Golf Etiquette and Golf Rules

Make your round a safe and enjoyable experience by respecting golfers you're playing with, behind and in front of. Be aware of the rules, they are there for a reason Mind your manners! Consideration for other players is a very important part of golf. In fact, how you act on a golf course is almost as important as how well you play. You could be a great golfer, but if you have awful manners, no one will like you and you will have to play by yourself, which is like never being picked for the team. You can be an awful golfer with good manners, and everyone will like you and want to play with you, That's just the way golf is. *

For a complete list of books suitable for kids on golf etiquette.

Courtesy on the golf course

• At the tee box always stand behind and to the side of the player hitting.
  
• No talking, no yelling.
  
• Same rules apply on the fairway.
  
• Learn the golf clap. Normal clapping is loud and makes a slapping noise.
  
• Closest ball goes first, everyone else stands back quietly.
  
• Be ready to play when it is your turn.
  
• When you are playing slowly or looking for a lost ball, ask the group behind you to play through, so you do not slow everyone down.
  
• Write down scores at the next tee box, not on the green you are on. Never take more than one practice swing, if any.
• If you gotta go. Be sure to pee in the clubhouse or in the outhouses - never pee on the course.

Practice safety first

• Both in play and in practice, always make sure that no one is near you when you swing.
  
• Double check that no one is ahead of you where your shot might hit them.
  
• If your shot should be heading out of bounds be sure to yell FORE!
• Never throw a club. This is the A-1 rule. Also never play with people who throw clubs. They're usually jerks. Also, you can be hit by a flying Callaway.
  

Taking care of the course

• Always remember to rake a bunker after you have played from it.
  
• Replace divots and repair depressions made when your ball hits the green. These are called "ball marks."