Golf Etiquette... 'It's Enjoyable When You Follow It'

Intercontinental Golf Contest Presidents Cup Sparks Tension Between Teams
Consideration for Weekend Golfers Enables More Enjoyable Rounds
Punctuality, Phone Use Restriction, Careful Line Management

Professional players' tournaments are intense. Last week, at the Presidents Cup, an intercontinental golf competition for the International team excluding the US and Europe, players from both teams engaged in fierce rivalry. Since they represent their continents, the competition is naturally heated. However, weekend golfers are different. They just need to enjoy golf. Golf is a sport of manners. You must play while considering your opponents. Observing proper manners allows for a happy round. This is etiquette that amateur golfers must know.

Repairing divots is etiquette that shows consideration for others.
[Photo by Golf.com]

Always keep your appointment time. Arrive at least one hour before your tee time to prepare for the round. Check your shots at the driving range and measure the speed on the practice green. Arrive at the golf course with plenty of time to socialize with your companions. Bring plenty of balls. You may lose balls due to missed shots. Carry an extra ball in your pocket. The maximum time allowed to search for a ball is three minutes. Spending more time than that is considered impolite.

Some golfers frequently use their mobile phones on the course. This is not desirable. If you must take a call, keep it quiet and brief. Using your phone for a long time can disturb your playing partners. Be quiet when your playing partners are taking their shots. Create an atmosphere where your opponents can fully concentrate on their shots. Safety is a priority in golf. Be careful when taking shots. To prevent accidents from flying balls, wait until your playing partners have finished their shots and confirmed safety before moving.

You must be even more careful on the green. Some golfers watch from behind their playing partners to see the putting line. This behavior disrupts your partner’s play. Stay far enough away so you are not in your partner’s line of sight and avoid casting shadows. Standing on the opposite side during putting is also the same. It can disturb your opponent. Do not step on your opponent’s putting line when walking around the hole. If your ball lands on the green, mark it promptly. High-trajectory shots can leave ball marks on the green. If these are not repaired, they can affect other players’ putting.

If a divot is created, replace the turf that was displaced back to its original position. Then, step on it to help the roots take hold quickly. Raking the bunker is also basic etiquette. Use a rake to smooth the sand gently. When exiting the bunker, use the side with the gentlest slope. Choosing a steep side can damage the bunker. After leaving the bunker, use your club to brush off sand from your shoes.

Golf is a sport with clear principles. The rule is to "play the ball as it lies." You take shots even from poor lies. If escape is difficult, accept a penalty and confidently take relief. When driving a cart, operate it safely at a moderate speed. Be cautious around sharp turns, wet grass, and bunker edges.