Everyone who has played golf for many years understand about etiquette on the golf course. It goes without saying that loud conversations to cell phones are a distraction to any golfer ready to swing at the golf ball. These things can be irritating and cause of a bad shot. There are many other rules we all should observe while playing with friends and especially in a tournament. Here are some answers to all of your etiquette questions on the course while playing the game of golf. A little Common Sense should tell you what is proper on the course. We are out there to have a good time, get exercise and to improve our game while not disturbing or injuring other golfers.

1. For safety reasons players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.
2. Players should not play until the players in front are out of range.
3. When hitting a ball in the wrong direction a player should yell to alert those in the path of the ball by yelling “Fore”.
4. Be considerate of other players by not moving, talking or making any noise while others are preparing to hit a shot.
5. Please turn off all cell phones or leave them in your car or locker.
6. Not enter the teeing ground until it is your turn to tee off.
7. On putting green be sure to not walk on another player’s line, or cast a shadow over their putt line.
8. Players should remain on the green until all have putted out.
9. Check and record strokes on each hole after you have moved on to the next tee box.
10. Keep a good pace of play, do not lag, visit or take undue time hitting your golf shot.
11. Keep the group in front of you in reasonable distance. If you lag back let others play through.
12. Keep your mind on the game and be ready to play your shot when it is your turn to hit.
13. If you believe you may be out of bounds hit a provisional ball to save time.
14. If looking for a ball signal players behind to play through if taking longer than five minutes.
15. Take care of the course, repair divots with sand fill on course, rake bunkers after a sand shot,
16. With approaches to the green repair ball marks left on the green.
17. Try to not take overly amounts of practice swings and repair damage to fairway if you make divots.
18. Take care replacing the flag stick in the hole as not to damage the green.
19. Do not remove the ball from the hole using your putter.
20. Always park your golf cart or place golf bags in the area ready to go to the next golf hole.
21. Do not drop your golf bag onto the green.

If all golfers consistently observe these rules of etiquette it will make it more enjoyable for all golfers on the course. Be a gracious golfer and you will be appreciated by all club members.