Golf Course Etiquette

Good etiquette keeps golf enjoyable and fair for everyone. Please follow these simple guidelines whenever you play.

Pace of Play

Be on the tee a few minutes before your start time.

Keep up with the group in front, not just ahead of the group behind.

Play “ready golf” when it is safe to do so.

Be prepared with club and yardage before it is your turn.

If you fall a clear hole behind and are holding others up, call the group behind through.

In Stableford, if you cannot score on a hole, pick your ball up and move on

Safety and Consideration

Do not play until the group ahead is out of range and safe.

Shout “Fore!” loudly if your ball may go near another person.

Keep noise to a minimum when others are playing a shot.

Stand still and out of a player’s line of sight.

Show respect at all times; no shouting, club-throwing, or abusive language.

Care for the Course

Repair your own pitch marks on greens and any others you see.

Replace divots on fairways and semi-rough, pressing them down with your foot.

Rake bunkers after use, smoothing footprints and club marks, and leave the rake in a sensible position.

Enter and exit bunkers by the low side to protect the banks.

Keep trolleys and buggies off tees, greens, approaches, and out of bunkers.

Use bins and do not leave litter, broken tees, or cigarette ends on the course.

On the Greens

Mark and lift your ball if it may interfere with another player’s line or stance.

Handle the flagstick carefully and avoid damaging the hole.

Do not drop or throw the flagstick on the green.

Leave the green promptly after the last player has holed out or picked up.

Mark your scorecard on the next tee, not beside the green.

Dress Code and Mobile Phones

Wear appropriate golf clothing and follow the club’s dress code on the course and in the clubhouse.

Switch mobile phones to silent and only use them in emergencies or where the club permits.

Sportsmanship

Look after club property, including buggies, flags, rakes.

Offer to let faster groups play through when appropriate.

At the end of the round, shake hands with your playing partners, whatever the result.

Always follow the Rules of Golf and the spirit of the game, with honesty and good sportsmanship.