is a gift to those around you.
- Thank the course staff after your round; their work shapes your day.
Golf etiquette is less about rigid rules and more about an attitude. When you show respect on and off the course, the game gives back in friendships and memories. As you learn the swing, also learn the grace that makes golf timeless.
