Basic Golf Etiquette Tips for Beginners

Golf is one of the oldest sports out there. Those who have played for a while know the ins and outs, but for beginners the basic golf etiquette can be a little muddy. Here are 20 basic golf etiquette tips you should know before you hit the course:

1. Be sure to be patient and respect other players on the course as you wish to be respected.
   Don't produce any loud noise. Normal speaking or conversation is ok; shouting or loud laughing is not!
2. Be prepared to arrive at your scheduled tee-off in time.
3. Always check your marker and your ball number in order to avoid confusion (and possible stroke-penalties!) during the game.
4. Don't make practice swings on the teeoff zone.
5. Do not stand too close behind, near or in front of any other player.
6. Be absolutely quiet while any other player wants to make his shot.
7. On the first tee usually the player with the lowest handicap has the right to start the game by doing his first shot. On all other tees the player with the best score out of the previous hole has "the honor", meaning he has the right to play his ball first.
8. Always be prepared to play your ball in order to avoid any delay in the game.
9. Leave tee immediately after you made your shot.
10. Take care for a flowing game! Don't stand or wait if not necessary.
11. Don't play your stroke if other players intend to do their puts on any green in the neighborhood.
12. Don't play your shot as long as any player in front of you may be in hit distance to you.
13. Replace divots and step it into place, repair any damage caused e.g. by your spikes, pitch marks etc. immediately.
14. After any bunker play be sure to use the rake and leave the bunker in perfect condition.
15. Don't drive your buggy or trolley over teeoff areas, greens or through sand bunker.
16. Before putting be sure to leave your trolley somewhere beside the green, preferably in an area beside the next teeoff zone.
17. Adapt your walking speed to that of your flight partners. Neither walk too fast nor to slow, try to stand somewhere beside the player who has to do the next shot.
18. While walking to your ball, try to consider how to play it best.
19. If possible, try to observe not only your own but also the balls of the other players in your flight. This will help to save time in case one of your partners may not be able to find his ball immediately after his shot.
20. In case you or your flight is forced to search after any lost ball, invite the following flight to follow through before continuing your search.