Etiquette
Etiquette = Respect

There are manners and customs in golf known as etiquette.  The idea behind etiquette is to give everyone a chance to play their best, compete fairly and have fun.  Golf etiquette is a mixture of common sense and courtesy.  Every golfer regardless of experience or level of play will be expected to abide by the same code of behaviour.  Even when you step onto a golf course for the first time, there will be an expectation that you understand and observe the code of behaviour:

Golf is a quiet game  - never shout, talk loudly or call out to friends on other holes.  If you are too noisy you could distract other golfers and spoil their fun.

  • Stand quietly and safely away from the player swinging or putting.
  • No temper tantrums – just grin and bear it (always abide by the principle of fair play)
  • Step over others putting lines – don’t scuff the greens.
  • When looking for your ball you may take up to 5 minutes.  If your group has slowed down allow the group behind to play through if there is enough space ahead.
  • Move off the green as soon as the last player holes out and record the scores on the next tee.
  • Watch your ball until it comes to rest, line it up with a reference point beyond it.
  • Repair all divots and ball mark, yours and others.
  • Club throwing, swearing, cheating and littering is unacceptable.
  • Take no more that one practice swing before your shot.
  • Put an identification mark on your ball.
  • You may carry up to 14 clubs in your bag.
  • Teeing ground – tee off between and not in front of the tee markers.  You may tee off up to 2 club lengths behind the front line of the markers.

Do’s & Don’ts:

DO

  • Enjoy the game
  • Consider the enjoyment of others
  • Play without delay
  • Be ready to play when it is your shot
  • Allow others to play through if searching for a lost ball
  • Rake a bunker after playing from it
  • Repair divot holes and pitch marks
  • After use place rakes outside bunkers

 DON’T

  • Behave in an unsportsmanlike manner, throw clubs or make unnecessary noise on the course
  • Play a shot until the group in front are out of range
  • Stand too close to a person playing the shot
  • Leave you bag in front of the green
  • Write down scores while on the green
  • Take too many practice swings
  • Slide, drag feet or lean on putter or flagstick on the green