Golf Etiquette: 15 Rules Every New Golfer Should Know

Your first day on a real golf course can feel like walking into a fancy dinner party where everyone knows the secret handshake except you. Which club should you use? Where should you stand while others are hitting? Is it okay to talk? And why is everyone giving you the side-eye when you’re taking practice swings? The good news: golf etiquette isn’t designed to trip you up or make you feel unwelcome. These unwritten rules exist to keep the game safe, fair, and enjoyable for everyoneincluding you.

Quick Takeaways

• Arrive early (at least 30 minutes before your tee time) to prepare without rushing
• Dress appropriately according to the course’s specific requirements
• Keep pace with the group ahead, not just ahead of the group behind
• Repair your divots and ball marks plus one extra as a courtesy
• Stay quiet and still when others are preparing to hit
• Never walk across another player’s putting line on the green
• Be ready to play when it’s your turn to maintain good pace
• Limit phone use to essential calls or golf apps only
• Limit ball searches to 3 minutes to maintain pace of play
• Shake hands and thank your playing partners after the round

Why Golf Etiquette Matters

Golf stands apart from many other sports because players self-regulate without referees or umpires. The game’s traditions of courtesy, respect, and sportsmanship create an environment where everyone from beginners to pros can enjoy the same course on the same day.

For new players, understanding basic etiquette isn’t about following arbitrary rulesit’s your express pass to feeling comfortable and confident on the course. When you know the unwritten social protocols, you can focus on improving your game rather than worrying if you’re doing something wrong.

Let’s dive into the 15 essential etiquette rules that will help you navigate the golf course like you’ve been playing for years, even if you’re still figuring out which end of the club to hold.

1. Arrive Early: Give Yourself Time to Prepare

Unlike many sports where you simply show up at game time, golf requires preparation. Arriving at least 30 minutes before your tee time gives you space to:

• Check in at the pro shop
• Change into golf shoes
• Organize your equipment
• Roll a few practice putts
• Take some warm-up swings
• Meet your playing partners

Why it matters: Rushing creates stress for you and delays for everyone else on the course. A calm, prepared golfer is a more effective (and happier) golfer.

If you’re running late: Call the pro shop to let them know. They may be able to adjust your tee time or pair you with a later group.

“I always tell beginners to think of their tee time as the time they need to be on the first tee, fully prepared and ready to hitnot the time to pull into the parking lot.” PGA Teaching Professional

2. Dress the Part: Understand Course Dress Codes

Golf has clothing traditions that vary by facility. While some public courses are relaxed, others maintain specific dress codes. Generally acceptable golf attire includes:

For men:

• Collared shirts or mock-neck golf shirts
• Golf slacks or shorts (typically Bermuda length)
• Golf shoes (with soft spikes) or athletic shoes

For women:

• Collared shirts, blouses, or golf-appropriate tops
• Golf skirts, shorts, or slacks
• Golf shoes (with soft spikes) or athletic shoes

Items typically not permitted:

• Denim/jeans
• T-shirts or tank tops
• Athletic/gym shorts or sweatpants
• Bare feet

Why it matters: Appropriate attire shows respect for the course and its traditions. Dressing appropriately also helps you feel like you belong.

Before you go: Check the course website or call ahead to verify their specific dress code. If in doubt, slightly more formal is safer than too casual.

3. Maintain Pace of Play: Keep Up With the Group Ahead

The single most important courtesy in golf is maintaining a good pace of play. This doesn’t mean rushingit means playing efficiently.

Best practices for maintaining pace:

• Be ready when it’s your turn to hit
• Limit practice swings to one or two
• Play “ready golf” when appropriate (hitting when ready rather than strictly following order)
• Watch where your ball goes to avoid lengthy searches
• If you’re holding up the group behind, invite them to play through

Why it matters: Slow play creates a frustrating experience for everyone on the course and can cause significant backup on busy days.

Pace guideline: A foursome should complete 18 holes in about 4 to 4.5 hours. For 9 holes, aim for 2 to 2.25 hours.

If you’re still learning: Consider playing during less busy times or starting with 9 holes until you build speed and confidence.

“Good golfers aren’t necessarily fast; they’re efficient. They’re thinking about their next shot while others are hitting, and they’re always ready when it’s their turn.” Golf Course Manager with 20+ years experience

4. Repair Divots and Ball Marks: Leave the Course Better Than You Found It

Golf courses require constant maintenance, and players are expected to assist in keeping the course in good condition.

How to fix a divot: When you take a chunk of turf with your swing (a divot), either:

• Replace the divot piece by setting it back in place and pressing down firmly with your foot, or
• Fill the hole with the sand/seed mixture provided in bottles or containers on your cart

How to repair a ball mark: When your ball lands on the green, it often leaves an indentation:

• Insert a divot tool or tee just outside the depression, not in the center
• Gently push the edge toward the center, working your way around the mark
• Smooth the area with your putter (don’t lift up as this damages the roots)

The “plus one” rule: A longtime tradition in golf is to repair your damage plus one morefixing an extra divot or ball mark left by another player.

Why it matters: Proper course care ensures good playing conditions for everyone. Unrepaired damage can take weeks to heal and affects play quality.

5. Master Bunker Etiquette: Enter, Play, Rake, Exit

Sand bunkers (or “sand traps”) have specific etiquette requirements:

Before your shot:

• Enter from the lowest point of the bunker to prevent damaging the edge
• Don’t ground your club in the sand before your swing (this is actually a rule, not just etiquette)

After your shot:

• Take the rake with you into the bunker
• Rake all areas where you disturbed the sand, including footprints
• Leave the rake outside the bunker, parallel to play (or according to course policy)

Why it matters: Playing from footprints or unraked sand is extremely difficult. Proper raking provides a fair playing surface for the next golfer.

If there’s no rake available: Do your best to smooth the sand with your foot or club.

6. Golf Cart Conduct: Drive Responsibly

If you’re using a golf cart, follow these guidelines:

Basic cart rules:

• Follow all posted cart direction signs
• Keep carts on paths around tees and greens (typically 30 yards from greens)
• Use the 90-degree rule when in effect (drive on the path until even with your ball, then turn 90 degrees)
• Never drive through wet or damaged areas
• Keep all four wheels on the path when cart-path-only rules are in effect

Cart parking:

• Park carts on the side or behind greens, never in front
• Position your cart in the direction of the next hole to save time
• Apply the brake when parked

Why it matters: Improper cart use can damage the course, especially in wet conditions, leading to poor playing surfaces and increased maintenance costs.

“I’ve seen $1 million worth of course damage in a single day from golf carts driving where they shouldn’t during wet conditions.” Golf Course Superintendent

7. Honor the Silence: Quiet During Shots

Golf requires concentration, and unexpected noises or movements can be extremely distracting.

When to be still and quiet:

• When anyone is preparing to hit a shot
• When anyone is putting
• When asked for quiet by another player

What to avoid:

• Talking or whispering
• Moving clubs or equipment
• Standing where you might distract the player (in their line of sight)
• Using your phone
• Making sudden movements

Why it matters: Distractions can ruin a player’s concentration and affect their shot. Golf is unique in requiring this level of courtesy.

If you accidentally cause a distraction: A simple, quiet apology is sufficient. Don’t overdo it with explanations that create further distraction.

8. Respect the Green: Putting Etiquette

The putting green has special etiquette considerations:

Putting line protocol:

• Never walk on another player’s putting line (the path between their ball and the hole)
• Step carefully on the green to avoid leaving spike marks
• Don’t stand where you might cast a shadow across another player’s line

Flagstick handling:

• The first player to finish putting typically attends to the flagstick
• Place the flagstick gently on the green when removed, don’t drop it
• Replace the flagstick when everyone has finished the hole

Ball marking:

• Mark your ball when it might interfere with another player’s putt
• Use a small coin or designated ball marker placed behind the ball
• When moving your mark for another player’s putt, measure precisely with your putter head

Why it matters: The green is the most delicate and important part of each hole. Damage to the green affects everyone’s ability to putt accurately.

9. Ready Golf: Be Prepared for Your Shot

Playing “ready golf” means being prepared to hit when it’s your turn, which helps maintain pace of play:

How to play ready golf:

• While others are hitting, decide on your club and strategy (without disturbing them)
• Have the necessary equipment (tees, ball marker, glove) ready
• Take only one or two practice swings
• If you’re ready and it’s safe, hit your shot even if you’re not away (furthest from the hole)

Exceptions to ready golf:

• On the tee box, honor (lowest score on the previous hole goes first) still applies in many groups
• In tournament play, the away player still traditionally plays first

Why it matters: Ready golf can save 30+ minutes per round without rushing, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

10. Tee Box Awareness: Where to Stand and When

The tee box has specific etiquette protocols:

When another player is hitting:

• Stand still outside their peripheral vision
• Stand safely away from potential errant shots
• Stay quiet until they’ve completed their swing

When it’s your turn:

• Have your tee, ball, and club ready
• Make any swing thoughts or adjustments behind the tee markers
• Hit from between the tee markers

Why it matters: Proper positioning ensures safety and prevents distractions during the critical first shot of each hole.

Where to stand: Position yourself even with the player hitting, but at least 6 feet away, either to their right (for a right-handed golfer) or to their left (for a left-handed golfer)never directly behind or in front of them.

11. Flagstick Protocol: Handling the Pin

The flagstick (or “pin”) requires specific handling:

When approaching the green:

• Ask if anyone wants the flagstick attended or removed
• If attending, stand at arm’s length from the flagstick, away from the player’s putting line
• Remove the flagstick when requested, and step away from the line

While putting:

• Since 2019, players may putt with the flagstick in the hole if preferred
• Agree with your group on a consistent approach to the flagstick

After everyone has holed out:

• The first player to hole out typically retrieves the flagstick and replaces it when everyone is finished
• Place the flagstick in the hole gently to avoid damaging the hole’s edge

Why it matters: Proper flagstick handling prevents damage to the hole and green while facilitating efficient play.

12. Score With Courtesy: When and Where to Record Scores

Recording scores has etiquette considerations:

When to record scores:

• On the next tee box, not on or around the green you just completed
• While other players are teeing off (if you’re not up first)

How to record efficiently:

• Use a dedicated golf app, scorecard, or simple note in your phone
• Develop a habit of recording immediately upon reaching the next tee

Why it matters: Recording scores on the green delays play for groups behind you. Moving promptly to the next tee keeps pace flowing.

13. Minimize Distractions: Phone and Music Etiquette

Modern technology has its place on the golf coursewith limitations:

Phone guidelines:

• Set your phone to silent or vibrate
• Take calls only when necessary and away from other players
• Use golf apps (rangefinders, scorecards) discreetly
• Avoid lengthy texting sessions or social media browsing that might slow play

Music considerations:

• Always ask your playing partners if music is acceptable
• Keep volume low enough that it cannot be heard from another fairway
• Be prepared to turn it off if requested

Why it matters: Golf is a sport that values focus, natural surroundings, and social interaction. Technology should enhance, not distract from, the experience.

14. Lost Ball Protocol: Efficient Searching

Looking for lost balls is inevitable in golf, but there are courteous ways to handle it:

The 3-minute rule:

• Limit searches to 3 minutes (official USGA rule)
• If others are waiting, consider taking a penalty and dropping a new ball sooner

Search etiquette:

• Have everyone in your group help search
• If the group behind catches up, wave them through before continuing
• Know when to declare a ball lost and move on

Why it matters: Extensive ball searches are a leading cause of slow play. The 3-minute rule balances fairness with pace of play.

Provisional ball tip: If you think your ball might be lost or out of bounds, announce “I’m hitting a provisional” and hit another ball. This saves time if your original ball isn’t found.

15. End on a High Note: Post-Round Etiquette

The conclusion of your round has its own traditions:

After the final hole:

• Remove your hat and shake hands with all playing partners
• Thank them for the round, regardless of how you played
• Avoid extensive post-mortems about bad shots or missed putts
• Clear the area promptly so the group behind can finish

Score posting:

• Remember to post your score for handicap purposes if you maintain one
• Return any rental equipment promptly

Why it matters: These closing courtesies maintain the sport’s traditions of sportsmanship and mutual respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I accidentally break an etiquette rule?

Simply apologize briefly and continue play. Everyone makes mistakes, especially beginners. Most golfers are understandingthey were beginners once too.

How strictly are these rules enforced at public courses versus private clubs?

Private clubs typically maintain stricter etiquette standards, but the basics apply everywhere. Public courses may be more relaxed about dress codes and some traditions, but pace of play and course care remain important everywhere.

Which etiquette rules are most important to follow?

Pace of play, course care (fixing divots and ball marks), and not disrupting others’ shots are the most critical. Master these first if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Do I need to know all the official USGA rules to play golf?

Not for casual play. Basic understanding of penalties, out of bounds, lost balls, and water hazards is sufficient for beginners. You can learn additional rules as situations arise.

How can I politely let others know I’m a beginner?

Simply mentioning “I’m pretty new to the game” at the beginning of a round sets appropriate expectations. Most experienced golfers will gladly offer helpful tips if you’re open to them.

Final Thoughts: Confidence Through Knowledge

Golf etiquette may seem intimidating at first, but it quickly becomes second nature. Remember these principles:

• Safety (being aware of others around you)
• Respect (for the course, other players, and traditions)
• Pace (maintaining efficient play)

With these fundamentals and the specific guidelines above, you’ll navigate the course with confidence from day one. Every experienced golfer started as a beginner, and most will be patient with newcomers who show they care about the game’s etiquette.

The joy of golf comes from the beautiful settings, the challenge of improvement, and the camaraderie with other players. Proper etiquette enhances all three aspects, making the experience better for everyoneespecially you, as you begin your golf journey.

What has been your experience with golf etiquette as a new player? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.

“Etiquette is not about rigid rules or making newcomers feel unwelcome. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can enjoy this wonderful game to its fullest.” Former PGA Tour player and instructor