Understanding Golf Etiquette

Golf is an age-old game that's rich in culture and tradition. Playing golf involves the ability to adhere to strict rules of etiquette, and that includes your choice of attire. If you respect and happily comply with the rules of etiquette, you will be welcomed to play at proper golf courses.

On the other hand, golfers who shun the rules and consider the etiquette to be too stodgy will have to settle with a golf course that meets their lower level of standards.

Public and private golf courses enforce etiquette rules to some degree, and nearly all courses will hold restrictions on golf apparel. The use of proper golf attire is considered to be one of the most important areas of etiquette. Collared shirts, long pants and proper golf shoes are the most common of golf course dress code requirements. These rules come into play on the links and in the clubhouse, and respectful players are happy to oblige.

On the course itself, the primary rule of etiquette is to arrive promptly for your scheduled tee time. You should arrive at the course twenty to thirty minutes before your tee time, allowing ample time to park the car, purchase balls, change your clothes, pick up a cart, warm up and practice. Don't arrive five minutes early and expect to hit the driving range.

Most golf etiquette is based on age-old rules, but one important rule is a sign of the times. You cell phone or pager is not welcome on the golf course. Leave it in the car or in your locker. If you cannot leave your phone behind, turn the ringer off and tuck the phone into your golf bag. You can check for messages and return them when it's respectful to do so.

Being mindful of other players is what golf etiquette is all about. Make sure that you have a clear understanding of how the other players in your group want to play. For example, ask if the first ready golfer should tee off first, or whether the golfer with the best score on the proceeding hole should lead the play. You'd be surprised at how easily you can offend a stranger if you join their group and don't play by their rules.

Above all, respect the other golfers' need for a quiet place to play. Golf requires precision and a great deal of concentration, and golfers are unforgiving if they think you've blown their big shot. In following golf etiquette it is absolutely essential that you keep quiet and stay out of the shooter's direct line of vision. This can be a hard rule to remember when you're having fun with you buddies, but it is golf etiquette in its most basic form.

There's much more to golf than just a fun game. To many, it's a social springboard and a showcase of their good breeding. Even if you just play for the fun of it, you've got to appreciate that fact that golf etiquette represents more than just a persnickety dress code. Centuries of culture and tradition have created the rules of the modern game. So now, you can button your collared shirt, pull on your chinos and lace up your golf shoes with pride.

Article Source: http://articlesbyyou.com

Emery Deiryme is a frequent contributor to a variety of popular web magazines, on recreational leisure and leisure guide subjects.
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