Golf Etiquette and Unwritten Rules

Golf has rules. But it also has rules—the unwritten ones that nobody explains until you accidentally break them.

We asked golfers on Reddit and Facebook to share the etiquette that nobody teaches. Hundreds of responses later, here's what stood out.

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1. Before You Tee Off

• Introduce yourself if paired with strangers—and ask what rules they're playing. It sets the tone for the round.
• Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and warm up. Your body (and your first tee shot) will thank you.
• Pocket your ball marker and repair tool before you start. Losing them mid-round is annoying.
• Know which ball is yours. Mark it or use a high-visibility ball if needed.

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2. On the Tee and Fairway

• Never talk during someone's swing. Don't stand in their line of sight or peripheral vision either.
• Don't stand directly behind someone hitting—it's distracting and potentially dangerous.
• If someone's ball is heading toward another group, yell "Fore!" immediately. Golf balls cause injuries.

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3. Pace of Play

This is the big one. Slow play frustrates everyone.

• Play "ready golf"—hit when you're ready instead of strictly following "away" order.
• Limit practice swings to one or two, especially if others are waiting.
• When it's your turn, hit first—then finish your story.
• Don't be a ball hawk. Limit search time for lost balls. Keep the group moving.
• Park your cart at the back of the green so you can exit quickly.
• If walking, place your bag between the hole and the next tee—grab it on your way off.
• Clear the green immediately after putting out. Reorganize your bag at the next tee, not on the green.

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4. On the Green

• Repair your ball mark—and fix one more if you see one.
• Don't step on anyone's putting line or their "through line" (the line past the cup).
• Avoid casting your shadow on someone's line.
• Closest to the pin tends the flag. First to finish holds it until everyone's done.
• Don't walk across the green as a shortcut—go around.

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5. Course Care

• Replace divots or use the sand/seed mix. Maintenance crews will thank you.
• Rake bunkers after you play from them. Enter and exit from the low side.
• Apply sunscreen and bug spray on the cart path—chemicals can kill grass.
• No sunflower seeds or cigarette butts on the green. Seriously.

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6. Playing with Others

• Congratulate great shots. Stay quiet on bad ones—you're not their coach.
• Don't mention if someone's having a great round. You'll jinx them.
• Never give swing advice unless asked. Nobody wants unsolicited tips.
• In casual games, max score is double par. We're not on tour—pick it up and keep moving.
• Shake hands after the 18th (and remove your hat). It's a sign of respect.

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7. At the Range

On a grass range, be mindful of your divot pattern:

On the putting green, don't putt to the same hole as someone else. You can still get a feel for the speed without crowding.

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One Last Thing

If you're unsure about anything, just ask your playing partners at the start. Most golfers are happy to help newcomers learn the ropes.

Did we miss something? Send us an email—we'd love to hear it.