Golf Rules & Etiquette

Golf is a gentleman's game - these rules and manners make it fun and fair for everyone!

🤝 Golf Etiquette - How to Be a Great Player

Be Quiet and Respectful

When someone is about to hit, stay quiet and still. Golf requires concentration!

Stand behind or beside them, never directly in front or behind their ball.

Keep Up the Pace

Be ready when it's your turn. Golf is more fun when the game flows smoothly!

Have your club selected and be ready to hit when it's your turn.

Safety First

Always make sure the area is clear before you swing. Safety is the #1 rule!

If your ball might hit someone, yell 'FORE!' loudly to warn them.

Take Care of the Course

Fix your divots, rake bunkers, and repair ball marks on the green.

Leave the course better than you found it - it's respect for the game!

Honesty is Everything

Golf is special - you keep your own score and call penalties on yourself!

Never cheat or bend the rules. Your integrity matters more than your score.

Good Sportsmanship

Congratulate good shots, stay positive, and be a good playing partner!

Win with grace, lose with dignity. Everyone has bad days on the course.

📖 Basic Rules You Need to Know

Playing the Ball

1
Play the ball as it lies - don't move it (except on the tee box)
2
You must play the same ball from tee to green
3
Count every stroke, including practice swings that accidentally hit the ball

Out of Bounds & Lost Ball

1
If your ball goes out of bounds (usually marked by white stakes), you get a 1-stroke penalty
2
Hit another ball from the same spot
3
You have 3 minutes to search for a lost ball

On the Green

1
Mark your ball with a marker before picking it up
2
Don't step on anyone's putting line
3
Fix your ball mark and one other to help the course
4
Remove the flagstick before putting (or leave it in - new rule!)

Bunkers (Sand Traps)

1
Don't touch the sand with your club before swinging
2
After your shot, rake the bunker smooth
3
Enter and exit from the low side to avoid damage

Test Your Knowledge!

Ready to see what you've learned? Start the quiz!

🌟 The Golden Rule of Golf

"Play the ball as it lies, play the course as you find it, and if you can't do either, do what's fair." Golf is built on honesty and integrity - that's what makes it special! You're not just playing against others, you're challenging yourself to be the best player and person you can be. 💚