Golf Etiquette for Beginners: The Essentials

Golf etiquette sounds intimidating, but it really comes down to keeping up, staying safe, and respecting the course and the people you are with. Nail those and you will be welcome anywhere, however high you are scoring.

Keep up with play

Slow play is the one thing that genuinely annoys other golfers. Play "ready golf", which means hit when you are ready rather than strictly in order, be thinking about your shot before it is your turn, and keep pace with the group in front, not just ahead of the group behind. If you lose a hole on the group ahead and are holding others up, wave them through.

Stay safe

Never play a shot until the group ahead is well out of range, and never swing a club when someone is standing close by. If your ball heads towards other players, shout "fore" loudly and without delay.

Look after the course

• Repair your pitch mark on the green with a pitch fork.
• Replace divots on the fairway, or fill them if sand is provided.
• Rake bunkers after you have played from them.

Behaviour on the green

Do not walk across the line between another player's ball and the hole, keep still and quiet while others putt, and leave the green promptly once everyone has holed out, marking your card on the next tee.

Dress code

Most clubs expect a collared shirt and tailored trousers or shorts, and many have rules on denim and trainers. Check before you go, and when in doubt, smart golf clothing keeps you on the right side of any dress code. Browse golf polos and trousers and shorts if you need to look the part.

Frequently asked questions

What golf etiquette should a beginner know?

Keep up with play, never hit until players ahead are clear, shout fore if your ball heads at someone, repair pitch marks, rake bunkers, replace divots, and stay quiet and still while others play.

What is ready golf?

Playing your shot when you are ready rather than in strict order, to speed up the round. It is widely encouraged in casual and club play to keep pace.

Do beginners need special golf clothes?

Most clubs have a dress code, usually a collared shirt and tailored trousers or shorts, and often no denim or trainers. Check the club's rules, and smart golf clothing keeps you compliant.

Is it rude to let faster groups through?

The opposite. If you are holding up the group behind and there is space ahead, waving them through is good etiquette and takes the pressure off your round.