Golf Etiquette

1. Respect for Fellow Players

• Silence and Stillness: When another player is taking a shot, remain quiet and still. This shows respect and helps maintain concentration.
• Pace of Play: Keep up with the group ahead of you. If you’re falling behind, let faster groups play through.
• No Distractions: Avoid using your phone for calls or loud conversations on the course.

2. Respect for the Course

• Repair Divots and Ball Marks: Always repair your divots on the fairway and ball marks on the green. Use the provided sand/seed mix to fill divots and a repair tool to fix ball marks.
• Rake Bunkers: After hitting from a bunker, rake the sand to remove your footprints and club marks.
• Avoid Damage: Be mindful of where you drive the golf cart, keeping it away from greens, tees, and steep slopes.

3. Safety First

• Mind Your Surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings, ensuring that no one is in the path of your swing or potential ball flight.
• Shout “Fore”: If your ball is heading towards another player or group, yell “Fore!” to warn them.

Basic Rules of Golf

1. The Game

• Objective: The aim is to complete each hole in the fewest strokes possible, starting from the teeing ground and finishing when the ball is holed.
• Scoring: Keep a scorecard and record the number of strokes taken for each hole. The player with the lowest total score wins.

2. Teeing Ground

• Tee Markers: Begin your hole by placing the ball between the designated tee markers. You can tee the ball up to two club lengths behind these markers.
• Tee Off Order: The player with the lowest score on the previous hole typically tees off first.

3. Playing the Ball

• Play It As It Lies: Generally, you must play the ball as it lies without improving the position, such as moving it away from a tough spot.
• Lost Ball: If you can’t find your ball within three minutes, it is considered lost. Return to the spot of your last shot and play another ball with a one-stroke penalty.

4. Hazards and Penalties

• Water Hazards: If your ball lands in a water hazard, you can play it as it lies or take a one-stroke penalty and drop a ball at a designated spot.
• Out of Bounds: Shots that go out of bounds require you to return to your last shot location and take a one-stroke penalty.

5. Putting

• Marking the Ball: When on the green, mark your ball’s position with a marker before lifting it. Replace it in the exact spot before putting.
• Line of Putt: Avoid stepping on another player’s putting line, the line between their ball and the hole.

6. Finishing the Hole

• Holed Out: A hole is completed when the ball comes to rest within the cup. Ensure all players finish before moving to the next hole.

7. Handicaps and Fair Play

• Handicap System: Golf uses a handicap system to level the playing field, allowing players of varying skill levels to compete fairly. Always be honest about your handicap and use it correctly in competitions.

Conclusion

Understanding and following golf etiquette and basic rules not only makes the game more enjoyable for everyone but also upholds the integrity of this storied sport. Whether you’re out for a casual round or a competitive match, these guidelines help ensure a respectful and pleasant experience on the course. Remember, golf is not just about skill—it’s also about sportsmanship and respect. Happy golfing!