Golf Course Etiquette; What is proper golf course etiquette?

br> Golf course etiquette is extremely important to make sure that everyone has a fun, speedy and safe round.  This gentelman's sport just wouldn't be the same without it and it allows people to concentrate on their game without interference.

So what is proper golf course etiquette? If you just need a refresher or are new to the game of golf these are the rules of the course you need to remember.

Golf rules etiquette boils down to two factors. Being respectful to your fellow golfers and being respectful to the course.

Respect other Golfers:

Whether it be for safety or to avoid disrupting other golfers games the following etiquette should be respected.

Ensure other golfers are fully out of range before your group tees off. Also be sure that before you begin your swing that everyone is out of range of your club. Alert any green staff that might be nearby on the course that you are teeing off and finally if someone is in danger of being hit yell FORE!

Do not disturb or distract another player in any way. This includes talking or making unnecessary noise. Turn off your cell, blackberries and i-phones.

Do not tee off until it is your turn and conversely do not stand too close to the tee when it is someone else's chance to golf nor stand too close to the hole.

In terms of the short game do not stand in the way of anyones putting line, nor cast a shadow along it. It is appropriate golf course etiquette to stay on or close to the green until everyone has sunk their putts, but as with elsewhere on the course do not distract a putter in any way. If your ball is found along the putters line volunteer to mark your ball. If you are the closest to the pin and caddies are not a part of your game it is tradition that you man the flagstick.  

Maintaining a good pace with the golfers before and after you is expected. This means being ready to play when it is your turn and quickly leaving the greens when a hole is complete. If your group is impeding play for those behind you it is courteous to let this group play through. In line with maintaining pace do not spend too much time looking for your ball before playing a provisional ball.

Respect the Course:

It is common golf etiquette to put the course back the way it was before you played.

This means replace your divots and ball marks whether it be by directly replacing the displaced piece of earth or shaking on a seed and soil mixture that some courses provide.

In the bunkers use the rake to eliminate evidence of you having been in the bunker playing your shot.

In terms of the golf cart some courses apply a path only policy otherwise obey the 90 degree rule of thumb.

Even if you are a golf ball whacker an easy way to appear like an expert golfer is to have impeccable golf course etiquette.

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