1. Pace of Play
- Maintain an appropriate pace by playing “ready golf” and not spending too much time looking for lost balls.
- Be ready to play when it’s your turn, limiting practice swings to maintain a steady rhythm.
2. Course Maintenance
- Repair ball marks on greens and either replace divots or fill them with sand/mix on the fairways.
- Avoid taking unnecessary divots during practice swings and ensure bunkers are raked and tidy after playing from them.
3. Safety
- Shout “fore” to warn others if a shot might endanger them.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions during other players’ swings.
4. Equipment Handling
- Treat your golf equipment with care, organizing your clubs in your bag and cleaning them after each round to maintain their condition.
5. Communication and Sportsmanship
- Foster a positive atmosphere by congratulating other players on good shots and maintaining a positive attitude.
- Show respect and fairness when discussing scores or game outcomes.
6. Rules Knowledge
- Familiarize yourself with the basic rules and guidelines of golf, including penalties and the proper order of play.
- Learn common golf terminology to effectively communicate with other players and understand course or tournament instructions.
7. Arrival and Preparation
- Arrive at the course early to prepare, check in, and be ready at the first tee at least 10 minutes before your tee time.
8. Tee Box Etiquette
- Stand in a position that doesn’t distract the player teeing off, avoiding the line of vision and not moving or talking during the swing.
9. Flagstick Handling
- Be mindful of the flagstick while putting and the player who putts out first should usually return it to the cup.
10. Avoiding Disruptions
- Don’t step on other players’ putting lines and limit phone use to essential purposes, keeping the ringer off.
11. Golf Cart Usage
- Adhere to golf cart rules, including where and how to drive on the course.
12. Respecting Other Players
- Never hit a ball when the group ahead is within your potential distance, and avoid hitting more than one ball per play.
13. Dress Code
- Wear appropriate golf attire, typically including collared shirts and golf shoes with soft spikes.