Golf has a rich tradition of etiquette that goes beyond the official rulebook, encompassing customs and expectations that are passed down from one generation of players to the next. These unwritten rules make the game smoother, more respectful, and more enjoyable for everyone involved. To shed light on these hidden, yet important nuances, we've asked the golf community on Reddit and Facebook on what their unwritten rules were. Of the hundreds of responses, this is what stood out.
This collection is ideal for golf instructors as supplemental material to introduce new golfers to the etiquette that often goes unnoticed in formal lessons. By familiarizing themselves with these crowd-sourced rules, beginners can play with confidence, stay courteous on the course, and make the experience better for everyone involved. Whether you're a golf instructor or a newcomer, these tips serve as a practical guide to mastering the subtler aspects of the game.
1. Preparation and Etiquette
If paired with other golfers, introduce yourself to your playing partners and ask what rules they’re playing by today. This will set the tone for the rest of the round
Show up 30 minutes early to get checked in and warmed up, if you can. Your body will thank you!
Pocket your green repair tool and ball marker before teeing off to avoid losing them.
Know which ball is yours; consider marking or using a high-visibility ball if necessary.
Don’t stand on the green on the 18th unless no one is in the fairway waiting. (Reddit)
Shake hands (and remove your hat) after the 18th hole as a sign of respect.
Never talk once someone has set up to hit and avoid standing in their line of sight or peripheral vision.
Don’t stand directly behind someone who's teeing off or putting (facing their back). This will help keep the pace of play up as you’ll have better vision of their ball, helping them find it, and for your safety.
Avoid stepping on someone’s line or “through line” on the green. Through line refers to the line past the cup, in the event they miss their putt.
Closest to the pin pulls the flag, and the first to make their putt holds it until everyone finishes the hole.
Rake bunkers after playing from them, entering and exiting from the low point. This means you sometimes do not take the most direct line to the ball from the edge of the bunker!
2. Pace of Play
If you’re losing balls frequently, play more conservative shots to keep pace.
When it’s your turn to hit, stop telling stories—hit first, then continue.
Always be ready for your turn. If a partner birdies, they get the honors on the next tee.
Play “ready golf” except for birdies or better. Ready golf is a tough one to explain, but we found this article does a good job: What Is Ready Golf? Methods and Rules to Speed Up Your Round Golflink.com
Take only a couple of practice swings to keep the pace moving, especially if others are waiting
Park your cart at the back of the green so you can walk off quickly.
If you’re walking, place your bag between the hole and the next tee box, that way you collect your bag on the way to the next hole and clear the green as fast as possible.
After putting out, clear the green quickly—don’t reorganize your bag or check your phone there, wait until the next tee box.
Don’t Be a “Ball Hawk”, limit the time spent looking for lost balls to keep the pace up, and avoid wandering too far from your group.
3. Respect for the Course
Repair your ball mark and pitch mark on the green and even fix one more if possible.
Replace divots or use sand/seed mix where applicable. This is the respectful thing to do for the maintenance staff. Replacing divots should take priority, if the divots is not in a solid piece, use the sand and seed mix.
Don’t walk across the green as a shortcut; go around it, unless you are putting.
Don’t spit sunflower seeds or leave cigarette butts on the green. This should seem be obvious but isn’t. Trying to make a putt with saliva ridden sunflower seeds or cigarette butt on your line is annoying.
Use the cart path for sunscreen and bug spray application, as chemicals can kill grass.
4. Playing Partners
Congratulate partners on great shots, but don’t comment on poor ones. Let them figure it out themselves, you’re not their coach.
If a playing partner is having a great round, don’t mention it to avoid jinxing them.
For a casual game your max score is double par. We’re not on tour, and there isn’t anything on the line, except maybe your ego. Keep the pace of play up and pick it up.
Don’t judge someone else’s game or handicap; just play your own.
Do not give swing advice unless someone asks you! The last things someone wants is another person pretending an to be an expert who will solve all their swing issues.
5. General Etiquette
If someone hits a bad shot and it's going toward another group or out of sight, yell "Fore!" to alert other golfers of a stray ball. Golf balls can cause serious injury, the least you can do is warn someone if it's tracking their way.
Always carry cash if betting or participating in games like “closest to the pin”.
Don’t putt on the same hole as someone else during practice on the putting green. You can still get used to the green speeds without a hole!
Avoid casting your shadow on the putting line, especially on sunny days, as it can distract other players.
When on a grass driving range, be mindful of your divot pattern. Best practice to progress in a linear pattern in the direction your aiming, this will ensure you don’t leave your tee off area looking like the surface of the moon. The maintenance team and other golfers will be thankful
At the beginning of the round, ask your partners about the rules they follow if you’re unsure. For example, they may want to play ready golf.
If there’s something we missed, send us an email, we’d love to hear it!