First and foremost, we want you to enjoy your round of golf - but we also expect you to observe the basic rules of course etiquette which will allow other players to enjoy their games too.
Course etiquette has nothing to do with not drinking your tea out of a saucer or tugging your forelock when the club captain strolls by. It is a tried and tested set of good manners which have evolved over the years. They are intended to keep the course in good condition and prevent slow play by players of all standards. Think of it as a sort of golfers’ highway code.
For too many newcomers to the game, such on-course behaviour is often learned the hard way with supposedly "better" players offering less than helpful criticism when they get it wrong. The following brief explanation is therefore intended to give such less-experienced players a basic grounding on what to do (and what not to do) on a golf course.
Dress code:
- Players must wear a shirt or T-shirt at all times. Vests are not acceptable.
- Players must wear either golf spikes or flat-soled shoes.
- Players must report to the pro shop at least 15 minutes before their scheduled tee off time and also immediately before they go out to play.
- Play must always commence from the 1st tee unless permission to start from another tee has been given by the professional.
Course condition:
- Replace all divots and repair pitch marks on greens before moving off. Also rake over all footprints and other marks made in bunkers.
- Do not take trolleys, buggies or golf bags onto the greens
- Do not hit practice shots on the course
Safety:
- Do not play any shot until you are sure that other golfers or course staff are out of range.
- Shout "FORE" if you think that a stray shot might hit someone
Slow play:
- Take a maximum of five minutes looking for a lost ball. Only the player whose ball is lost should search whilst others play their shots.
- If you play a bad shot and suspect that the ball might be lost, play a provisional just in case.
- If there is a clear hole in front of you, and the following group have caught you up and are waiting, try to wave them through – especially if they are a smaller group (i.e. a two-ball Vs a four-ball)
- Walk briskly between shots and if possible decide which club to use for your next shot before you reach your ball
- Do not take an excessive number of practice swings
- Before putting, always leave your bag or trolley alongside the green nearest to the next tee
- When you have completed the hole, clear the green quickly and mark your scorecard as you walk to the next tee