What is Bad Golf Etiquette? Don’t Do These 6 Things!

We all hate playing with annoying players. Golf can become a frustrating and unenjoyable sport when we are surrounded by people who have bad golf etiquette.

In this article, I address some of the most important things to avoid doing as a golf player.

1. Playing Slowly

Without doubt, one of the worst things that you can do in golf is play obliviously slowly. Its understandable that some players, especially beginners, will play more slowly. However, always be mindful of groups behind you.

Here are some reasons why you may be playing slow, and how to avoid annoying others when doing so:

• You walk slowly: this is understandable if you have difficulties with walking, or if you are a senior player. My advice would be that you get a golf buggy to help you move faster between shots. If there aren’t any buggies available, then look into buying or renting a trolley, so that you aren’t weighed down by your bag.
• You take too long on shots: I always think about what shot I am going to play while walking between holes; this saves time when I am about to take my shot. Knowing roughly what club you will use and getting it out before reaching your ball means you only have to line it up before taking the shot.
• You’re talking to someone: golf is a leisurely and social sport for most people, so it’s understandable that people will want to talk. However, if you plan to play this way, you should always let faster groups through.

In general, it is bad golf etiquette to hold people up behind you due to your slow play. Always be aware of any groups behind you. If they are playing faster than you, then just let them through – you could pick up some tips by watching their swing!

2. Talking During Others’ Swings

You expect others to stay silent during your swing, so that you can concentrate. Therefore, you should show the same respect to others.

Here are some instances when you should stay quiet:

• Around tee boxes! Never talk when someone is about to tee off, this can be extremely off-putting and can mess up the most important part of the hole.
• If you are letting others through, let them take their shots in peace without being distracting. This isn’t to say that you cannot make friendly conversation as they walk past you, however!
• When the people you are playing with are taking their shots. You might be having a good conversation, but you should pause as they take a shot.

Often, the first tee is near the club house, so even if you are enjoying a drink, remember to stay quiet as people tee off from the first hole.

3. Not Repairing Ball Marks

Beginners without prior experience often don’t understand that there is an expectation for golf players to repair the marks that they leave on the course. This way, the course is more easily maintained for others to use.

The two main instances where this applies is divots and pitch marks.

A divot comes from a fat shot, or a normal shot on a muddy course. When you swing and take a lot of earth and grass with your shot, you need to repair it. You should get the displaced piece of earth, and put it in the divot, flattening it with your shoe. This way the grass can repair itself.

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A pitch mark comes from when your shot impacts the ground. It isn’t essential to repair a divot mark on the fairway. However, you are expected to repair pitch marks on the green. You should use a pitch fork, and pull the earth from the back of the hole, before flattening it with your shoe or putter.

Once you have learned how to do this, you can teach others to do the same, which means the course will be in better condition for everyone.

4. Not Raking Bunkers

We all hit shots in the bunker, and I understand how annoying this can be. There is an expectation for golf players to rake the bunkers once they have stepped in it. This ensures that the sand is smooth for the next player who is unfortunate enough to land in it.

All bunkers will have a rake in it, or a nearby bunker will have one. Grab the rake, making sure to not hit anyone with it, and take it to your bunker. The trick with raking the bunker is to rake everything in the center, before stepping out and raking your footsteps behind you.

Remember, it doesn’t need to be done perfectly. Just try to ensure that you leave the bunker relatively smooth for the next person. Don’t spend ages trying to get the bunker perfectly smooth, as you will take too much time – which is also bad golf etiquette.

5. Skipping Holes

It can be tempting to sometimes skip a hole that you don’t like. Perhaps the hole has lots of bunkers, or a massive lake, and you don’t want to lose your ball.

If there is no one on the course, then it isn’t a problem to skip a hole that you don’t like. Just remember that sometimes the best practice can come from doing the things that you don’t like.

However, if the course is busy, and there are people in front and behind you, then you mustn’t skip a hole. The general rule is that if you will disrupt the flow of another group by skipping the hole, then you shouldn’t do it.

6. Not Following Cart Rules

Don’t be like those annoying groups of people that think driving a golf buggy is like driving a go-cart. Being able to use golf buggies is a privilege, and can significantly speed up your round while conserving your energy.

The general rules for golf carts are:

• Don’t drive on the tee boxes.
• Don’t drive on the greens.
• Stick to the fairway and paths between holes.
• Don’t endanger anyone else.
• Don’t infringe on other holes.

Most golf clubs will ban players that don’t use the buggies properly, so keep that in mind.

Bad Golf Etiquette: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play music during your round?

Generally, I would advise against playing music during your golf round. Not only is it distracting for others, it isn’t necessary, and can even be distracting for you.

If you are going to play music, it is important to stick to some key rules:

• Ensure that the golf club allows the playing of music on the course.
• Keep the volume down when you are playing your round – other holes shouldn’t be able to hear it.
• Use headphones if possible. It’s understandable if you want to listen to music, but you should use headphones if possible. I would advice that you use an earpod in one ear, while keeping your other ear open to hear for any ‘fore’ calls or conversation.
• Choose appropriate music. Make sure that those who will be playing with you will like the music, and won’t get offended by it. You don’t want to create bad relationships with those in your golf club by playing offensive music.
• Don’t play music near tee boxes or greens. This ensures that you will not distract anyone while they are taking important shots.
• Be respectful of events and tournaments. If your music is likely to affect an event or tournament, you should just turn the music off. Disrespecting events will often lead to a ban from the club.

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How do you deal with an annoying golf partner?

Often, when playing in tournaments, you will be with random people. The personality of your teammates is a luck of the draw. Sometimes, you may end up with people who are annoying, and have particularly bad golf etiquette. When this is the case, it can be difficult to know how to deal with these people, especially if they are more senior or advanced.

Here are some tips for dealing with annoying golf partners:

• Ignore it. Sometimes it is best to ignore these people as they thrive when you give them attention.
• Tell them. Often, people don’t know that they are being annoying, and telling them can be enough to stop them.
• Tell the club staff after your round, they may be able to have a word with them.
• Hint at the fact that you don’t like their behaviour.

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What should you do with golf cheaters?

The worst thing that you can do as a golf player is cheat. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that there won’t be cheaters. Some common golf cheats are:

• Moving a marker so that it is more favourable for them.
• Using fake handicaps to give themselves a shot advantage, especially in competitions.
• Changing the score marginally. Sometimes, it can be difficult to even notice that this is happening, as they adjust some holes by one stroke.
• Moving their ball, especially in the rough. In the rough, a ball should be played where it lies, and cannot be moved to a move favourable position.

If you notice that someone is cheating, then you have a responsability to do something about it. Here are some tips:

• Tell them.
  • Perhaps they don’t understand the rules of the game, and by telling them you help them to understand.
  • Alternatively, they understand the rules, but will stop once you have told them you can see they are cheating.
  • If they get defensive, you should let it go, but ensure to speak to club staff after the round.
• Hint at it, say things like – “Didn’t you hit 4 last round, not 3?” Sometimes, this forces the cheater to change their score back to the correct score, as they act as if they made a mistake.
• Act like a beginner. Ask them something like “Are you allowed to move your ball in the rough?”, or say to them “Youre definitely better than a 20 handicap!”. This can get a reaction out of the cheater which can confirm your suspicions about them cheating.

Summary

Overall, there are many things that can be counted as bad golf etiquette. It is important to avoid these things for the good of the club, and for the enjoyment of those around you.

By reading this article, you can learn what not to do on the golf course, and subsequently encourage others to do the same.