Modern Golf Etiquette
Long socks with shorts, following the honour and mobile phone bans... thanks, but no thanks. This is Golf Monthly’s guide to the ten things that really matter when it comes to golf in the 21st century
Much has been said in recent years about the necessity for the game of golf to move with the times, appeal to new generations of players and shake off an overly formal image. There’s no doubt that keeping pace with the modern world is important for any popular activity, but that’s not to say all traditions and long-established practices become irrelevant.
One of the great things about golf is the social aspect of the game. It’s possible to be competitive with playing partners while still enjoying conversation and good company, even with strangers. This is made possible, to a large extent, by a widely known and implemented code of etiquette. The majority of players abide by golf’s established customs of good manners and this leads to a level of respect and equality between participants.
Like any code of behaviour, golf’s etiquette has evolved over time, developing to reflect changing attitudes and culture. To talk about golf etiquette might sound like a throwback, the word itself conjuring images of plus fours and dressing for dinner. But forget the word. Modern golfing etiquette is the glue that holds the sport together, delivering camaraderie between players through a basic structure of polite consideration for others. This isn’t stuffy, it’s simply a way to make golf as enjoyable as possible for all. Here we consider ten features of golfing etiquette that very much have a place within the modern game.
Phones on silent
Here’s an example of the evolution of golfing etiquette. In the early days of the mobile phone, most clubs banned their use completely. That’s not sensible in this day and age when communication is so intrinsic to life. People like to check
messages while on the course, perhaps even a weather app to see if rain is coming. There’s no issue, so long as the phone doesn’t suddenly blare out the ‘Rocky’ theme as a player stands over a crucial threefooter. It’s easy for phones to be flicked to silent and it should always be done before tee-off.
Paying attention to your playing partners’ games
Golf may be an individual sport and it’s important to focus on your own performance, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay to be oblivious to what playing partners are getting up to. Being aware of the games of others in your group is a basic courtesy.
And not only is it considerate to pay attention to how playing partners are performing, it’s also important for general pace of play. If they hit a ball and don’t see where it goes, the game can progress if you can point them in the right direction.
And, just generally, it’s good form to be aware of how others are faring. When a player putts out for a double-bogey, the last thing they want to hear from the person marking their card is, “What did you have there?” Keep count, quietly mark it down and move on.
Helping playing partners search for a lost ball
Following on from the last point, this one is fundamental to the etiquette of golf and the reason for always adhering to the principal is simple: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. How would you feel trudging about forlornly in the cabbage, looking across and seeing playing partners standing impatiently in the fairway?
With three pairs of eyes scouring thick rough, the chances of finding the ball are greatly improved. And, once again, it could also speed up pace of play; find your partner’s ball and play can continue. Everyone benefits.
Letting faster groups behind play through
Slow play is an issue at all levels of golf and it’s something discussed and lamented at almost every club across the country. Something that exacerbates the problem is a stubborn reluctance from some to let faster groups play through. But resolutely moving on, denying or ignoring the frustrated tailback in the rear mirrors is the height of selfishness on the golf course and it does nobody any favours. Step aside briefly, allow faster players to bat on and then continue, free from pressure. The faster golfers complete their game more quickly, while those who have ‘let through’ can carry on without angry eyes burning the back of their necks.
Playing ready golf
Here’s something that very much represents the evolution of golfing etiquette. It used to be considered impolite to play if your ball was closer to the hole, or to tee off when not your ‘honour’. But the aim of making golf a little quicker now trumps those outdated concepts of “after you”. Playing ready golf allows a game to flow and be completed more speedily.
It’s no longer discourteous to play out of turn in stroke play. In fact, it’s the opposite. Playing when ready allows other golfers, who may be out of place or struggling to recover from a poor shot, a little more time to compose themselves.
Always shouting fore on wayward shots
There’s been plenty of commentary recently on a lack of shouts in the pro game, particularly on the PGA Tour, where an arm held out sideways seemingly suffices. It doesn’t. Shouting fore is essential at any level of the game, whenever you think there’s any chance a ball may be headed towards another
person. It might not prevent it striking them, but it gives people a chance to cover their heads or to get behind their bag for a little protection. It could be the difference between a fractured skull and a bruised back, so if there’s any small chance of impact, shout fore!
Having a fundamental understanding of the rules
Golf has many complicated rules and even experts must sometimes consult the book. But it’s not that tough to glean a basic understanding of the laws by which your sport is played. You don’t have to know the exact ruling that applies if you find your ball lodged in a sausage sandwich in the halfway hut, but it’s courteous to all that you should know what to do when taking a penalty drop or when to hit a provisional ball, for instance.
Sticking by your entry for a club competition
If your diary is packed and it’s unlikely you’ll find time for much golf through the season, don’t enter the club knockout. It’s infuriating to try and organise a tie with a player who is never available, even more so when you miss the deadline and the secretary strikes both names from the competition. Similarly, if your name is down for the Saturday Medal, you have a responsibility to make every effort to play. Poor weather is not an excuse. Leaving playing partners in the lurch and forcing other groups to split to accommodate your absence is not cool.
Marking your ball
It’s amazing how many people still fail to do this. Given so many golfers use the same brands of ball, same models even, it’s important to be able to identify your ball. If you’ve played a wayward shot onto another fairway where a group is looking in a puzzled fashion at five balls on the short grass, you need
“It’s no longer discourteous to play out of turn in stroke play. In fact, it’s quite the opposite”
to be able to say: “Mine is a Titleist 2 with three purple dots.” Then there’s no doubt and everybody moves on.
Respect instructions
You might not agree with some of them, but when you’re asked not to walk on a particular section of recovering turf, or not to climb a fence to retrieve your ball, it’s simple manners to play along. If, for instance, a sign requests you wait until a certain fairway or tee has cleared before you drive, there’s a reason for this and it should be adhered to. If a club asks you not to play from the medal tees or not to wear golf shoes in the lounge, you should respect that.
If these instructions are at your club, you can challenge them, perhaps get them changed. If at a club you’re visiting, then it’s pure courtesy to abide by its rules, even if you think them outdated.