Golf Etiquette

The way you conduct yourself on a golf course is paramount to the game, and to your enjoyment when participating.

The Following "Golf Etiquette" guidelines are basics which should be observed where possible.

Safety
Do not stand too close to the player making a stroke. Prior to playing a stroke or making a practice swing, the player should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, twigs or the like that may be moved by the stroke of a swing.

Consideration for others
Do not stand directly behind the player making a stroke.

Undue Delay
Wherever possible prepare to play your next stroke whilst others are playing. In the interest of all, players should play without delay. However in doing so ensure you are not in a position to affect the play of others.

Lost Ball
Allow others to play through if searching for a lost ball. Players searching for a ball should signal the players behind them to pass as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not be found easily.

Priority on the course
A single player has no standing and should give way to a match of any kind.

• In the absence of special rules, two-ball matches should have precedence over and be entitled to pass any three or four-ball match, which should invite them through.
• Any match playing a whole round is entitled to pass a match playing a shorter round.
• If a group fails to keep its place on the course and loses more than one clear hole on the players in front, it should invite the following group to pass.

Bunkers
Before leaving a bunker, a player should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes. This allows the next player to have a fair lie. To minimise the disturbance of sand, always enter and leave a bunker at its lowest point.

Q. Should rakes be placed in or outside bunkers?
A. It is recommended that rakes be placed outside bunkers, as far away from the bunkers as practical and in positions where they will be least likely to affect play.

Replace Divots 
Anywhere on the course, a player should ensure that any turf cut or displaced is replaced at once and pressed down.

Repair Ball Marks
Any damage caused by balls landing on the green should be levelled with a pitch mark repairer or tee peg and then tapped down with a putter. A player should ensure that any damage to the putting green made by a ball is carefully repaired.

Damage to Greens and Flagstick
Do not lean on a putter or flagstick.
Players should ensure that when placing flagsticks on the green no damage is caused to the putting green. In particular, ensure:

• That neither they nor their caddies damage the hole by standing too close to it, in handling the flagstick or removing the ball from the hole.
• The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players leave the putting green.
• Players should not damage the putting green by leaning on the putters, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.
• When attending the flagstick, wherever possible, hold the flag itself and stand at arms length from the hole.

General Green Care

• Do not cause damage to the green by dragging your golf shoes.
• Do not walk on your opponents or fellow competitors line.
• After completion of the hole, repair any spike damage done as a courtesy to those playing behind.

Golf Carts 
Carts must at all times be driven with a high regard for the course. Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be strictly observed.  Drivers should remain on designated paths, avoid severe braking or turning, park as far away as practically possible from greens, tees and hazards, and above all use common sense.

General Course Care
Do Not take trolleys and trundlers onto tees or greens. In taking practice swings, players should avoid causing damage to the course, particularly the tees, by taking divots.

General Behaviour
Have due regard for your playing partner - be courteous and watch where his ball lands. Golf is a sport of great tradition characterised by golfer’s exemplary behaviour and sense of fair play.  No unsportsmanlike behaviour is tolerated.  Loss of temper, verbal abuse of officials or players, deliberately distracting opponents, throwing of clubs and shouting are not acceptable.

Slow Play
Do not mark your card while on the green. Slow play is one of golf's most undesirable aspects.  Playing with or behind slow players can detract from the game and leave a bitter taste after a round.  Beginners can be particularly prone to slow play.  If however golfers observe the following points, slow play can be eliminated:

• Walk quickly between shots
• Be ready to play when it is your turn
• Do not leave your golf bag at the front of the green; always leave it at the side of the green in the direction of the next tee
• Try to hole out short putts, unless you will be standing on another player's line. 
• Allow two ball matches priority
• Be ready to call a group through if it is apparent that you will be searching for a ball for some time
• Do not address the ball for too long and be ready to execute your shot as soon as you are set up

Dress
Football or tennis shorts, track suits, t-shirts and jeans are generally not permitted.

On the COURSE - Dress rules vary from club to club.  It pays to find out in advance about special requirements both on and off the course.

In the CLUBHOUSE - Smart casual dress is readily acceptable by most clubs, but respect the club-house rules and dress accordingly.

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