Etiquette on the golf course is a clichéd topic.
Etiquette seems to be an essential component of all of them. Not only because etiquette is a natural part of the rules, but more importantly because the nature and tradition of the sport itself place high demands on players to conduct themselves in ways such as:
- The player with the best score on the previous hole tees off first on the next hole as a sign of respect for the top performer.
- When a player hits a ball, he wants everything around him to be still. Therefore, do not walk or talk in the player's line of sight while preparing to hit the ball.
- Before each stroke, make sure the player in front of you is out of your range. The safety of everyone on the court always comes first!
- Remember to repair any hit or ball marks caused by your own or other people's shots. This will show that you are a classy gentleman and make the turf crew appreciate your contribution to protecting the course.
- Maintain a fast pace of play to take care of the ordinary business of the course and make the back group of players happy.
- Dress appropriately for the course. The sport has always had an almost paranoid strictness about how players should dress. But why don't we go ahead and abide by traditions that have been passed down through the centuries?
- Integrity is paramount! Golf is probably the only sport that requires players to be their umpires. The umpire cannot see every shot a player makes, even in the majors. If players are playing with a lack of honesty, they are not playing real golf!
- It is because of these rules of etiquette that golf is known as a "gentleman's sport. Imagine you are walking with a group of friends in a beautiful park, and everyone around you is behaving
How does it feel to be polite? If you want to have this feeling often, play golf!
Etiquette, Behavior on the court
Introduction
This chapter is a guide for the code of conduct observed during golf should be followed. All players will get the most enjoyment from the game if it is followed. The most important principle is to be considerate of others on the course.
The Spirit of the Game of Golf
In most cases, the game of golf is played without the supervision of a referee. The game relies on the honesty of each participant - in the form of consideration for other players and conscientious adherence to the rules. Regardless of the intensity of the game, all players should consciously conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates courtesy, humility, and good sportsmanship at all times. This is the spirit of the game of golf.
Safety
Players should make sure that no one is standing next to them or where clubs, balls, rocks, small stones, branches, etc., maybe hit when they are hitting the ball or practicing their swing.
Players should not hit the ball until the player in front of them is out of range.
A player should promptly alert a court official nearby or in front of them when a shot may endanger them.
If the ball is hit and then flies towards a place where it may hit someone else, the player should immediately shout a warning. The usual word for warning in this context is "Fore."
Think of the other players
Do not interfere with or affect others.
Players should always consider other players on the court and should not interfere with others' play by walking, talking, or making unnecessary noise.
Players should ensure that any electronics they bring to the court do not interfere with other players. A player should not set up a ball on the tee before it is their turn to tee off.
Players should not stand too close to the ball, directly behind the ball or behind the hole when others are ready to play.
On the Green
On the green, players should not stand on another player's putting line; when another player hits the ball, be careful not to project your silhouette on their putting line.
Players should stand on or near the green until all other players in the group have holed their shots before leaving.
Scorekeeping
In scoring, if necessary, the player keeping score for another player should check the score of the player concerned on the hole he has just played and record it on his way to the next tee.
Playing speed
Playing fast and keeping up with the front group
Players should maintain a good pace of play. The Committee may establish guidelines for speed of play to be followed by all players.
It is the responsibility of a group of players to keep up with the front group. If they are one hole behind the front group and hold up the back group, they should ask the back group to pass first, regardless of how many players are in the back group. Even if a group is not a hole behind the previous group, if the latter group is playing significantly faster, they should invite the faster group to go first.
Be prepared to play
Players should be ready to play as soon as possible when it is their turn to play. When playing near or on the green
When playing near or on the green, players should park their bag or cart in an appropriate location so that they can leave the green quickly and move to the next tee as soon as possible. When play on a hole is completed, the player should leave the green immediately.
Missed Ball
If a player believes his ball may be lost or out of bounds outside the water hazard area, he should play a tentative ball to save time.
As soon as it becomes apparent that the ball is not too easy to find, the player looking for the ball should signal to let the back group pass first. They should give the signal no later than five minutes before the ball is found. After allowing the latter group to pass first, the group players should not continue to play the ball until the group has passed and is out of range of the ball.
Priority on the court
Unless otherwise specified by the Committee, priority on the court is determined by the speed at which a group of players plays. Any group to play a full round has the right to overtake a group that does not play a full round. A "group of players" includes a single player.
Protection of the Course
Bunkers
Before leaving the bunker, a player shall carefully level all pits and tracks he has made in the bunker and those made by others in the vicinity. If a sand rake is available near the bunker, it should be used for leveling.
Repairing Hit Marks, Ball Marks, and Spike Shoe Damage
Players shall carefully repair any play marks and damage to the green caused by the ball's impact (whether or not the player caused the damage). Damage to the green caused by golf spikes should be repaired after all players in the group have completed a hole.
Avoiding Unnecessary Damage
Players should avoid damaging the course by chipping or slamming the clubhead into the ground during practice swings, whether in anger or other reasons.
When placing the bag or flagstick, players should ensure that no damage is done to the green.
In order to avoid damage to the hole, players and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should exercise caution when supporting the flagstick or removing the ball from the hole. Do not use the club's head to remove the ball from the hole.
Players should not lean on the club on the green and should be especially careful when removing the ball from the hole.
Players should carefully place the flagstick back into the hole before leaving the green.
Players should strictly follow local precautions regarding driving golf carts.
Conclusion: Penalties for Violations
If players follow the guidelines in this chapter, it will make golf more enjoyable for everyone.
Suppose a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or over some time and to the detriment of others. In that case, it is recommended that the Committee consider appropriate penalties for the offending player, such as the possibility of being banned from playing the course for a limited period or not being allowed to play in specific tournaments. Such disciplinary measures should be considered reasonable in light of the need to protect the interests of the majority of players who are willing to act by the above guidelines.
In a severe breach of etiquette, the Committee may disqualify the player concerned from the tournament by Rule 33-7.