Golf Etiquette and Pace of Play

 Golf Etiquette 

1. Please be considerate of others and do not disrupt them through excessive movement, giggling or noise made with the golf cart or clubs. 

2. Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course should be turned off or put on silent so that it does not distract other players. 

Pace of the Game 

1. Be aware of the groups in front of and behind you. If you do not see the group in front of you, or the group behind you is constantly waiting, you are playing too slow. 

2. When you arrive at the tee box, get out of the cart and quickly grab the appropriate club, ball and tee. It would be recommended to keep extra tees in your pocket in case one breaks. At the tee box, be ready to tee up as soon as possible.

3. When looking for lost balls, you have a three (3) minute limit. Someone (not the person searching for their own ball) in your group should be responsible for watching the time. 

4. When two (2) players in a cart hit to opposite sides of a hole, drive to the first ball and drop off player with their club, then drive to the second ball. After both players hit, meet up farther down the hole. 

5. When you have hit a shot that could be lost or out of bounds, always hit a provisional ball before looking for your original ball. 

6. Pay attention to the flight of your partners shot to limit the amount of time searching for their ball. 

7. When driving or walking to your ball in the fairway, start thinking ahead of time about the distance and the club needed for your next shot. Be ready in advance. From the time you determine your distance and select a club, it should take no more than 30-45 seconds to play your shot. 

8. Play ready golf. When your golf partner(s) are searching for their ball(s), go ahead and hit your ball first and then help them in their search once you have hit. 

9. When the course requires that we be “cart path only”, always take multiple clubs with you when walking to your ball. 

10. Limit practice swings to two. 

On the Green 

1. When approaching the green, move quickly to your ball and mark it. 

2. Begin reading the green and lining up your putt as soon as you reach the green. Do not wait until it is your turn to hit before going through this process. 

3. Repair ball marks. 

4. When leaving the green do not linger at your cart(s). Proceed quickly to the next tee box and then put away your clubs and mark your scorecard at this time. 

The most important thing is for everyone to have fun. If someone in your group questions you on a golf rule, make note and play two balls if necessary. After you have completed your round, ask your Rules Chairman or Golf Pro for a ruling. Do not let this affect the rest of your game in a negative way. No one knows all of the golf rules thoroughly and we are all out here to help educate one another.