Golf Etiquette for Beginners – 7 Key Tips

When I started playing golf, I was unsure of what rules I should follow in order to be respectful on the course. Luckily for me, I had a great coach and family members who helped me.

However, not everyone has these luxuries. So, in this article we will cover some basic golf etiquette for beginners so that you can feel confident that you are being respectful the next time you play.

1. Respect the Pace of Play

When you are a beginner, it is expected that it will take you longer to get around a golf course. This is because you will spend more time looking for your ball, picking your club, and you will take more shots.

Therefore, it isn’t expected that you will be able to go around the course extremely quickly. Therefore, there are a couple of things that you should do as a beginner:

• Always let faster groups pass you. To let them know that you are doing so, just get their attention and beckon to them to take their shots. Then, stay where you are (at the edge of the fairway) and watch for their shots.
• Write down how far you can hit each club. Memorise the rough distance of each club – this will help you to know what club to use, and will reduce the time you take deciding.
• Be prepared. Keep your golf ball and tee in your pocket when going to the next hole, so that you can quickly set up and swing. Get your club out as you approach the shot.

By doing the above, you will be able to spend more time over your swing, and you will therefore hit better shots.

Additionally, trying to improve your pace of play will make you a better player. Just remember that people won’t be angry at you for being slow at first – we were all beginners once!

2. Learn Basic Course Rules

When you first play on the course, it is expected that you know the basic, generic rules of playing on a golf course. This includes:

• Wearing the correct golf clothes, including suitable golf shoes.
• Repairing your divots and pitch marks.
• Raking bunkers.
• Respecting golf green etiquette.

In general, remember that you shouldn’t be doing anything that will damage the golf course or negatively affect another golfer’s round.

3. Don’t Be Loud

It’s bad golf etiquette to be obnoxiously loud on the course, and most beginners understand this.

However, there is often a problem when people start playing golf in groups. Even if you are beginners with your friends, you should respect the rules the same as if you weren’t in a group.

It isn’t forbidden to talk on the golf course, I would actually encourage this as golf can be a great sport for socialising. However, keep your voices down when people are taking shots, and avoid shouting at each other across the hole.

4. Respect People’s Space

Having been hit by someone’s backswing when I was a beginner, I will always give people adequate space.

When someone is taking a shot, I would advise standing opposite them, without making any sudden movements. Never stand to the left/right of someone who is taking a shot. Not only does this increase your chance of getting hit by a club/ball, if can also be extremely distracting to have someone in your peripheral vision while swinging. 

Always be on the safe side when standing near someone who is swinging. Leave more space than what you might think to be safe.

5. Be Honest

Beginners often have a tendance to cheat. I used to do the same when playing with family members. I would be embarrassed by my score, so I would reduce it.

If you feel the same way, it is important to remember that you are a beginner – no one expect anything of you. 

Having an accurate score is much more valuable than having a lower one, as it is more insightful into what you need to improve.

If you ever feel embarrassed, just remember that by playing golf you are better than 90% of the population. The only person whose opinion matters is your own.

6. Be Mindful of your Surroundings

Remember that you are playing in a natural environment. Where possible, try to avoid any damage to plants, thick grass, trees, and animal habitats.

Where there are pathways, ensure that you stick to them. They exist to guide you away from potentially sensitive areas.

7. Have Fun

Golf is a sport, and sports are meant to be fun. You should feel enjoyment by playing golf, and don’t get too down over any bad moments.

Your main focus should be improvement, so go into each round with a positive mindset, and celebrate your successes.

Summary

Overall, as a beginner, you don’t have to worry too much about basic golf etiquette. People will teach you the niche details along the way. Just remember that you want to respect the people, course and wildlife while playing golf.