The sport of golf is on an upswing—pun intended—meaning that there are many new players on the course, making good golf etiquette more important than ever. Here are several basics to keep your time on the green an enjoyable experience for all.
Before ‘Fore!’
Being “late to the tee” is a serious offense. Under U.S. Golf Association rules, being late by up to five minutes incurs a two-stroke penalty, while arriving more than five minutes late gets you disqualified. Recreational courses vary on how strictly they enforce the rules, but it’s best to plan to be on the course 30 minutes before your tee time. If you want to practice on the putting green, make that 45 minutes.Turn off your cellphone, and stand still and quiet as other players make their shots. Face the person playing, behind the line of their ball. Never tee your ball before it’s your turn to play. When it’s your turn, make sure that the group ahead of you is out of range.
