Etiquette is a word that’s often heard in relation to golf, moreso than with any other sport. But it’s not just about manners.

The guidelines for good golf etiquette are what they are for several very important reasons: Many of them relate to the safety of golfers, many relate to pace of play (which helps keep the game enjoyable), and other rules of golf etiquette relate to maintaining the quality of the golf course.

In other words, golf etiquette is an essential part of the game. And it’s something that newcomers to the game often learn as they go — on the course, when playing with more experienced golfers.

If you are new to the game, or just need to brush up on your golf etiquette, here are some basic rules of the road that will help keep the game enjoyable for you and those around you.

Keep It Safe

  • Do not swing your club until you know that others in your group are at a safe distance. Likewise, keep your distance when others are swinging. Be aware to steer clear of trouble.
  • When practicing your swing, never swing in the direction of another player. There may be pebbles or twigs or other matter in the grass that could fly up and strike a playing partner.
  • Do not hit the ball until you are certain that the group ahead of you is out of range.
  • If your ball appears headed toward another player or another group, give them a warning by yelling out, “Fore!” (an internationally recognized alert)Observe the safety suggestions posted in golf carts and drive carefully. Golf etiquette requires keeping your cart off the grass as much as possible. (see golf cart safety for more)
  • Never throw clubs in anger. In addition to being rude and childish, it could also be dangerous.

More golf safety tips

Maintain a Good Pace

More Tips for Fighting Slow Play

Be Kind to the Course

  • Observe cart rules. Some courses will post “cart path only” signs; others will ask you to observe the “90-degree rule.” Do as you are told.
  • Keep carts away from greens and hazards. The wheels on carts can damage these sensitive areas (see golf cart rules and etiquette).
  • Repair your divots in the fairway. (See How to repair divots)
  • Repair your ball marks on the green. (See How to repair ball marks)
  • Always rake sand bunkers after hitting to erase your footprints and damage to the area where your ball was. (See How to rake sand bunkers)
  • Avoid taking a divot on a practice swing.

General Golf Etiquette Hints

  • Never talk during another player’s swing.
  • Do not yell out following a shot (unless you are yelling “fore”). Even if boisterous behavior doesn’t bother your playing partners, there are other people on the course who may be within earshot.
  • Be aware of your shadow on the putting green. Don’t stand in a place that causes your shadow to be cast across another player or that player’s putting line. (See: How to tend the flagstick)
  • Never walk through a playing partner’s putting line. Your footprints might alter the path of a partner’s putt. Step over the putting line, or walk around (behind) the partner’s ball.
  • When a playing partner is swinging or putting, try to stand out of his or her line of vision, and remain quiet during the other golfer’s swing.