7 Golf Etiquette Tips

For its serious practitioners, golf calls for an enormous amount of dedicated training

and mental focus, but there’s more to the sport than merely getting the ball in the

hole. Sportsmanship and etiquette also play a part. With that in mind, let’s take a

look at correct golf etiquette while out on the green.

• It’s fine to walk at a

brisk pace, but please

resist the desire to

break into a run. It’s

distracting to the other

players.

• In addition, keep your

voice down—don’t yell

out to others. One

important exception to

this rule: You can shout

“fore!” to warn others

about a wayward ball

coming at them.

• No one likes being

around foul-tempered

people on the course. If

you’ve made a mistake,

resist the temptation to

“vent” by angrily

throwing around your

equipment. Vocalizing

profanities should also

be avoided.

• Don't hold up other players with unnecessary delays. After selecting your club, it

should take you only 30 to 45 seconds to hit the ball.

• Always walk at a reasonable pace (but don’t run!).

• If you have lost a ball, allot yourself no more than five minutes to search for it.

• Try to avoid being in another player’s field of vision while they’re about to hit a

shot. If you’re not sure whether you’re visible to them, stay stock-still until

they’ve hit the ball. Also, be sure that your shadow doesn’t pose a distraction.

• It’s also a good idea to abstain from unnecessary chatter while a player is

getting ready for their shot.

• If possible, turn off your cell phone.

• Use a knife, tee, or another

appropriate tool to repair

marks that you made in the

course.

• Replace divots on the

fairway.

• Rake the sand in the

bunker to smooth it out.

• While practicing your swing,

aim in a direction away from

other players. Otherwise, you

could accidentally hit twigs or

other small objects in their

direction.

• Be sure no one is in the

immediate area when you

practice your swing.

• If you have to handle the

flagstick for another player,

don't stand in a golfer's

putting line.

• While holding the flagstick,

make sure that your

shadow doesn’t fall on the

hole.

• Pull up the flagstick

immediately after the ball

has been hit. The flagstick

should be pulled straight

up, not at an angle.

Founded in 1995 with an initial enrollment of six students, the International Junior

Golf Academy has grown into a leading program for training young golfers.

Combining academic, training, and competitive aspects, IJGA helps golfers

acquire the skills needed to succeed in their chosen endeavors. IJGA is located in

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Visit ijga.com for more information.