Golf Etiquette

Golf Shots:  Hold that Comment

Your playing partner makes her swing, and the golf club makes a nice sound as it swiftly launches the ball.  The golf ball cuts through the air and appears to be a nice golf shot.  You comment with, “Good shot!”  The golf ball lands just inches short of the golf green and quickly leaps off of the bank, onto the rocks and into the water hazard.  Ooops!  What started as a nice golf shot ended in the water hazard.  It is not the “good shot” you anticipated and already complimented.

The best golf etiquette solution for this situation actually starts when your golf partner swings her golf club.  It is appropriate to compliment well-played golf shots, but not until the golf shot is complete.  Comments should only be made after the golf ball has landed and its movement has stopped.  If you did not see where the golf shot finished or are unable to see where the golf ball rests, save your comments until you know the full results.

Golf Course Care: Three Actions for Golfers

Litter, large divots and such are not the attributes that draw golfers to a golf course.  Most golfers appreciate golf courses that are in good condition and facilitate an enjoyable golf experience.  Course conditions are the responsibility of course management and staff, but they are also the responsibility of each golfer. 

          Three Actions for Golfers

          * Repair your divots and ball marks. 

          * Properly dispose of all trash, including broken tees.

          * Follow the rules and signage related to golf carts.

Taking these actions not only demonstrates appropriate golf etiquette, but also helps each course remain in good condition and improves the golf experience for all golfers. 

Be on Time for Tee Times

Acceptable behaviors for golf etiquette are often based on appropriate etiquette for our daily lives.  In fact, on many occasions, merely demonstrating basic manners will meet the criteria for golf etiquette.   This concept applies directly to the issue of being on time for your tee time.  What does it mean to be on time for a tee time? 

1.  When you accepted the tee time, you made a commitment to be on the tee at the appointed time..  “Tee time” indicates the time that the first player in your group hits.  Pulling your car into a parking space at that moment does not count as making your tee time.

3.  For all the golfers concerned about pace of play, being on time for tee times can start every round at the right pace.  Suppose you are just 1-2 minutes late for your tee time, and then factor the same delay for several other groups. You can see how quickly those minutes compile to impact everyone’s golf outing.

The bottom line is demonstrate good golf etiquette and be on time for your tee time. 

Golfing Etiquette: If You Must Use Your Mobile Phone at the Golf Course  

Modern mobile devices can be a great advantage for golfers.  Managing family and professional responsibilities can get complicated, especially if you are trying to meet friends for 9 holes of golf on a Friday afternoon.  Mobile devices allow golfers the freedom of getting that last-minute business information while playing golf.  If you must answer a call, text or email message during your round of golf, follow these etiquette guidelines:

Review the golf course policies regarding cell phones.  Some golf courses have issued bans on the use of cell phones.   Visit the golf course website or call the pro-shop if you have any questions. 

Get the approval of your playing partners in advance.  It is best to discuss the use of cell phones with your group when you accept or issue the invitation to play.  Be very clear about how much you will use your mobile phone so everyone knows exactly what to expect.

Let everyone in your group know that you will not hold-up play and you will play “ready golf.”  This may require you to pick-up your golf ball.   

Pre-arrange a text, instant message or email communication when possible. 

If a phone conversation is necessary, let your playing partners know in advance so they are prepared.  Watch your caller ID and respond accordingly.  Answering 20 calls to see if it is the important call is not acceptable golf course etiquette.    

Quietly complete your call and return your full attention to the round of golf. 

If you are working and golfing, it’s best to have your playing partner drive the cart so you can check your text and email messages discretely every 2-3 holes.  When possible, respond with short text or email replies and do not delay play.

At the conclusion of your round, be sure to thank the golfers for indulging your multitasking and for the round of golf.

Used with appropriate planning and golfing etiquette, mobile devices and golfers can successfully co-exist. 

Golfing Etiquette: Muzzling Mobile Phones at the Golf Course

Mobile phones are a part of our everyday culture and the golf course is no exception.  When you are able to play a round of golf, the last thing you want to hear is someone yelling into his or her cell phone.  It’s not only rude, but it is also disruptive to all the golfers trying to concentrate on their golf swing.  These golf etiquette guidelines can help you make your golf outings even more enjoyable:

Before arriving at the golf course, let family and friends know you will be checking your messages at an appointed time. This will give you the freedom to silence your phone. 

The best place to manage your mobile device is in the parking lot or when you first enter the clubhouse or locker room.  This is the time to silence your ringtones and alerts. 

If you are using your mobile device as a rangefinder or golf course GPS, remember to silence your ringtones and alerts.  It is also a good idea to let your playing partners know you will be using your phone as a rangefinder.  This will eliminate any misunderstandings with playing partners – especially those sensitive to the use of mobile phones at the golf course.  

After (and only after) goodbyes are complete, check your messages and respond as you determine appropriate.