Golf Lessons

Golf is considered a gentleman's game therefore certain rules of etiquette while playing apply.

Although these aren't strict rules, they demonstrate that a player is respectful not only to other players, but also for the game itself.

These are general rules of golf etiquette practiced at all levels both amateur or professional plus some rules that should be followed at particular times during a round.

Quiet

- Maintaining quiet when someone steps up to the ball is a show of respect for the player since you're allowing him/her to concentrate.

- Don't run on the course. Though this may not affect your own group of players, you may distract and bother others.

Safety - Before taking your swing, make sure there isn't anyone standing in the general area your ball will likely go. Don't assume others will check to see if they're standing within range of someone about to swing. - Similarly, it isn't just unsafe to take practice swings in a person's direction, it is also considered rude. - Don't swing your club when someone is walking around and conversely, don't walk around when someone is about to swing. Pacing - Most days you or your group wont' be the only golfers on the course. Regardless, maintain a pace of play that keeps you up with the group ahead to avoid holding up the group behind. - It's very rude to hit into the group playing ahead of you. If it was unintentional, you've failed to observe safety etiquette. If it was intentional and you did so because they're playing too slow, it's still poor etiquette to drive a ball in their direction. - When you need to play through a group, observe common courtesy by first asking permission to do so. Before asking, make sure the next hole is vacant so there's enough space between groups as you pass through. - If the group allows you to play through, take as little time as possible to finish the hole and move on to the next one. When on the teeing ground … … stay out of a player's line of sight as well as peripheral vision to allow him/her to concentrate. Standing behind him/her is the best way to do so, and also keep quiet as he/she prepares to swing. When on the fairway … … hitting a divot is fine, but do your best to avoid causing too many. Try to put a few back in place by simply stepping on the divot in the hole. … don't take too much time looking for a lost golf ball. The group behind you may not appreciate the delay. If it can't be found within a few minutes, simply take your penalty replace the ball. When in a bunker … … use the course-provided rake when you've completed your shot to rake out your ball marks and  footprints, then leave the rake outside the bunker with the handle parallel to the fairway. When on the green … … avoid stepping on the ball paths of other players since you could leave a spike makr that could affect their putt. Walk behind the ball on its direction to the hole or at least step over the imaginary line between the ball and the hole. … repair ball marks made by the force of your ball landing on the green. This shows courtesy to the players following you since you've taken the time to leave them an unmarked green. … put your ball back on the green before picking up the ball marker so you can avoid possible points of contention between another player as to whether you've properly positioned your ball. When at the practice grounds … … observe all the general rules of golf etiquette as you would on the course.   These rules are just a partial list of other good golfing etiquette practices, but they're the basics that are built with mutual respect for each other's safety and love of the game making the experience much more pleasant for everyone concerned.

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