Saturday, October 10, 2009

Golf Etiquette: What You Need to Know

By Dan Easterling

Golf is a dignified game of rules and manners, and it's important to know the basics before you play for the first time. Whether you are playing alone, in a twosome or a foursome, you must wait your turn. You must keep aware of the group on the next hole and wait until they are well ahead of you before hitting your ball.

It's never cool to "push" the group in front of you. If you are playing with others, wait for your turn to hit the ball; never hit at the same time as another player.

While you wait for your turn, go to your ball and determine what club you'll need and how you are going to hit it. This is called "ready golf" and keeps the game moving. Don't rush, just be ready.

Another way of keeping the game pleasant is to wave players through if they are close behind you in play. This does two things: makes the whole golf course play smooth for you and others and encourages others keep etiquette in mind.

Replace your divots. When, in the fairway, you hit the ball and a clod of dirt and grass goes flying, replace it. On some courses you just put the clod back and step on it to press it on; on most courses, there is a sand/seed mixture on your card to put into the divot. If your ball makes a deep impression when it lands on the green, use your divot tool to repair it.

As soon as you have completed a hole, replace the flag and leave the green so that the next players can play. Count your score and write it on the scorecard when you're back at your cart.

There are many rules to golf, and this has been an introductory glance at the rules, at best. However, these simple rules will allow you to play, enjoy, and follow the basic rules of game etiquette.

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