Basics of Good Golf Etiquette

Are you interested in golf, but not sure what the proper golf etiquette on a course requires?  Golfing can seem like an intimidating sport for the uninitiated, but really the rules of the game are all in place to ensure everyone has the opportunity to play at their best.  We’re confident after you learn what good golf etiquette requires, you’ll understand how these rules enhance the game for all players.

Here are our ten tips for good golf etiquette on the course:

1. Be on time.  When you schedule a game of golf, you’re provided with a tee time.  It’s best for all the members of your group to arrive ready to golf at least 10-15 minutes before your tee time.  If you don’t start your game promptly, you will either hold up the group behind you or you may be asked to reschedule your game completely.
2. Keep up the pace.  While you shouldn’t feel rushed to get through your game, you also don’t want to be too leisurely and hold up the players behind you.  Make sure you’re not getting sidetracked with conversation or taking excessive time on your shots.  Don’t spend too much time looking for lost balls.
3. Play it safe.  Be attentive to the location of other players, and avoid hitting the ball until it is safe to do so.  Always keep your distance from other players when swinging your club.  Allow the group in front of you to move on before teeing off.
4. Repair the ground.  It’s normal to create divots, but it’s important to replace them as you go.  Also, be sure to rake any bunkers you walk into.  You should always leave the course in the same condition it was when you arrived.
5. Silence your phone.  A day on the course should help you get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, so staying off of your phone shouldn’t be a challenge.  Make sure it is silenced so if you do need to watch for an emergency call it won’t disrupt anyone’s gameplay.
6. Stay positive.  No two games on the course are ever the same, and that means you’re sure to have good days and bad days.  Refrain from showing your frustration or anger on the course.  Instead, focus on learning from your mistakes and move on.
7. Respect other players.  Be attentive to the needs of other golfers on the course.  Pay attention to when they need silence to concentrate and try to stay out of the way of their view of the greens.  
8. Follow the dress code.  Most golf courses will have an expectation of proper attire.  Having a dress code comes from long-standing traditions of the sport, but also helps to keep the atmosphere professional.  There’s no harm in calling the course ahead of time to ask what the dress expectations are. 
9. Stay off the green.  That is unless you’re actually golfing!  Don’t trek heavy items across the green and be careful where you steer your cart.  A lot of work goes into manicuring the surface of the greens, so it’s important to avoid damaging them.
10. Focus on achieving your personal best.  It’s easy to get caught up in comparing your score to other golfers, but really the game is about doing your best and enjoying your time on the course.  Set your own goals, and focus on expanding your skills to achieve them.  By doing so, you’ll naturally see your game become more and more competitive.

When you’re ready to get started learning the game of golf, start with a lesson at the Eagle Point Golf Club.

We encourage our members and guests at the Eagle Point Golf Club to take advantage of personalized tune-up sessions.  These customized mini-lessons are designed to help golfers warm up and fine-tune a handful of skills before hitting the greens.  During a session, we’ll start by introducing you to some easy warm-up exercises designed to achieve balance and alignment on the course.  

If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, call the Eagle Point Golf Club at 541-826-8225 to inquire about golf lessons.  We’re excited to see your game improve!