Even
if you are not a golf pro, being on your best behavior on the course will make
you shine like a true sports star. As with any sport, there are a few rules of
etiquette golfers should follow.
Rule
Number One:
Be on time. Most courses require tee time appointments. Make sure to arrive at
the course about 30 minutes before your tee off. This will give you time to
park, get your clubs, take care of cart rental and warm up.
Rule
Number Two:
Obey the dress code. If you don’t know the dress code, make a phone call and
ask. Some courses prohibit jeans. Some forbid shorts. Some require golf shoes
without spikes. If you carry a cell phone, ask if they are allowed before you
hit the course. While it is easy enough to change your ringer to silent or
vibrate, answering your cell phone still requires you to talk – in some cases
loudly. Leave it behind if you can.
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Rule
Number Three:
Set an order of play before you begin. Use the old coin toss method or simply
decide, but have a plan.
Rule
Number Four:
Be quiet and still when a golfer in your group in a group that is very close by
is preparing to hit, especially when they are putting. Don’t cloud the
golfer’s line of vision.
Rule
Number Five:
Watch where you hit! Don’t swing if you run the risk of hitting a fellow
golfer with an erratic ball. Likewise, don’t hit until you know your ball
won’t drop down into the group playing in front of you. While you may think
it’s common sense that players won’t stand directly behind you when you’re
preparing to swing, check – just to be sure.
Rule
Number Six:
Be protective. Protect the greens by replacing your divots and repairing all
ball marks. Don’t disturb sand traps any more than necessary and remember to
rake them smooth before you leave. Here’s another tip: exit a sand trap on the
shallow side to avoid creating more damage to the trap.
Rule
Number Seven:
Follow cart rules. If you are driving a cart, know the rules for the course.
Carts may be prohibited on wet, rainy days. Some courses require carts to stay
on designated paths. Always keep your cart a good distance from greens and tees
and never park in another golfer’s way.
Rule
Number Eight:
No matter what movies or television shows portray, business deals are rarely
cinched on the golf course. It’s not easy to talk business on the course
because the game requires concentration. Don’t break a golfer’s
concentration on the game by trying to secure a business deal.
In
another matter, it is recommended that any betting on the game of golf be kept
nominal, or as a “friendly” bet. Anything larger creates stress and
animosity – which is far against the goal of the game.
Rule
Number Nine:
Here’s a tip: Tip. If you are using a caddy or assistant offered by the
course, remember to tip. Ask a “regular” at the course what the norm is and
tip that amount.
Rule
Number Ten:
Have fun and enjoy the sport!
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