Golfing etiquette is an integral part of golf that helps define the game and makes it such a great and unique sport. Golf etiquette treats all golfers as equals.
Understanding etiquette on the green will not only elevate your golfing
sportsmanship but will make you a comfortable and cherished golfing partner.
No-one really likes to play with a rude or discourteous partner.
Before Reaching the Golfing Green
One of
the most important rules applies to greens starts before you even reach the
green. Under no circumstances take your trolley, carry-bag, or golf cart unto
the green area. It must be treated as sacrosanct.
Mark and Pick up Your Ball on the Putting Green
Upon
reaching the green and providing every other players ball is on the green the
players closest to the hole will mark and pick up their balls. It is important
here not to step on any other players putting line to the hole even if this
does mean a long walk around a line. When using your ball marker ensure it is
placed first at the back of the ball and then the ball is lifted.
Moving Your Ball Marker if It's on A Putting Line
If the
marker is in a direct line of another player’s putting line, ask them if they
would like the marker moved left or right. This prevents any chance that the
marker may impede the other player’s ball. Use you putter head to gauge the
necessary distance
Avoid Another Players Putting Line
By
avoiding another player’s putting line (the line the ball will take to the
hole) it shows that you do not want your golfing shoes and spikes to cause any
indentations on the green which might affect the other player’s putts.
Always Ensure You're Repairing Pitch Marks
Always
repair any pitch marks that your ball may have made upon the greens surface.
Also etiquette dictates that you should also repair any pitch marks left by
other inconsiderate golfers. It takes a few seconds, whereas if left damaged
the marks will take many weeks to heal to the detriment of all other players.
The
correct way to repair pitch marks is to use your pitch repairer to pull the
edges of the hole closed. Then use your putter to gently pat down. You should
not lift any part of the green when repairing pitch marks.
Ask Your Playing Partners Flag Tended or Removed
It is
always courteous to offer the player taking their putt (especially if they have
a long putt) if they would prefer the flag tended or removed. Hold the flag
steady and be prepared to take it from the hole when the ball approaches.
Ensure that the flag is not blowing loosely in the wind as the noise this
causes is distracting to the other golfers. Also do not rest the bottom of the
flag on the green as it could cause damage. Rest it on top of your golfing shoe
and be careful not to damage the side of the hole as your replace the flag.
Replacing the Golfing Flag Pin
When the
other golfing players no longer need the flag tended it has to be removed to
the edge of the green and placed on the ground. No golf ball must touch the
flag pin when putting otherwise a penalty is incurred.
The Importance of Quietness in Golf
Always
keep quiet when another player is concentrating to take their shot as any
unnecessary distraction could break their mind-set and force them to spoil their
putt.
Beware of Causing Distraction when Playing Golf - Shadows
On a
summers day if shadows are present make sure your shadow does not fall on the
other player’s ball, putt line, on the actual hole. If another player is not
aware of this then ask them kindly if they would move so the shadow does not
distract your or your partners golfing putt.
Following
golf etiquette guide around the golf green will earn you respect from other
players and allow everybody to enjoy their round of golf as much as possible.
Remember the green is the focal point of many actions and should be treated
with respect, and the same is applicable for the other payers too.
