With all the great advice available regarding golf clubs, playing technique and mental aspects of the game, there is one thing which tends to get over-looked and that’s golf etiquette. As a seasoned player, this is something which comes naturally but as a beginner, it’s perhaps something which is not really considered, until it is too late. Thankfully, we have you covered, with some great tips regarding golf etiquette and exactly what is expected of you on the golf course.
Firstly, make sure you arrive at the golf course with plenty of time before you are due to tee off. If your tee off time is 11:00am, do not arrive at 11:00am, get there at least 30 minutes early. You need to check-in, get your bag and possibly your buggy sorted and also get changed. These things take time and you do not want to be arriving at the first tee, having to work your way through other people who are waiting, because you are late. It’s a bad start!
If you have a golf buggy, ensure you use it in the most efficient way possible. You do not need to drive and wait next to every ball in your group. Drop someone off next to their ball, they can take a few clubs with them and drive on to yours. They can walk after they have played their shot and easily catch you up. This will save you time and prevent groups from catching you up.
When on the green, do not waste your time by simply waiting for your opponent to putt. Use this time to try and read your own putt, so when they are done, you will be ready and confident of making your putt. Only do this, if you are far enough away to not be distracting those making a putt. The same principle applies when on the tee. Do not spend too much time on your practice swing before addressing the ball and taking your shot. Take some practice swings behind the player who is teeing off, so you are ready to step up and make your tee shot. There should be no need to spend longer than 30 seconds on your shot.
If you have hit a shot in to the long rough, do not spend too much time looking for it. Playing partners do not want to spend time looking for your lost ball either, so judge whether you think you will be able to find it. If it went in deep, forget it and take a drop. If it trickled in, take a couple of looks but if no luck after that, take a drop. You will be thankful of your playing partners, when they do the same.
Oh and one other thing, leave your mobile phone in your golf bag, with the ringer turned off. You do not want to be the one who has to scramble for their phone as it rings, when someone is attempting an important shot.
Finally and most importantly, have fun! Keeping in mind the etiquette tips above, when playing golf, will only add to the enjoyment.
