Golf club etiquette

Golf clubs across the UK have their own rules and codes of conduct. But there is a general code of golf etiquette that applies at golf clubs everywhere.

Golf etiquette isn't about stuffy tradition. A lot of it is just common sense: it's important for safety reasons, keeps the game flowing, and helps maintain golf courses in tip-top condition.

• Turn up on time for your round of golf. If you're playing a tournament, many golf clubs may disqualify you for arriving late.
• It's rude to disturb or distract another player when they're lining up a shot, and good manners to stay out of their line of sight when they're teeing off.
• If another player is putting, make sure your shadow doesn't fall across the green.
• Always ensure other players are not in your sightline or in range before taking a shot. If your ball heads towards another golfer, always shout "Fore!" as a warning.
• Don't get out your golf clubs and tee off until the group ahead has finished the hole.
• Try to play your own round at a decent pace. If you're a slow player, or you are in a larger group than the players immediately behind you, it's always polite to invite faster groups to play through (go ahead of you).
• If there's a group lined up at the tee behind you, leave the green as soon as your group has finished—you can always mark your scorecard and re-organise your golf clubs away from the green.
• A single golfer playing a solo game must always make way for a group playing a competitive round.
• Practise your golf swings off the tee—doing so on the tee can churn up the ground.
• Don't drop golf clubs on the putting greens.
• Leave the golf course in the condition you found it—for example, replace divots (pitch marks) on the fairway, smooth out bunker footprints and replace flagsticks.
• Most golf clubs insist that mobile phones are switched off on the course and in the clubhouse.
• Every club has its own dress code. In general, only smart casual dress is allowed at private golf clubs—shirts must be tucked-in and have collars, and shorts must be tailored. Jeans, tracksuits, singlets and beach shorts are not usually allowed at golf clubs.
• Many golf clubs also ask that you wear proper golf shoes.
• There may well be an additional dress code for the clubhouse and golf club events—for example, a tailored jacket, collar and tie.
• When playing at a club that's new to you, always ask about any local rules. You can also look online—many golf clubs now have websites where you can find out what the local rules are.