If you are keen on giving golf a try, you should know that playing golf is more than just a sport. There are rules for golf itself, but there are golfing etiquette customs you should be familiar with before heading out on to play.
Golf is a game played in stages: before the start, the tee-off, on the tee, on the green, and after the round. Each has its own behavioral conventions, and some that apply from when you arrive at the course until you leave. This may sound complicated, but here is a breakdown of what you should and should not do when you play golf.
General rules
A golf course is not a place for raucous conversations and laughter unless you visit the so-called nineteenth hole. Keeping quiet and not talking or moving to distract another player are essential rules.
During a round of golf, it is regarded as poor manners to lose your temper, swear, throw golf clubs around in frustration, or take divots out of the course. The only time you should shout is if your ball is heading toward some people, at which point you should yell, “Fore!”
Never offer unsolicited golfing tips while during the game. You should also not cheer loudly after someone has made an excellent shot, instead quietly congratulating them. Time is important, and golfers cannot stand players who waste time on the course, holding everyone else up.
Before the round
Dress the part by buying appropriate gear from Tribal Fashion’s golf collection. If you are not correctly attired, you might be asked to leave, that is how strict rules can be. Golfers favor handshakes all round, but given that there is a worldwide pandemic, you will be forgiven for skipping this rule.
Usually, you will need to report to the clubhouse to inform employees that you have arrived. Do not take your bag inside with you. Tee-times are golden, and it is sacrilege to be late or cancel last minute.
Tee-off
Stand motionless and well away from a player who is teeing off as it is poor form to distract them. Make sure your cellphone is on silent and do not play around with your golf clubs as this makes a noise.
Most rounds of golf are played between four players. It is rude to leave the tee before everyone has taken their swing. Besides, you could get hit by someone else’s ball as they tee-off. So, if you are not staying out of courtesy, do so for your safety.
On the green
This is a crucial stage of a golf game, and silence is essential. If it is not your turn to putt, mark your ball’s position with a flat object, provided it is not in a player’s line between their ball and the hole.
Remain alongside the green while someone is putting or be on hand to lift the flag if it looks like a player’s ball is likely to go into the hole. Again, offer a quiet congratulatory comment for a player when they finish playing a hole.
After the round
Pre-coronavirus, you would have been expected to shake hands with everyone after a game. Now, players will be grateful if you do not because of social distancing rules. Thank your fellow players for the round, even if they have made you question your decision to take up golf!
If the clubhouse is open, join everyone inside for a drink. However, if you do not want to, have a good excuse ready and deliver it with sincerity to not insult anyone.