Proper Golf Etiquette for Beginners
Avoiding Embarrassment on the Links for the First Timer
Aug 11, 2009
For the person who does not golf or is new at the game, being invited out with the boss or important clients to the links can be intimidating. Golf has many rules, both of the game itself and in the interaction with the members of the foursome and other golfers
Not all of the rules are written or obvious to the newcomer. Before you arrive, make sure you are appropriately dressed for the venue and have the proper equipment. Shoes are particularly important, as some courses do not permit metal spikes.
Proper Etiquette for Golfing
Do arrive on time. Serious golfers are usually gracious to beginners, but they are almost always prompt and the people running the course insist on things running smoothly. Don’t remember to buy golf balls or run to the bathroom just when the group is ready to start.
Be honest when telling the group your skill level. It will be painfully obvious if you are a beginner and are put with very good players. A low handicap or “scratch” golfer means they play very well. Modesty is the best policy.
If you damage the course, such as take a large divot, stop to repair it. Either replace the grass, or fill the hole with sand, which is often provided on the golf cart.
Golf has set rules for whose turn it is to play. The person who scored the lowest on the last hole goes first. After the first shot, the person lying farthest from the hole goes first. This will most likely be the beginner. This continues until everyone has completed the hole.
On the green, the pin should be carefully pulled out and laid down several feet from the hole, so it is not in anyone’s way. Also, be careful not to step in anyone’s line, that is, in the path that a ball must take to the hole.
Things to Avoid when Golfing
Don’t be reckless or careless when driving the cart. Acting juvenile, up to crashing the cart, is a good way to make a bad impression, and can be very dangerous and expensive. .
Bring enough balls and tees. Take at least one for every hole you intend to play. If you lose more than that, it might be best to allow the others to play and watch for a few holes, and then gently work back in the rotation.
Nothing makes a player look foolish as continually losing clubs. If you take more than one club out of the bag, leave it in plain sight, or across the flag pole, or your own system of remembering where you left it.
Most importantly, displays of temper will brand a beginner as someone to avoid in business. Golf is a game, and especially for a beginner, requires composure. Demonstrating that you cannot play and are a poor sport is the worst impression you can make.
The most important thing is to relax while presenting a positive attitude. Don’t allow the pressure of the event to take away the purpose, which is enjoy the camaraderie or instill confidence in your abilities.
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