It doesn’t matter if you’ve been playing golf for years, or if you are a beginner in the sport, you may need a few reminders of the appropriate etiquette for a game of golf. The following are suggestions for proper golf etiquette and tips for respecting the course.
Fore!: You have probably seen or heard it in golfing movies or perhaps while watching a game on tv. A player takes a shot and yells “fore,” but perhaps you’ve noticed that it doesn’t happen as often anymore. We can’t express the importance enough, even if you think it’s unnecessary, it’s better to warn someone than to have someone get injured. It is a great way to give other players, golf cart drivers and spectators a warning. Safety first, always.
Cell Phones: Absolutely no cell phones on the course or in the clubhouse. This is a show of respect for other players as well as your own teammates. Cell phones can be a huge distraction and the last thing you want is to be thrown off by someone’s annoying cell phone ringer. Most people keep their phone close at all times, so consider putting it on silent and placing it in your GB-26WP waterproof golf bag while you are on the course.
Divots: Be sure to always replace your divots. Fill them in and try to leave the course as you found it, the more you do it, the more it sets the stage for the person behind you to follow suit.
Game Talk: It’s normal to have a conversation going while you’re playing the game, but if you are planning to talk about the details of the game you played last weekend or get into some heavy topic, no one really wants to hear about it. Try to keep prior game conversation to a minimum and overall, keep the conversation light and polite. A golf game is not the time or place to discuss drama, anger or heavy emotions. Some players like to play music while they walk the course and this is okay as long as your Bluetooth wireless speaker is set at the lowest volume. Remember that other players on the course might not want to have to listen to your choice of music.
Rough Day: Bad days happen, and typically we humans like to push through and try to right the unpleasantness of a rough day. Know your limits and call it quits if you are struggling on the course. You can’t expect to have great rounds every time you play. Sometimes it’s better to pack up and try again the next day.
Practice Swings: We’ve all been taught that practice makes perfect, and for the most part it’s true. But there are also times when too much practice becomes a hindrance to your game. It’s normal to take a few practice swings, but don’t overdo it. If you make too many practice swings, you can burn yourself out before you even start your game.
Have Fun: The most important tip of all is to remember to have fun! This is a game after all and if you aren’t having an enjoyable time, you are in it for the wrong reasons. Try to remember that you might have a rough game here and there but it’s all for the greater good of being on the course, outside and usually with good company. Enjoy yourself!
