Golf is a game of skill, patience, and perhaps most importantly respect. While beginners often focus on learning the swing, understanding the unwritten rules of the course is just as crucial. Without proper etiquette, even the most well-struck shot can leave a bad impression. That’s why we’ve compiled these 15 Essential Golf Etiquette Tips, a must-read guide that will help you blend in with seasoned players, avoid common missteps, and elevate the experience for everyone on the course.
15 Essential Golf Etiquette Tips for Beginners
Few sports are more intimidating for beginners than golf. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a mentor to guide you early on—someone who can walk you through the basics of golf etiquette: where to stand on the tee and green, how to maintain pace of play, and how to ensure your playing partners are comfortable sharing the course with you.
When I first started playing golf forty years ago, I had such a mentor. I still remember him pulling me aside after a few rounds to gently explain that I was constantly walking on other players’ putting lines. I hadn’t realized that was a problem but more on that later.
What follows are 15 essential tips for proper golf course etiquette. These are not to be confused with the official Rules of Golf. Rather, they’re unwritten guidelines rooted in courtesy and respect—toward both your playing partners and everyone else on the course. These tips cover everything from the first tee to the final green, including proper cart behavior.
1. Arrive Early
Unlike tennis, where play starts at your scheduled court time, golf begins in the parking lot. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your tee time—more if you want to warm up, grab a snack, or hit some range balls. Start by dropping off your clubs or retrieving them from your trunk, putting on your golf shoes, and checking in at the pro shop. Be at the first tee at least 10 minutes early to check in with the starter. Showing up at the last minute stresses not only you but the rest of your group.
2. Where to Stand on the Tee
Once you’re on the first tee, be mindful of where you stand. Avoid standing in front of or directly in the line of sight of the player teeing off. Standing directly across from the player (aligned with the ball) is also a bad idea, as is standing directly behind them—unless you’re helping spot a ball hit into the sun. Stay still and silent while someone is swinging. Also, avoid sitting in the cart while others are hitting; it can come across as indifferent or rude. Watch their shots and offer encouragement instead.
3. Ready Golf—With One Exception
In casual play, “Ready Golf” is the norm. That means whoever is ready to play should go, regardless of traditional order. This speeds up the round. However, there’s one exception: if someone in your group made a birdie or eagle on the previous hole, it’s customary to let them tee off first—even if they aren’t quite ready. A quick, “Birdie goes first?” keeps the spirit of the game alive.
4. Don’t Hit Multiple Balls
This is a major faux pas. If you hit a bad shot, resist the urge to drop another unless your first ball is lost or out of bounds. Playing multiple balls unnecessarily slows the game and irritates your group. No one wants to search for two balls from one player.
5. Repair Divots and Ball Marks
If you take a divot, either replace the turf or fill the hole with sand—depending on the course’s policy. If your approach shot leaves a pitch mark on the green, repair it using a tee or ball mark repair tool. Leaving the course better than you found it is always good practice.
6. Marking Your Ball on the Green
You only need to mark your ball if it interferes with another player’s putt. Use a coin or marker and place it directly behind your ball before lifting it. When it’s your turn to putt, return your ball to the exact same spot. Also, be mindful of where you stand: stay out of another player’s line of sight and avoid their putting line.
7. Tending the Flagstick
Since the rules now allow putts to be made with the flagstick in, pulling the flag is a matter of preference. If you do remove it, place it carefully away from the line of play. It’s generally courteous for the first player to finish putting to return the flagstick to the hole once the group is done.
8. Don’t Step on Putting Lines
Even though most golf shoes are now spikeless, avoid stepping on another player’s putting line (the path their ball will take to the hole). It can leave marks that affect the roll. Also avoid “through-lines”—paths where a player’s ball may travel if their putt goes past the hole.
9. Keep a Good Pace—Limit Practice Swings
Slow play is frustrating. Limit yourself to one or two practice swings. Be ready to hit or putt when it’s your turn. Use the time while others are playing to gather information like yardage, wind conditions, and green breaks.
10. Record Scores at the Next Tee
Don’t tally scores on the green you just played. Move to the next tee box so the group behind you can play their approach shots. There’s usually enough time to write down scores while others in your group are teeing off.
11. Don’t Hit Into the Group Ahead
It’s dangerous and discourteous to hit when the group in front is within range. Be realistic—don’t wait for the green to clear from 275 yards if you typically drive it 200. However, if you can reach, wait until the group ahead is out of danger. Everyone has had a close call from someone hitting into them. It’s not acceptable.
12. Pick Up When You’re Out of the Hole
Unless you’re playing in a formal competition, there’s no need to grind out a 12 on a single hole. If things get out of hand, pick up your ball and move on. High scores like that don’t affect your handicap more than a 7 or 8 anyway.
13. Golf Cart Etiquette
Pay attention to where you drive the cart. Most courses have rules against driving within 50 yards of the green or on par-3 holes. Follow the “90-degree rule” when carts are allowed on fairways: stay on the cart path until you’re even with the ball, then drive across. Always apply the brake and avoid making noise when someone is preparing to hit.
14. Playing Music on the Course
Many golfers bring portable speakers now, but keep the volume low. Never assume others want to hear your playlist—always ask your group first. Be especially mindful if you’re near other players on adjacent holes.
15. Cell Phone Etiquette
Unless you’re at a club that prohibits them (like Augusta National), cell phones are allowed—but silence your ringer. Keep calls to a minimum. Many golfers use apps for scoring or GPS, so phones are part of the game now. Just be discreet.
Following these simple etiquette guidelines will help make golf more enjoyable for everyone. Respect for the game, the course, and your fellow players is what golf etiquette is all about.
Conclusion:
Mastering the mechanics of golf takes time, but learning how to conduct yourself on the course is something you can do right away. By following these 15 Essential Golf Etiquette Tips, you’ll not only play better, but you’ll earn the respect of your playing partners and that’s something every golfer values. Whether you’re new to the game or brushing up on the basics, good etiquette is always in style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is golf etiquette and why is it important?
Golf etiquette refers to the unwritten rules and courtesies that help ensure a respectful, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone on the course. - How early should I arrive at the golf course before my tee time?
It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in, warm up, and be ready at the first tee 10 minutes before your scheduled time. - Where should I stand when someone else is teeing off?
Avoid standing directly in front of the player or in their line of sight. Standing beside or slightly behind, but out of the way, is best. - What is ‘Ready Golf’ and how does it work?
Ready Golf encourages players to hit when ready rather than waiting for strict turn order, speeding up play and keeping the game moving smoothly. - Why shouldn’t I hit multiple balls when playing a shot?
Hitting multiple balls slows down play and can be confusing for your group, so stick to one ball unless it’s lost or out of bounds. - How do I properly repair divots and ball marks?
Replace the turf you’ve taken or fill the divot with sand, and repair pitch marks on the green using a repair tool to keep the course in good condition. - When should I mark my ball on the green?
Mark your ball if it interferes with another player’s putting line to avoid distractions or penalties. - What are the basic golf cart etiquette rules?
Follow course rules on where carts can go, use the 90-degree rule on fairways, and avoid making noise while others are taking their shots. - Is it acceptable to use a cell phone on the golf course?
Yes, but always keep your phone on silent and limit calls to avoid disturbing other players. - When is it okay to pick up your ball and skip finishing a hole?
If you’re not in a tournament and your score on a hole becomes too high, it’s perfectly fine to pick up your ball and move on to keep pace.
