Golf Etiquette for Beginners: 12 Rules That Matter Most
By MyFoursome · Published · 7 min read
Golf has more unwritten rules than almost any sport, and that can make joining a new group nerve-wracking. The truth is, etiquette boils down to three things: be safe, be ready, and respect the course.
Master these twelve and you'll be the playing partner everyone wants in their foursome — no matter your handicap.
General guidance, not a guarantee of results. Course policies and competition rules vary. Joining or hosting a MyFoursome game does not itself reserve a tee time.
Pace of play
Slow play is the number one complaint in golf. Keeping up is the easiest way to be welcome in any group.
- Be ready to hit when it's your turn — plan your shot while others play.
- Keep up with the group ahead, not just ahead of the group behind.
- If you're holding up faster players, wave them through.
- Limit your search for a lost ball to about three minutes.
Safety first
A golf ball is a projectile. Nobody should ever be in front of a player about to swing.
- Never hit until the group ahead is well out of range.
- Shout 'Fore!' loudly if your ball heads toward anyone.
- Stand still and to the side while others are swinging.
On the green
The putting green is where small courtesies matter most.
- Don't walk across another player's putting line.
- Repair your pitch marks and any others you see.
- Avoid casting a shadow over someone's line.
Care for the course
Leave it better than you found it.
- Replace divots or fill them with the sand provided.
- Rake bunkers after you play from them.
- Follow cart rules — keep carts off tees and greens.
Playing with new people
If you're joining a foursome of strangers, introduce yourself on the first tee, agree on any friendly stakes before you start, and keep the mood light. Honesty on the scorecard and a good attitude go further than a low score.