14 RULES OF GOLF ETIQUETTE YOU ARE PROBABLY BREAKING

Golf prides itself as a “gentleman’s game.” En the masse, golfers take this mantra to heart, adhering not only to the rules, but towards standard etiquette on the golf course and to their fellow hackers. Unfortunately, due to bad habits or general ignorance, there remains a multitude of breaches of etiquette. We’re all guilty of some fallacy; it’s simply a matter of understanding proper procedures. Here are the 14 manners of golf etiquette that are commonly violated. Click through and see if you know them all

Showing up less than 15 minutes before your tee time

Working at a golf course for years, I know this drives the starter and those in the shop nuts. It potentially puts the rest of the tee sheet in danger of delay. The 15-minute period is actually generous; most courses would prefer golfers be on the course 30 minutes before balls are in the air.

Putting with too many balls on the practice green

If you’re by yourself, feel free to go nuts. If the area is crowded, no more than two practice balls, or else you’re hogging real estate.

Failing to pick up the flagstick

Ever have that awkward moment where you’re the last to finish, and as you head to the next tee box, you realize the pin remains on the ground, forcing a walk of shame back to the green? Luckily, it wasn’t your fault. If you’re the first to finish out, you should immediately grab the pin.

Cart-path only? Carry more than one club to your shot

Having to run back to find the right stick will slow things up.

Looking longer than five minutes for a lost ball

We get it: Golf balls are expensive, and it’s nice you’re risking the threat of poison ivy to find another’s ball. But there’s a difference between making an honest effort and belaboring the point. After five minutes, come to peace with the ball’s disappearance and move on.

Talking to someone’s ball

Well-intentioned as it is, it’s annoying, and to some, disingenuous.

Standing behind someone as they putt

Even if not directly behind them, overtly going to school on someone’s putt is untoward.

Walking in a player’s “through line”

Many amateurs are unaware that a putter’s line extends two-three feet past the hole. This is essential, as if a putt misses long, the through line is where the ball will end up, and it is the path for a golfer to finish the hole out. Next time you watch a tour event, keep an eye on Phil Mickelson. He’ll routinely practice a putt on the through line side of the cup.

Placing bag on a tee box

Congrats, you decided to walk over ride. Alas, many that shoulder their sticks fail to keep their stand off the tee box. There’s the potential to scuff up the hitting area, but of greater note, bags can be distracting if it’s in a player’s striking vision. Speaking of bags…

Walking across the green with your bag

The extra weight can make an imprint on the green. Traversing the fringe is fine, but keep off the dance floor.

Lack of divot pattern on the driving range

There are differing opinions on the right method — some belief your divots should be in a row, others in vertical lines — but there’s unquestionably a wrong one, as scattering your shots chews up more turf than you need.

If you’re terribly behind on a match play hole, pick up

The beauty of match play is that strokes don’t carry over to the next hole. If its apparent you’ve already lost, pocket the balata and get moving.

Checking your phone too much

It’s one thing to check a score or send a text between holes. But continually attached to your phone goes against the spirit of being with friends or one with nature. Even if not causing an audible disruption, you’re telling your group that you find them tedious and boring.

Gimmes

This goes in both directions: Not being charitable enough (making someone finish tap-ins every hole) or going overboard (nice that you want to give a partner a downhill eight-footer, but it’s breaking the spirit of the gesture).

Source: Golf Digest

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