Golf Bag Etiquette – 6 Key Rules
There can often be a lot of uncertainty around golf bag etiquette. I know that when I started playing golf, I would often be confused as to where I was allowed to place my bag in certain places on the course.
There is also a lot of confusion regarding what types of bags are allowed, as well as customisation and much more. In this article, we will cover all the potential questions regarding how to use your golf bag respectfully.
1. Bag Placement
The general rule regarding bag placement is to ensure that your bag never obstructs another person’s golf game. So, don’t put it in their swing path, and don’t put it in a place that could block someone’s shot.
There are also several more detailed rules as to where to place your bag on different parts of the course.
The Tee Box
While there is normally no explicit rule against putting your bag on the tee box, I would personally advise you to place it off of the box entirely. This avoids:
- Your bag getting in someone’s line of sight.
- Your bag getting in the way of someone’s swing or ball.
- Damage to the tee box.
If there is space around the tee box, put your bag there. However, there are some cases where it would be more inconvenient to do so. For example, if the tee box is raised up and the space around it is elevated. In this case, stand with your bag behind the tee markers.
The Fairway
Generally, you can put your bag anywhere on the fairway. If you are playing alone, you should place your bag wherever is comfortable for you; keeping it away from your swing and shot.
If you are playing with someone else, it is always best to place your bag in front of them – I explained this in my guide to golf etiquette for beginners. Generally, you want to avoid getting in the line of sight of your playing partner.
If you are playing with a group, and you are spread out, be mindful of where you stand with your bag. If it is clear that you are not going to be in the way of someone’s shot, then you can speed up the tempo of your game by walking and standing by your next ball. However, if doing so will obstruct another player, stay with the furthest back ball.
The Green
It is a very well-known rule that you should never put your bag on the green. As explained in my guide to golf green etiquette, we want to do everything possible to avoid damaging the green, as course staff put a lot of effort into maintaining them.
Therefore, you should place your bag off of the green.
An even better thing to do would be to put your bag in the direction of the next whole. Take your putter out, take your shot, and then save time by picking up your bag again on the way to the next hole.
2. Golf Bag Organisation
While this may seem minor, having a well-organised bag is key to speeding up your speed of play.
The general rule for organising your clubs is to put the longest clubs at the top, and the shortest at the bottom. Always keep the same order so that you can quickly access the clubs that you need.
Also, make sure that your clubs are always fully in your bag, as clubs that are sticking out can be a hazard.
Finally, ensure that you have assigned different pockets to items such as balls, tees and your golf towel so that they are easily accessible.
3. Carrying your bag
There are 4 ways that you can transport your bag:
- Shoulder straps
- A golf trolley
- An electric golf trolley
- A golf buggy
If you are using the shoulder straps, make sure that they are properly adjusted to avoid injuring yourself. Your golf bag should sit on your shoulders with the bottom of the bag slightly tilted towards the ground. It shouldn’t feel like a burden to carry
If you are using a manual or electric trolley, ensure that your bag is secured correctly in the straps.
Finally, if you are using a buggy, ensure that your golf bag is securely in the back of the buggy.
4. Bag Identification
When there are lots of people in one area, it can often be confusing who’s bag is who’s. Therefore, you should try to have a way of easily identifying your bag.
If your bag is already very unique, then this isn’t going to be a problem. However, if you have a pretty standard bag, you can use the following identification techniques:
- Put your name/initials on your bag.
- Have a unique golf towel attached to the side of your bag.
- Have a unique driver cover that sticks out the top of your bag.
This way, even if someone does accidently take your bag, you can easily find it again.
5. Rain Protection
Rain can be unpredictable; it always seems to come along when we are playing golf.
Therefore, always make sure that your golf bag is rain proof. While most golf equipment won’t be permanently damaged by the rain, you may want to keep certain items dry such as food, club covers, towels and potentially clothes.
Therefore, you should always take a precautionary measure by bringing some sort of bag cover with you to your rounds.
6. Food and Drink
If you like to bring along food or drink to your rounds of golf, you want to put it in their own sections. This means that, in the case of a spillage, you can easily clean it, and your golf gear is protected.
Also, make sure that you always dispose of your rubbish in the right place in order to keep the course clean. It is extremely bad golf etiquette to throw rubbish on the course.
Summary
Having good golf bag etiquette may seem like a minor thing in golf, but it is always good to be aware of ways that you can be more respectful with regards to your bag.
As always, use your common sense, as this will often be enough to be respectful on the golf course.
