Whether it’s your first time at your neighborhood links or planning to visit one of the world’s most prestigious golf courses, following etiquette is imperative.
Business Insider asked PGA pros and course staff about the biggest mistakes people make on the golf course — and how they can be more respectful golfers.
Here’s what they said.
Don’t waste time looking at pictures if you want to keep things moving
You must be ready to move immediately behind the other players in your group. kasakphoto/Shutterstock
Justan Johnson, a PGA golf instructor at East Potomac Golf Links and owner of Blue Golf Performance LLC, told BI that he doesn’t like it when golfers waste time watching other golfers putts.
“Instead, they should play ‘ready golf’ – which means standing by their ball quietly, without distraction, preparing for their next shot while their partner is hitting.” he said. “Once their partner’s shot lands, they must hit their shot within the next 20 seconds.”
Johnson added that keeping things moving can save about 30 game minutes.
Don’t break the dress code – it exists for a reason
Erika Larkin, director of instruction at Creighton Farms Golf Club, told BI that players should always pay attention to a golf course’s dress code. Wearing things like jeans, t-shirts and backwards hats can be seen as disrespectful.
“Golf has always been a game of class and integrity, so it’s best to wear the right outfit like a collared shirt with golf shorts or a skirt,” she said.
Forgetting to repair your green marks is bad etiquette
The separation tool is meant to be used to repair imperfections on the green. Peakstock/Shutterstock
Another classic mistake is leaving ball marks on the green – which can mess up other players’ shots.
“A simple rule is ‘make one, fix four.’ When you approach a green, fix the ball mark and three other ball marks with your putter,” Johnson said.
Putting your golf bag on the green is also obnoxious
Larkin advises players not to leave their heavy bags on the court.
“It can damage the green and create a distraction for the players in the group,” she told BI.
Never hang your leg out of the golf cart
If people are not careful, they can be seriously injured while using golf carts. Peakstock/Shutterstock
Don Rasmussen, head instructor at Circling Raven Golf Academy, cautions golfers against abusing golf carts — especially when they’re in motion.
“We’ve had a few golfers hang their legs,” he told BI. “The result ended badly as both caught their leg on a railway tie and caused a spiral fracture to the lower leg.”
Avoid playing music too loud (or at all)
It might be tempting to bring a Bluetooth speaker to the course for a fun day, but Johnson advises against it.
“In a business environment, the wrong song can destroy a relationship or even a deal,” he said. “Keeping your volume at a level that doesn’t distract or offend your playing partners, but you can still enjoy yourself is best.”
Whatever you do, don’t ride native grass off the green
The area surrounding a golf course is not built and maintained for the same amount of wear and tear. Talat David/Shutterstock
Ideally, golf carts should only drive on the fairways along the links. Encroaching on native grasses on the sides of greens is not a good idea.
In fact, on some golf courses, Rasmussen said, this can cause the carts to lock automatically.
“You’re going to look pretty funny being the person pushing your cart back into the normal flow of the game,” he told BI.
Never destroy the greens, or you may not be welcome back
One of the easiest ways to get banned from a golf course is to damage the green – either intentionally or unintentionally.
“If there’s any sacred ground on the golf course, it’s the greens,” Johnson told BI. “They are mowed down and rolled to be as smooth as possible for maximum enjoyment. A bump on a green can change the direction of one’s shot, causing it to miss.”
Being late for your tee time ruins the whole day
It may be best for beginners to reserve a time for tae that is later in the day. Victory Day Studio/Shutterstock
Jason Crawford, head PGA golf professional at Massanutten Resort, told BI that timing is essential when hitting the golf course.
“Check it 20 minutes before your slot time,” he said. “Tee time means you start the first hole at your time. If you start after your tee time, you throw off the pace of the course for everyone.”
The pro also mentioned that beginners should choose tee times later in the day to enjoy a more relaxed pace – golfing after veterans who hit the links early can feel rushed.
Don’t let your frustration get the best of you
No matter how frustrated you are with a shot, Crawford said, letting out your anger in obvious ways ruins the atmosphere on the course.
“Avoid letting frustration take over,” he told BI. Throwing sticks and swearing not only spoils your game, but also affects the enjoyment of others.”