A Beginner’s Guide to Golf Etiquette
If you’re new to golf or joining your first social round with friends or strangers, you might be wondering: What are the basics of golf etiquette? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
At The Birdie Club, we welcome golfers of all levels and believe that great etiquette is one of the most important parts of your game. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time you’re playing a course, knowing how to behave ensures you have an enjoyable experience.
1. Be punctual and prepared
One of the golden rules of golf etiquette: always arrive on time. We always recommend our ladies turn up at least 20-30 minutes before their tee time to warm up, check in, and have enough time before heading out onto the course.
Being late could cost you your spot. Most golf courses stick to strict schedules and won’t wait for late arrivals. In fact, they may even have standby players ready to jump in – so if you miss your time, someone else might take your place. Don’t risk losing your round and your green fee!
2. Know when it’s your turn
In traditional golf, the player furthest from the hole plays first. But many casual or social rounds use “ready golf” – whoever is ready, hits. As long as it’s safe and agreed on, this keeps the game flowing smoothly. Communicate with your group to stay in sync.
On the tee box, the usual rule is that the player with the lowest score goes first. But if you’re ready and your group is fine with it, feel free to tee off!
3. Stay quiet and still during swings
This one’s classic golf etiquette: when another player is getting ready, addressing the ball or mid-swing, stay silent and still. Avoid movements, practice swings, conversations, or background distractions. A calm, respectful atmosphere allows everyone to focus, and perform better.
4. Respect the course
Taking care of the golf course is essential. Here’s what every golfer should do:
- Replace divots on the fairway – golf carts usually come with handy sand containers to help you fill these in along the way.
- Rake all bunkers – rakes are placed in all bunkers. Make sure you rake your feet after being in one – it isn’t fair on other players behind you.
- Fix pitch marks on the green – This is where your ball lands. Often you will find players using a special tool to do this, along with their putter.
Leaving the course as pristine as you found it, or better, shows respect for fellow golfers and the grounds staff.
5. Dress the part
Golf has a unique style. Most courses (including the ones we operate at) have a casual but classy golf dress code: collared shirts, tailored shorts or pants, clean golf shoes or sneakers. Dress codes tend to vary, so we always recommend you check before you go.
6. Keep your phone on silent
Modern life is busy, but your phone should stay on silent during play. If you need to take a call, step aside away from the group. Golf is as much about presence and mindfulness as it is about performance.
7. Be encouraging – not critical
Remember – everyone has to begin somewhere. If you’re playing with others, focus on positivity. Golf can be frustrating at times, but a kind word or a laugh goes a long way. Save the critiques unless someone asks for advice.
8. Pace of play
Pace of play is one of the most important aspects of golf etiquette. Always aim to keep up with the group infront of you. If there’s a full hole open in front of you, it’s time to pick up the pace.
Nothing frustrates other golfers more than being delayed at every shot, especially on a busy course.
Quick tips to improve your pace:
- Always be ready to hit when it’s your turn – have your club selected and your routine ready.
- Position yourself efficiently – walk or ride to your ball promptly, and line up your shot while others are playing.
- Limit lost-ball searches to no more than three minutes, per the official rules.
Keeping the game moving helps everyone enjoy their round.
9. Be mindful of your feet
Ensure you are walking around the back of another player’s ball to ensure you do not walk over their line when on the green. Even the light pressure from your foot can subtly alter the surface, which may affect how their ball rolls – especially on finely maintained greens.
10. Set your expectations and start learning the lingo!
When you’re just starting out in golf, it’s easy to get caught up in scorecards and comparisons. But remember, every great golfer was a beginner once. Focus on progress over perfection, and most importantly – enjoy the game.
Before you hit the course, it helps to know some basic golf scoring terms:
- Par – The expected number of strokes it should take to complete a hole (e.g. a Par 4 = 4 shots to the hole).
- Birdie – One stroke under par (e.g. 3 shots on a Par 4). It’s what we’re all aiming for!
- Bogey – One stroke over par (e.g. 5 shots on a Par 4). Still totally acceptable!
- Double Bogey – Two strokes over par. It happens to the best of us.
Don’t be discouraged if your scores are inconsistent. Learning course management, club selection, and shot control takes time. The key is to celebrate small wins – whether that’s a straight drive, a clean chip, or just finishing your first full round.