Respecting Golf Etiquette

Golf is an ancient game that carries age-old rules of etiquette. Among the many codes of golf etiquette are some strict attire guidelines. Most golfers will happily respect and comply with the rules of etiquette, and these polite players are welcome at proper golf courses.

On the other hand, golfers who shun the rules and consider the etiquette to be too stodgy will have to settle with a golf course that meets their lower level of standards.

Public and private golf courses enforce etiquette rules to some degree, and nearly all courses will hold restrictions on golf apparel. The use of proper golf attire is considered to be one of the most important areas of etiquette. Collared shirts, long pants and proper golf shoes are the most common of golf course dress code requirements. These rules come into play on the links and in the clubhouse, and respectful players are happy to oblige.

Arriving promptly for your tee time is one of the primary rules of golf etiquette. Plan on being at the course at least twenty to thirty minutes before you will tee off. This will give you plenty of time to park the car, get changed, buy extra balls, get a cart, practice and warm up. Don't expect to be able to arrive five minutes before tee time and immediately hit the driving range.

Most golf etiquette is based on age-old rules, but one important rule is a sign of the times. You cell phone or pager is not welcome on the golf course. Leave it in the car or in your locker. If you cannot leave your phone behind, turn the ringer off and tuck the phone into your golf bag. You can check for messages and return them when it's respectful to do so.

Golf etiquette is all about being mindful of other players. Have a clear understanding of how the other players in your group want to play, and keep their wishes in mind. Should the first golfer to tee off be the first person who's ready to go, or should the player with the best score on the last hole start first? You can very easily offend a stranger if you join their group and don't play by their rules, so be careful.

Golf requires precision and a great deal of concentration, so you must respect the other golfers' need for a quiet place to play. Golfers can be unforgiving if they think you've blown their big shot. Following golf etiquette requires your ability to keep quiet and stay out of the other golfers' direct line of vision. This can be a hard rule to follow, especially when you're having fun with your buddies, but it is golf etiquette in its most rudimentary form.

To you, golf may be a fun game. Others, however, see it as a showcase of their good breeding and even an opportunity to climb the social ladder. It's serious stuff. If you enjoy playing a game of golf, you've got to respect the fact that there's more to golf etiquette than just a persnickety dress code. These rules are part of a culture and tradition that have been observed by generations of golfers. Press your collared shirt, put on your long-legged chinos and lace up your golf shoes. Tee off with due respect.

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Writer Emery Deiryme writes for numerous well-known web sites, on leisure and travel leisure golf topics.