Golf etiquette helps make a day on the course enjoyable for everyone. Whether you're teeing up for the first time or you've been playing for years, these unwritten rules help keep the game fun, flowing and friendly.
At Sunday Golf, we believe golf should be enjoyable and accessible for everyone. These simple etiquette tips will help you fit right in on any course.
Before You Tee Off
Getting off on the right foot starts before you even hit your first drive. A little preparation goes a long way!
Arrive With Time to Spare
Show up at least 15-20 minutes before your tee time to check in and get yourself ready. Nothing cranks up the pressure like rushing to the first tee with everyone waiting for you.
Pro tip: Pack your bag the night before with all essentials–tees, balls, gloves, and a maybe a rangefinder if you’re feeling fancy. It's best to use a good walking golf bag if you're bringing a lot of things and will be getting around the course for quite some time.
Dress Appropriately
Most courses have basic dress codes. Generally, a collared shirt and khaki shorts or pants will work at most places. Golf shoes are recommended, but many courses also allow clean athletic shoes.
Dress codes can vary significantly between courses. Municipal courses are typically more relaxed, while private clubs often have stricter requirements.
It's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for your first visit to a new course. When in doubt, call ahead and ask.
Warm Up Quickly, But Effectively
Hit a few practice balls if there's a range, roll some putts on the practice green, but don't overdo it. A quick warm-up is all you need to get ready.
Focus on rhythm rather than mechanics during your warm-up. This isn't the time to overhaul your swing! Instead, use these minutes to get a feel for how your body is moving today and adjust your expectations accordingly.
On the Course
Once you're out there with clubs in hand, these etiquette guidelines will help you navigate the course like a pro (even if your swing doesn't quite match up yet).
Keep Up the Pace
The golden rule of golf etiquette is maintaining a good pace. This doesn't mean rushing your shots, but rather:
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Be ready when it's your turn to hit
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Walk at a good clip between shots
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Limit practice swings to one or two
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Watch where everyone's balls land to help find them quickly
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When using a cart, drop one player off at their ball and continue to the next ball
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Keep your golf bag well organized so you can find what you need
If you're falling behind the group ahead, let faster players behind you play through.
Be Respectful When Others Are Hitting
When someone is hitting, stay still and quiet. Stand where they can see you (not directly behind them), and avoid standing in their peripheral vision or on their target line.
This applies to your phone too! Keep it on silent and save the texts and calls for between holes. If you absolutely must take a call, step away from others who are playing.
Yell "Fore!" When Needed
If your ball is heading toward other golfers, yell "FORE!" immediately and loudly. This simple warning can prevent injuries and is a courtesy everyone appreciates.
Don't be embarrassed about yelling, better to warn someone unnecessarily than to hit them without warning. And if you hear someone yell "Fore!", duck and cover.
Take Care of the Course
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Replace divots in the fairway or fill them with seed mix if provided
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Repair ball marks on the green (fix yours plus one more)
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Rake bunkers after playing from them
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Keep carts away from greens and tee boxes, following course signs
Mind Your Shadows on the Green
When you’re on the putting green, be aware of your shadow. Don't let it fall across someone's putting line or the hole when they're putting.
This is especially important during early morning or late afternoon rounds when shadows are longer. Sometimes just taking a small step to one side can make a big difference for the person putting.
Handle the Flagstick With Care
When you’re in charge of the flagstick, stand away from the person's putting line, hold it so the flag doesn't flutter, and gently remove it when they hit their putt.
Always ask your playing partners about their preferences. Some golfers like the visual aid of the flagstick, while others prefer it removed.
Don't Step on Other Players' Putting Lines
The line between a player's ball and the hole is their territory. Avoid walking on this line as footprints can affect the ball's roll.
This courtesy extends to the entire green, be mindful of everyone's potential putting lines, not just the direct path to the hole. When retrieving your ball from the cup, walk around others' lines, not across them.
Know When to Pick Up
In casual rounds, if you're having a nightmare hole and holding up play, it's perfectly fine to pick up your ball and move on. Most weekend golfers aren't playing by strict tournament rules.
Some recreational golfers even use a "double par" rule, once you've hit twice the par for the hole, pick up and head to the next tee. This keeps things moving and prevents frustration.
Be a Good Sport
Golf is as much about character as it is about skill. Congratulate good shots, offer encouragement after bad ones, and maintain a positive attitude regardless of how you're playing.
Even the pros hit bad shots. We've all seen Tiger Woods' legendary club drops or Jon Rahm's colorful vocabulary after a slice into the trees. But unless you've got 15 major championships or a green jacket in your closet, maybe stick to a quick sigh and focus on your next shot as an opportunity to recover.
The 19th Hole Etiquette
The golf experience doesn't end when you putt out on the 18th green. The "19th hole" (the clubhouse or bar) has its own set of unwritten rules.
Settle Debts Promptly
Don't be that golfer who suddenly develops amnesia about the $5 bet on the 7th hole or needs to "check their Venmo next Tuesday." Your playing partners will remember, and they probably know where you live.
Clean Up Before Heading In
Take a moment at your car to clean your shoes and clubs before entering the clubhouse. Most courses provide air hoses or brushes specifically for this purpose.
Golf Etiquette FAQs
Got questions about the finer points of golf manners? You're not alone. Here are some of the most common questions beginners have about navigating the social aspects of the game.
Why is golf etiquette important?
Golf etiquette keeps the game enjoyable for everyone by maintaining pace of play and showing respect for other golfers and the course itself. It's not about being stuffy, it's about making sure everyone has a good time.
How long should I look for a lost ball?
The official rules allow three minutes, but the most important thing is to keep pace with the group ahead. If you're holding up play, it's better to take a drop and move on.
What should I do if I'm new and playing with experienced golfers?
Let them know you're learning, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Most golfers are happy to help newcomers enjoy the game. Focus on keeping up pace and having fun rather than your score.
Know The Importance of Golf Etiquette
Understanding and practicing good golf etiquette makes sure everyone has a great time on the course. The best part? Most of these etiquette rules become second nature after just a few rounds. Soon you'll be the one guiding newcomers on where to stand or when to rake the bunker.
Remember, golf should be fun! Good etiquette just makes sure it's fun for everyone.
