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The Unwritten Rules Every Golfer Should Know About Etiquette

Learn the essential golf etiquette rules that will make you a welcome playing partner on any course. Master these unwritten rules of golf.

Published

4 months ago

August 6, 2025

James Fairway

There’s an old saying in golf that the game reveals character, and nowhere is this more evident than in how a golfer conducts themselves on the course. Golf etiquette isn’t just about following rules – it’s about respect, consideration, and preserving the traditions that make golf the gentleman’s (and gentlewoman’s) game it has always been.

I learned this lesson early in my golf journey during a round at a prestigious private club where I was a guest. I was so focused on trying to play well and impress my host that I completely forgot about basic etiquette. I walked across putting lines, failed to repair ball marks, and generally acted like someone who had never set foot on a golf course before. My host was gracious about it, but I could tell I had embarrassed both of us. That experience taught me that how you play golf is just as important as how well you play golf.

Golf etiquette exists for practical reasons. It keeps the game moving at a reasonable pace, protects the course conditions for everyone who follows, and ensures that all players can enjoy their round without unnecessary distractions or frustrations. But beyond the practical aspects, etiquette is what separates golf from other sports and maintains the unique culture and traditions that make the game special.

The beauty of golf etiquette is that it’s largely based on common sense and consideration for others. If you approach each situation by asking yourself, “What would I want other golfers to do in this situation?” you’ll usually arrive at the correct etiquette choice. However, there are specific guidelines and traditions that every golfer should know, whether you’re playing your first round or your thousandth.

Understanding and following proper golf etiquette will make you a welcome playing partner at any course, from your local municipal track to the most exclusive private clubs. It shows respect for the game, the course, and your fellow golfers. More importantly, it helps ensure that everyone can enjoy their round and that the course remains in good condition for those who follow.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential elements of golf etiquette, from the moment you arrive at the course until you shake hands on the 18th green. These aren’t arbitrary rules designed to make golf stuffy or intimidating – they’re time-tested guidelines that help everyone enjoy the game more fully.

Starting Your Round Right

The first tee sets the tone for your entire round, and proper tee box etiquette establishes you as a considerate golfer from the very beginning. Arriving at your tee time is the foundation of good golf etiquette. Being late doesn’t just affect you – it can throw off the entire day’s schedule for the golf course and create delays that ripple through every group behind you.

Plan to arrive at the course at least 30 minutes before your tee time. This gives you time to check in, warm up, and be ready to play when your time comes. If you’re running late due to circumstances beyond your control, call the pro shop immediately to let them know. Most courses will try to accommodate you if they have advance notice, but showing up 10 minutes late without warning is inconsiderate to everyone involved.

The honor system on the first tee is traditionally determined by handicap, with the lowest handicap player teeing off first. However, many casual groups simply decide among themselves or use a random method like flipping a tee. What matters most is that everyone agrees on the order before anyone hits.

Once the teeing order is established, maintain it throughout the round unless the group decides to play “ready golf” to speed up pace. The player with the lowest score on the previous hole has the honor on the next tee. In case of ties, the player who had the honor on the previous tee retains it.

Silence during others’ shots is perhaps the most fundamental rule of golf etiquette. When someone is preparing to hit or is in their swing, everyone else should be quiet and still. This means no talking, no practice swings, no rattling of clubs or tees, and no movement in the player’s peripheral vision. The concentration required for golf is intense, and even small distractions can significantly affect performance.

Position yourself appropriately when others are hitting. Stand where you can see the shot but are not in the player’s line of sight or directly behind them. Generally, this means standing to the side and slightly behind the person hitting. Never stand directly in front of someone who is hitting, even if you’re well out of range – it’s distracting and potentially dangerous.

Be ready to play when it’s your turn. This means having your club selected, your ball teed up, and your pre-shot routine ready to begin as soon as the previous player has finished and moved away from the tee. Waiting until it’s your turn to start thinking about club selection or to begin looking for your ball is a sure way to slow down the group.

Keep your practice swings to a minimum and take them in an appropriate location. One or two practice swings are usually sufficient, and they should be taken to the side of the tee box, not directly behind the ball where they might damage the tee area. Some golfers take so many practice swings that they’re tired before they actually hit the ball.

Keeping the Game Moving

Pace of play is perhaps the most critical aspect of golf etiquette, and it’s where many golfers unknowingly create problems for themselves and others. A round of golf should take approximately four hours for a foursome, though this can vary depending on course conditions, difficulty, and the skill level of the players.

The key to good pace of play is being ready to hit when it’s your turn. This preparation begins while others are playing their shots. Use the time while others are hitting to assess your lie, select your club, determine yardage, and plan your shot. By the time it’s your turn to play, you should be ready to step up and execute.

Walking or riding efficiently between shots is crucial for maintaining pace. If you’re walking, move at a brisk pace between shots. If you’re riding in a cart, follow cart path rules and position the cart so you can quickly access your clubs and continue to the next shot. Don’t drive the cart to one player’s ball, wait for them to hit, then drive to the other player’s ball – this wastes valuable time.

The “ready golf” concept has become increasingly popular as a way to speed up play without sacrificing the traditional honor system. Ready golf means that the player who is ready to hit goes ahead and plays, regardless of who technically has the honor. This is particularly useful on par-3s where everyone is hitting from the same tee, or when one player is significantly delayed in getting ready.

Lost ball procedures can significantly slow down pace of play if not handled properly. The rules allow five minutes to search for a lost ball, but in the interest of pace of play, many golfers limit their search to two or three minutes. If you think your ball might be lost or out of bounds, play a provisional ball to save time. This allows you to continue play without having to return to the tee if your original ball isn’t found.

Be aware of the group behind you and let them play through if you’re holding them up. If the group behind you is consistently waiting for you to clear before they can hit, and there’s a gap between your group and the group ahead of you, it’s courteous to invite the faster group to play through. This is especially important if there’s a significant skill difference between the groups.

When playing through, do so efficiently and courteously. Thank the group that’s letting you through, play quickly, and don’t hold up their play any more than necessary. Once you’ve played through, maintain an appropriate pace so you don’t create the same problem with the next group ahead.

Respecting the Most Delicate Areas

The area around the green requires special attention to etiquette because it’s where the course is most delicate and where small inconsiderations can have the biggest impact on other players’ experiences. The putting green is the most carefully maintained part of any golf course, and it deserves special respect and care.

Never walk across another player’s putting line. The line between a player’s ball and the hole is sacred territory in golf. Walking on this line can leave footprints or create small depressions that can affect the roll of the ball. Always walk around putting lines, even if it means taking a longer route to your ball or the flagstick.

Repairing ball marks is not just good etiquette – it’s essential for course maintenance. When your ball lands on the green, it often creates a small depression called a ball mark. Use a ball mark repair tool or a tee to gently lift the depressed area back to surface level, then smooth it with your putter. A properly repaired ball mark will heal within 24 hours, while an unrepaired mark can take weeks to recover and may leave a permanent scar.

The general rule is to repair your own ball mark plus one other that you find on the green. This helps ensure that the greens remain smooth and true for everyone. Some golfers make it a habit to repair several ball marks on each green, which is greatly appreciated by course maintenance staff and fellow golfers.

Flagstick etiquette has evolved with recent rule changes, but courtesy remains important. Players can now leave the flagstick in while putting, but if someone requests that it be removed, honor that request. When tending the flagstick for another player, hold it firmly to prevent it from rattling in the wind, and remove it promptly once the ball is struck.

When removing the flagstick, place it gently on the green where it won’t interfere with anyone’s line or be in the way of foot traffic. Don’t drop it or throw it, as this can damage the green. Replace the flagstick carefully when everyone has finished putting, ensuring it’s straight and properly seated in the hole.

Be mindful of where you place your golf bag or cart around the green. Keep them off the putting surface and away from the next tee to avoid interfering with other groups. Many courses have designated areas for bags and carts near each green – use these when available.

Being the Golfer Others Want to Play With

Golf etiquette isn’t about being stuffy or overly formal – it’s about being considerate, respectful, and helping everyone enjoy their round. When you follow proper etiquette, you’re contributing to the positive atmosphere that makes golf special and ensuring that the traditions of the game continue for future generations.

The golfers who are most welcome on any course are those who understand that golf is as much about how you conduct yourself as it is about how well you play. You don’t need to be a scratch golfer to be a great playing partner, but you do need to be someone who respects the game, the course, and your fellow players.

Remember that golf etiquette is learned through experience and observation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about proper protocol in a particular situation. Most golfers are happy to help newcomers learn the ropes, and showing that you care about doing things correctly is always appreciated.

The next time you’re on the course, pay attention to how your actions affect others and how you can contribute to everyone’s enjoyment of the round. Good etiquette becomes second nature with practice, and once it does, you’ll find that you enjoy the game even more because you’re playing it the way it was meant to be played.

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The Golfer’s Holiday Hint-Dropping Guide

Your spouse thinks you want socks. You want a new driver. Here’s how to fix that.

Published

2 days ago

December 11, 2025

Gillmore

Because subtlety is overrated when there’s a new driver on the line

Your spouse thinks you want socks.

Your kids think you want a tie.

Your mother-in-law is convinced you’d love another sweater with a reindeer on it, even though you’ve worn the last three exactly never, and everyone knows it, but somehow this year will be different.

It won’t be.

Here’s the problem. You want golf stuff. They don’t know what golf stuff means. You say “rangefinder” and they hear “robot finder.” You mention “premium golf balls” and they think all golf balls are the same, which is adorable but wrong, and you can’t exactly explain that without sounding like a crazy person who cares too much about dimple patterns.

So you need a strategy.

Not a subtle one either. Forget dropping hints like breadcrumbs. Drop them like anvils. We’re talking about a systematic campaign of suggestion, repetition, and strategic device-leaving that would make Madison Avenue jealous.

The Laptop Strategy (For the Tech-Savvy Golfer)

Leave your laptop open. Always. But not to just anything.

Open to golf retailer websites with items in your cart. Specific items. With the size, color, and model number clearly visible. And here’s the key – leave it open on the kitchen counter where your spouse makes coffee, because everyone looks at screens while waiting for coffee, it’s basically a law of physics at this point.

Do this for three weeks straight. Different items, same cart. They’ll get the message. And if they don’t, you’ve got a backup plan because you can just buy it yourself on December 26th when everything goes on sale.

The Casual Mention Method

This requires finesse.

Not too much though.

The goal is to work golf gifts into every conversation without seeming obsessed, which you are, but they don’t need to know that. Your daughter mentions her science project? “Speaking of projects, I’ve been thinking about upgrading my wedges.” Your son talks about his basketball shoes? “Funny you mention shoes – golf shoes with better traction would really help my game.” The mailman asks how you’re doing? “Great, though I’d be better with a new putter.”

Is this overkill? Maybe. Will it work? Absolutely.

The Magazine Massacre

Buy every golf magazine on the newsstand. Dog-ear the pages. Circle items in red pen. Write notes like “This would be perfect!” and “Honey, look at this one!” and leave them everywhere – the bathroom, the nightstand, the kitchen table, the car, their car, basically anywhere someone might sit for more than thirty seconds.

When they ask why there are seven golf magazines in the living room, just smile and say you’re “doing research.” Research for what? They won’t ask. They’re too busy looking at all those circled items with price tags helpfully highlighted.

The Strategic Screenshot

Text them screenshots. Daily.

“Look at this cool driver!” Send.

“These gloves are on sale!” Send.

“Remember when I mentioned wanting new golf shoes? These are the ones.” Send with three heart emojis because you’re not a monster, you still care about the relationship, you just also care about having the right equipment to shave three strokes off your game.

It’s called balance.

The Gift List That’s Not a Gift List

Create a shared note on your phone called “Gift Ideas” and fill it exclusively with golf items. When they ask what you want for Christmas, just say “Oh, I don’t know, I’m easy to shop for!” and then casually mention you made a little list of ideas, you know, just in case they needed inspiration, no pressure, but it’s organized by price range and includes links.

This works because you’re giving them exactly what they want – a clear shopping list – while maintaining the illusion that you’re being flexible. You’re not. But they don’t need to know that until after the presents are wrapped.

The Buddy System

Recruit your golf buddies. Have them “accidentally” call when your spouse is around. Make sure they loudly discuss the new equipment they just bought and how much it’s improved their game. Your spouse will hear. They’ll connect the dots. And if they don’t, have your buddy call again tomorrow. And the next day. Eventually, either your spouse will buy you golf stuff or they’ll buy you a different phone number, and honestly, both outcomes have their merits.

The Amazon Wish List Blitz

Create an Amazon wish list. Share it with everyone. Your spouse, your kids, your parents, your siblings, your coworkers, that guy you met at the driving range once, everyone.

Put forty items on it. Thirty-eight should be golf-related. The other two? A book and a candle, just so you seem reasonable and well-rounded, which you’re not, but again, they don’t need to know that.

Update it weekly. Add reviews in the comments like “Would really help my slice” or “These are the exact ones my pro recommended.” Make it impossible for them to buy anything else because everything else looks boring compared to golf equipment that promises to transform your game, which it might not, but the promise is what matters here.

The Direct Approach (For the Brave)

Just tell them.

Seriously.

Sit them down. Look them in the eyes. Say “I want golf stuff for Christmas. Specifically, I want this driver, these balls, and this rangefinder. Here are the links. Here are the specs. I’ve made it as easy as possible. Thank you for listening to my TED talk about my golf needs.”

Will they appreciate the honesty? Probably. Will you get what you want? More likely than if you kept hoping they’d telepathically understand that you need a new sand wedge because the grooves on your current one are worn down and it’s affecting your bunker play, which is already bad enough without equipment issues.

The Follow-Up Campaign

Don’t stop after dropping hints. Follow up. “Did you see that text I sent about the driver?” Ask during dinner. “Remember those golf shoes I mentioned?” Ask during breakfast. “Still thinking about that rangefinder.” Say it to no one in particular while watching TV.

Repetition is your friend. Marketing people know this. Politicians know this. Now you know this. Say it enough times and it stops being a hint and starts being a fact – you want golf stuff, they know you want golf stuff, and somewhere in the back of their mind, they’re starting to accept that golf stuff is happening this year.

The Backup Plan

Here’s the truth – they might still get it wrong. They might buy you golf-themed pajamas when you wanted golf balls. They might get you a gift card to a mini-golf place when you wanted a membership to a real course. They might wrap up golf socks, which are fine, but they’re not the GPS watch you’ve been talking about since July.

It’s okay. Say thank you. Mean it. Then on December 26th, hit those post-Christmas sales like a bargain hunter who knows exactly what they want and has been planning this shopping trip since Thanksgiving.

Because you have been.

And that’s fine. Golf equipment is expensive. If waiting one more day means you can get 40% off that driver you’ve been eyeing, that’s called being financially responsible. Your spouse will appreciate it. Eventually. After you explain why you needed three new wedges when you already have wedges.

“The grooves,” you’ll say.

They won’t understand.

But you’ll have new wedges.

The Real Gift

Look, here’s what matters. The holidays aren’t really about getting the perfect golf equipment, even though that would be nice, and you’ve spent considerable mental energy making sure everyone knows exactly what you want.

The holidays are about spending time with people you love. Even if they buy you reindeer sweaters. Even if they think all golf balls are the same. Even if they wrap up golf socks when you desperately need new grips for your irons.

They’re trying. That counts for something.

But also, leave your laptop open to that golf retailer website. Just in case. Because trying is good, but specific product links are better, and you didn’t make it this far in the season without having a solid Plan B.

Happy holidays. May your drives be long, your putts be true, and your gift-givers be observant enough to notice the forty-seven hints you’ve dropped since October.

And if all else fails?

There’s always next year.

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Unveiling the History and Symbolism of Iconic Golf Trophies

Golf is a sport steeped in tradition, prestige, and class. From the lush greens of the course to the meticulously designed clubs, each aspect of the game exudes a sense of history and elegance.

Published

4 days ago

December 9, 2025

Robert Greenfield

Golf is a sport steeped in tradition, prestige, and class. From the lush greens of the course to the meticulously designed clubs, each aspect of the game exudes a sense of history and elegance. Among these elements, golf trophies – the coveted prizes of the tournament – hold a special place. These iconic awards not only represent the winning golfer’s skill and determination but also carry a rich history and meaningful symbolism. In this article, we’ll delve into the story behind some of the most iconic golf trophies and what they symbolize, offering a unique perspective on this beloved sport.

The Claret Jug: The Open Championship

The Claret Jug, officially known as The Golf Champion Trophy, is awarded to the winner of The Open Championship, one of the four major championships in professional golf. The trophy, first presented in 1873, replaced the original prize of a red leather belt with silver buckle.

Its design is based on the medieval ‘claret jugs’ used to serve wine. The symbolism here lies in the association of the jug with a time-honored tradition, reflecting the essence of the tournament itself. The names of all the previous winners are inscribed on the jug, creating a tangible link to the history of the sport.

The Green Jacket: The Masters Tournament

At The Masters Tournament, one of the most prestigious events in golf, the winner is honored with a distinctive green jacket. The tradition began in 1937 when members of the Augusta National Golf Club wore green jackets to distinguish themselves from the crowd.

The symbolism of the Green Jacket is twofold. Firstly, it represents membership of an exclusive club, as only winners of The Masters or members of the Augusta National Golf Club are entitled to wear it. Secondly, the green color reflects the lush, pristine condition of the golf course, a crucial aspect of the sport.

The Wanamaker Trophy: PGA Championship

The Wanamaker Trophy, awarded to the winner of the PGA Championship, is named after Rodman Wanamaker, who played a significant role in establishing the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. It’s one of the largest trophies in professional golf, standing nearly 2.5 feet tall and weighing 27 pounds.

The size and weight of the Wanamaker Trophy symbolize the magnitude and prestige of the tournament it represents. Moreover, engraved on its silver surface are the names of past champions, honoring the legacy of the game.

The U.S. Open Trophy

The U.S. Open Trophy, awarded to the winner of the U.S. Open, dates back to 1895. The trophy was destroyed in a fire in 1946 and had to be recreated from photographs of the original.

The trophy is a sterling silver cup, adorned with elaborate ornamentation. The names of previous winners are engraved on the base, acknowledging the tournament’s rich history. The trophy represents the pinnacle of achievement in American golf, symbolizing the grit and determination required to prevail in one of the sport’s most challenging competitions.

Golf trophies are more than just symbols of individual triumph; they are embodiments of the rich history, tradition, and enduring spirit of the game. From the Claret Jug’s reflection of time-honored tradition to the Green Jacket’s symbolization of exclusivity and pristine golfing conditions, each trophy carries a unique story and meaning. These iconic awards, while coveted for their prestige, also serve as a timeless reminder of the sport’s enduring allure and the unforgettable moments that define golf history.

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The Most Dramatic Final-Day Finishes in Major Sports Tournaments

Many sports have some nail bitting finishes. Robert Greenfield recaps some major final day finishes in sports history.

Published

2 weeks ago

December 1, 2025

Robert Greenfield

The final day of major sports tournaments often delivers an exhilarating end to the competition that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. There’s no better testament to the suspense and drama of sports than those last-minute turnarounds, nail-biting finishes, and underdog triumphs that define the beauty of competition. This article will take you on a thrilling journey through some of the most dramatic final-day finishes in major sports tournaments, reminding us all why we love sports in the first place.

1. The Miracle of Istanbul – 2005 UEFA Champions League Final

The 2005 UEFA Champions League Final between Liverpool and AC Milan is etched in the annals of football history as one of the most dramatic comebacks ever witnessed. AC Milan, boasting a star-studded lineup, went into halftime with a seemingly unassailable 3-0 lead. However, Liverpool had other plans. In a six-minute spell after halftime, the Reds staged an incredible comeback to level the match at 3-3, eventually winning the game on penalties. The victory was a testament to the never-say-die spirit of Liverpool and the unpredictability of football.

1. The “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” – 1951 National League Pennant Playoff

In baseball’s history, few moments match the drama of the 1951 National League Pennant Playoff. The New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers were facing off in a three-game playoff to determine the National League champion. In the bottom of the ninth inning of the decisive third game, with the Giants trailing 4-2, Bobby Thomson hit a game-winning three-run homer off Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca. This legendary moment, known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” is one of the most iconic in baseball history.

1. The 1999 Ryder Cup “Battle of Brookline”

The 33rd Ryder Cup, held at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, saw one of the greatest comebacks in the history of golf. The United States trailed Europe 10-6 heading into the final day, but in a stunning display of determination and skill, the American team clawed back to win 14.5-13.5. The victory, known as the “Battle of Brookline,” is still celebrated as a pivotal moment in golf history.

1. The 1980 “Miracle on Ice”

One of the most dramatic moments in the history of ice hockey came during the 1980 Winter Olympics. The heavily favored Soviet Union team was expected to sweep the gold, but the underdog United States team had different plans. In a game filled with tension and drama, the U.S. team defeated the Soviets 4-3 in a match now known as the “Miracle on Ice.” This victory is not only iconic in the sport of ice hockey but also a significant moment in American sports history.

The 2019 Cricket World Cup Final

The final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup between England and New Zealand was filled with unprecedented drama and suspense. Both teams ended their innings tied on 241 runs, leading to a Super Over – cricket’s version of a tiebreaker. Incredibly, the Super Over also ended in a tie, with both teams scoring 15 runs. England was ultimately declared the winner on the basis of a boundary countback rule, marking their first-ever World Cup victory.

Conclusion

The unpredictability, suspense, and drama are what make sports so captivating. These dramatic final-day finishes remind us of the thrilling highs and lows that come with the world of competitive sports. As fans, we live for these moments, cherishing the unexpected triumphs and heartbreaking defeats. The next time you find yourself watching the final day of a major sports tournament, remember these historic moments and brace yourself for the potential drama that could unfold.