Are you a long-time, amateur golfer or someone who’s looking to get into the sport? That’s great! There are all sorts of benefits in golfing such as the community of avid golfers, health benefits, and great use of your free time. No matter the reason for your interest in golf, there are still some implicit rules you need to keep in mind. Not doing so can give you a bad reputation as a golfer, and we all know how rumors spread like wildfire. Not to worry as our professional staff of golf enthusiasts here at our South Florida golf course can teach you a little something called Golf Etiquette 101.
Don’t Show Up Late
Golf is a game that usually takes up a large portion of your day, and it requires booking and planning ahead of time. There is nothing worse than someone on your roster showing up late. It is the cardinal sin of golf course etiquette and the number one rule is: always be 10 minutes early, always.
Don’t Flip Out After Every Shot
Don’t throw your clubs, don’t curse if your shots are always off target, and don’t get too upset. Golf is a long game, and listening to a player curse after every single shot is as exhausting as being the player who is getting aggravated after every shot. Cool your jets Happy Gilmore and don’t let your frustration make others frustrated.
Don’t Step on Someone Else’s Line
Most would argue that stepping on someone’s line may not make a difference at all, and there have been people stepping all over the green all day and night so who cares? Whether you believe it or not, this is simply a matter of golf course etiquette and good manners. Do not step on the line between any player and the hole while on the green.
Don’t Hit the Ball into the Group Ahead of You
Not only does this violate golf course etiquette, but it can be dangerous. Regardless, don’t hit the ball into the space of the people in front of you; that kind of behavior is extremely rude and inconsiderate, and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who agrees that it is okay to do.
Don’t Leave Too Many Balls on The Practice Green
Don’t hog the real estate of the practice green by putting down one too many golf balls. If you’re the only one there, sure, go crazy by flooding your space with golf balls, but if the area is crowded, one or two practice balls should suffice.
Don’t Give Unwanted Golf Advice
Golfers are a proud people; some welcome advice, some hate it, and most land somewhere in between. You should know your golfing buddies and how they handle advice, but the rule of thumb is that unless they mention it or are looking for advice, don’t offer it. This golf etiquette tip is doubly important when playing with strangers. Especially if you are hitting the green for a business meeting, never mention their golf game or how it can be improved.
Don’t Stay Glued to Your Phone
In 2019, sometimes, we can’t help but be on our phones since we’d like to check the score of a game or send a quick text in between holes. However, habitually keeping your phone glued to your hand goes against the idea of hanging with friends or simply enjoying nature. Being on your phone all the time gives off the vibe that you’d rather be anywhere else than on the green.
Don’t Play from the Championship Tee Box
You know your skill level, and unless you are averaging under 85 consistently or you compete professionally, don’t tee off from the championship boxes. All this does is delay the game for others and is seen as an attempt to look better than everyone else.
Don’t Take Your Golf Game Too Seriously
All that being said, don’t take your golf game too seriously. Golf is meant to be fun. If you are looking for a career then go for it, take it seriously, but if you just want to have fun then this golf course etiquette tip should be the most important. If you are having fun you will continue to play, so don’t forget to crack a smile and joke, and enjoy the day.
If you just so happen to slip up with one of these golf etiquette examples from time to time, it’s alright. It happens, but don’t make it a habit. Want to learn more about golf etiquette or our golf club memberships? Feel free to reach out to our friendly staff at our golf course in Fort Lauderdale.