Open up the USGA Rules of Golf booklet and the first section you'll find is on the subject of etiquette.
The placement there is no accident.
The definition of the word is rather straightforward—“the customary code of polite behavior in society among members of a particular profession or group.”
Golfers are a distinct group in society. From the sport’s earliest days, it was governed, albeit informally, by a code of behavior with clear responsibilities that each player was expected to follow.
The importance of etiquette is rarely emphasized but it sets forth the crucial foundation in how all intersections come about. Etiquette provides the social glue in how players comport themselves, how they demonstrate respect to fellow players, and, just as importantly, to those playing but situated in other groups.
The underlying operative word for etiquette—respect.
Unfortunately, recreational golfers have picked up on actions demonstrated by elite pro golfers on television.
In those circumstances the customary code of polite behavior has hit a few noticeable potholes.
Tiger Woods, despite his mindboggling playing achievements, has garnered nearly as much attention for repeated etiquette violations when competing.
Woods has tossed golf clubs at times when planned shots went awry. Woods also coupled those transgressions by using foul language which was picked up by on-course microphones. The words spoken were clearly not fit for tender ears.
Woods is not the only prominent player that has allowed his emotions to overcome him. Rory McIlroy has, on a few occasions, thrown clubs in anger over misplayed shots.
What’s unclear is whether the PGA Tour has fined either player or those doing similarly. As a matter of internal policy, the PGA Tour does not announce or comment on fines for such unacceptable actions.
Unquestionably, playing golf can be extremely frustrating at times. There are moments when emotions become quite raw and the need to express oneself can cross a clear line of civility. However, adherence to etiquette keeps players aware that their individual needs have to be sensitive to how others are affected.
Yet the failure of sound etiquette practices goes beyond boorish behavior from watching pro golf telecasts.
The prime culprit these days is the ubiquitous nature of cell phones
The invasion has spread to golf courses like the plague. To combat the proliferation many facilities have adopted an array of different cell phone policies. The result? Some meet with success but many others are clearly ineffective.
Some have gone to the strictest of policies in forbidding usage anywhere on the property and limiting usage to parking areas provided the user is within the vehicle.
What’s disturbing is far too many golfers view cell phone usage as a divine right on par with a freedom of speech connection. Having to hear someone bellow into a phone shows blatant disrespect while nearby players are attempting to play without all the background noise.
The self-absorption of the person doing the call is almost always a given. It amazes me how someone believes they can do two things well at the same time.
Some sneak in cell phone usage via a slightly less obnoxious manner. That generally means players constantly texting. The spirit of golf comes from the healthy interactions that take place between players. The cell phone is a mechanism for a player to divorce oneself from the beneficial social intercourse by blatantly operating in a self-enclosed silo world.
Then there are facilities that seek to provide a middle-ground approach in permitting cell phone usage on the course but relying on the good judgment of those using them. That’s a seriously flawed approach as the interpretation of what constitutes “good judgment” varies widely.
Right behind cell usage is the selfish ritual of slow play. The main issue? Not being ready to play.
Consider this, do you arrive at the course in sufficient time before the round commences? Basic etiquette means being ready to play before one’s actual tee time. Showing up at the 1st tee with just 1–2 minutes to spare demonstrates a clear disconnection from those who are ready to play.
When playing do you go directly to your ball before it becomes your turn? That means getting your distance yardage and then selecting the club for the shot faced. Far too many people are unprepared and then go through a variety of tap dance maneuvers before actually pulling the trigger in swinging the club.
Rounds of four hours are routinely exceeded because players fail to realize proper etiquette entails an awareness to one’s pace of play at all times.
Plenty of clubs emphasize verbally the important of speed of play but then forget to do the actual heavy lifting in enforcing transgressions when they happen. In the mind of management, it’s better to insult the bulk of players who have to wait interminably rather than deal directly with the tortoises causing the issue.
When it’s clear your score on a given hole is ballooning because of inferior play do you simply pocket your ball and take the maximum number and move on to the next hole? Frankly, your golf adventure is not being recorded for posterity to be seen later on the Golf Channel.
Sometimes the issue is not about the players but how management includes various distractions. Food and drink carts are sent out and rove the course for players needing constant refreshment. For some groups, the interruption of play is rarely brief and the net result is the eating up—no pun intended—of more clock time.
Just remember—nobody cares if you are a poor player, but they’ll care if you’re slow.
Often the most basic of housekeeping transgressions happen again and again but can be quickly remedied. Do you fix ball marks caused by a golf ball’s impact on the green? When leaving a bunker—do you make sure the footprints are smoothed out? When taking a divot—is the grass replaced or filled with topdressing?
Do you stand still and quiet when someone is about to hit a golf shot? Do you notice where golf balls are marked on the putting green and make sure you don’t step anywhere near the line of putt each has?
A golf course is metaphorically a highway filled with players. Keeping pace is essential in keeping traffic flowing smoothly. If your group is clearly struggling to keep up, then letting the group behind play through should be common practice. For many golfers, the notion of allowing the group to pass is viewed as a badge of dishonor when the exact opposite is the case.
The proliferation of power carts is another etiquette nightmare. Far too many people use such transports and equate them to four-wheel all-terrain vehicles. Ask most superintendents what’s the biggest headache they deal with and the usage of power carts wins hands down.
Turf damage can be a nightmare and a recurring issue of immense concern as maintenance costs soar to alleviate the damage done. Therefore, players need to be especially mindful of the daily instructions to follow when using power carts.
The newest distraction now is when players bring their own speakers to play music. While some will be comfortable with music playing—others may be quite disturbed by it. It pays to ask and it’s important to keep the sound within reason—no need to have players from other holes wondering who brought the concert to the course.
The last item deals with respect for your fellow players when the round concludes. Shaking hands of those you played with is de rigueur. When doing so be sure headwear is removed. And, most of all, when entering a building headwear comes off.
When Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer concluded play, they routinely did what I just outlined. Those two giants of the game did so—no matter whether they won or lost. You can follow suit and do likewise.
There are a few other elements tied to etiquette but the ones mentioned are the clear areas of concern warranting consistent attention.
Yes, I know some people chafe at any sort of etiquette. Some even think golf is tied too much to the past and that adherence to etiquette is nothing more than controlling the behavior of people.
There’s some truth in that but without etiquette what is the alternative?
Complete chaos. We’re seeing that germinate now.
So long as the policy has a reason in reality and is applied and enforced consistently, then a meaningful sensibility for all is possible.
The standard in 2025s is a simple one—personal enjoyment is important but it cannot rise above an equal enjoyment for all.
Etiquette fundamentally is tied to common sense. However, what one thinks should be common often hardly is. And the notion that sense will prevail is also in short supply.
Bob Jones, one of the game’s all-time greats summed up matters quite well.
“In golf, the customs and etiquette and decorum are as important as the rules of play.”
Yes indeed.
Ask yourself this—are you someone who plays golf or a golfer? The former doesn’t value the importance of etiquette—the latter always does.
