THE BLOGBasics of Etiquette and Golf Rules
Within the USGA Rules of Golf, there are core golf etiquettes that are engrained into the very essence of golf:
Safety: Be aware of the players in your group, others on the course, and yourself. Never take any action that could endanger anyone.
Consideration of other players:
Show consideration of your actions, be careful not to disrupt anyone through excessive movement, talking and unnecessary noise.
On the putting green, be sure not to stand in nor cast a shadow through the line of someone’s putt.
Pace of Play: Be sure to maintain a good pace of play. Click here for the Play Golf America Pace of Play Hints.
Course Conditions: Do everything you can to leave the course they way you found it.
Bunkers – be sure to rake your footprints while leaving a bunker. Feel free to rake those that others left behind as well!
Divots – Taking a divot is not bad, but leaving it un-repaired is bad.
Ball marks – make the effort to repair any marks made on the putting surface.
Where do I go for answers to rules questions?
Go to any golf course and you are bound to here discussions on interpreting the Rules of Golf. If you are looking to settle an disagreement with a fellow competitor, or simply satisfying your curiosity, here are a few resources for you:
E-mail your inquiry to the USGA.
The USGA Rules of Golf web page provides numerous resources.
For a personal touch, contact a PGA Professional near you.
What is the USGA’s role in the Rules of Golf?
The USGA works in concert with the R&A in St. Andrews, Scotland, to write, interpret and maintain the Rules of Golf. One of the main purposes is to guard the tradition and integrity of the game.
While the game is pure with a simple concept, it is common for rules to spark discussion, inquiry and even debate between the finest gentle–people in golf.
To help in a golfer’s quest to learn more and understand the rules, the USGA provides some great resources:
Videos on the Rules and Decisions of Golf. More information can be obtained on the USGA web site.
A fun activity is to take the Rules Quiz from the USGA. You will learn more about the Rules of Golf and even learn some things about the Rules you might not know on the USGA web site.
