There is a lot to learn about the rules of etiquette on the golf course and the more you play the more you will discover.
Golf etiquette/rules are not so much geared around being mannerly as they are geared around being respectful of your fellow golfers and doing things that ensure everyone in the area is safe.
Some of the more important rules of etiquette are as follows:
Never swing your club until you are certain it is safe to do so. Make sure all fellow golfers and spectators are safely out of the way. Also, make sure you are out of the path of a golfer’s swing.
Never swing and hit your ball until you are absolutely certain that golf groups ahead of you are out of the ball’s range.
Never talk or make noise when another golfer is swinging or putting.
The only time it is acceptable to holler or make noise on a golf course is when you see your ball, or another player’s ball, heading toward a person. If this occurs, you should yell “fore!” to alert the individual.
Keep golf carts on the golf paths and out of the grass and away from hazards.
Understand that most golf courses require a reservation to play. This is known as your “tee-time.” While it is possible to get away with not having a tee-time, assume you will need one, especially during busy golfing times. Generally, tee-times are made for groups of four. While it’s possible for two people to play a round of golf together and reserve a tee-time, the club may have you include a pair of other players to make the group equal four. You should arrive a bit early for your tee-time.
Beginning golfers who just want to practice on their own generally find that it’s better if they head to the course during less busy times, such as early in the morning or late in the evening. Not only does this help beginning golfers feel more at ease and comfortable, but it keeps more experienced golfers from being held up behind a beginner. The good news is that some courses give discounted green fees during these less busy times.
The order of play, or deciding who goes first, for a round of golf is generally decided by something casual like tossing a coin in the air. Some golfers will throw a tee in the air and whoever it points to when it lands will go first. This is repeated until the order of play is determined for all players.
After the first hole has been completed, the person who has the lowest score on the hole will go first at the next hole. This is called the “honor.” This is repeated with each consecutive hole. If two people are tied for the lowest shot on a hole, players will revert back to the previous hole’s lowest score to determine who has the honor of going first.
Playing out of turn and not honoring the “honor” can be overlooked if it’s a mistake. However, not showing honor to the player to whom it’s due, or groups deciding to forego the honor system altogether, can be penalized, or disqualified if they are playing in a tournament.
Players are only allowed to tee off in the teeing area.
If a player has teed off outside of the teeing area, all of the strokes he has taken are counted, but he must tee off again in the teeing area.
A player who takes a tee shot outside of the teeing area and who completes the hole can be disqualified from the game.
It’s not required to use a tee when you are making your first shot at the teeing ground. However, most players do use a tee and beginners are encouraged to do so, too. Most golfers will place a tee between their first and second fingers and drive it into the ground with their thumbs. The height of the tee is based on preference, but most golfers will have it anywhere from one-quarter to one inch, and the longer the club that is used, the higher the tee generally should be, but, as stated, this is a personal decision.