To an ever increasing number of men, women and children, the game of golf is an excellent way to spend both their leisure and vacation time.  To get the most from this this great game, it is important that you follow the simple rules of Golf Etiquette.  Knowing these simple rules will go a long way to significantly increasing your enjoyment of the game, as well as the enjoyment of other golfers.   Briefly put, the rules ask that you show consideration for other golfers, that you play the course in a timely manner, that you take care of each course you play, and that you maintain control over your temper, particularly while on the course.

True golfers understand that practicing good Golf Etiquette really plays a big role in making golf one of the best games around.  Knowing and maintaining a good code of golf conduct is always important, particularly for golfers who are new to the game.   In fact, anyone not fully familiar with good Golf Etiquette should read and observe the conduct rules below.    

The Rules of Golf Etiquette are courtesy of the United States Golf Association (USGA), and are applicable to golfers everywhere.  So take a look.  You'll find just about everything you need to know.  At the bottom of this page, we've included information about the USGA, membership rates and how to order their "The Spirit of the Game" videotape and accompanying brochure, which details more fully the Rules of Golf Etiquette.

ASiteForGolf.Com hopes you thoroughly enjoy your golfing experience!  Thank you!

PROCEDURES FOR THE TEEING GROUND:

• Always be on time and prepared to play.
• Choose the teeing ground that best matches your ability.
• Always be aware of your safety and the safety of others
• Safety - wait until the group ahead is out of range of your best shot.
• Safety - be sure you are well away from others before taking practice swings.
• Safety - stand on the same side as the ball when watching someone hit.
• Stay silent and still while others in your group are teeing off.
• Avoid taking divots with practice swings on the teeing ground.

PLAYING THE COURSE QUICKLY:

• Plan your shot while walking to your ball or while others are playing.
• Be ready to play when it is your turn to play, particularly on the putting green.
• Walk briskly between shots.
• Walk directly to your golf ball; don't follow other players to theirs unless assisting in a search.
• If riding, take several clubs with you to your ball so you won't have to walk back to the cart.
• Be efficient with pre-shot routines.
• Don't step off yardage for every single golf shot, develop an "eye" for distance (especially if you are playing the same golf course every day/week).
• Take only one look at the line of play/putt from behind the ball.
• Take only one practice swing.
• Play a provisional ball if you think the original may be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds.
• Record scores on the next teeing ground while others are playing or after you have played your tee shot.

HELPING MAINTAIN COURSE CONDITION:

• Replace your divots or fill divots with soil/seed mixture, if available.
• Repair other golfer's divots.
• Avoid taking divots with practice swings.
• Smooth footprints and irregularities in sand after playing from bunkers.

ABOUT THE PUTTING GREENS:

• Know how to repair a ball-mark:
  Insert a repair tool or tee at the edges of the ball mark and bring the edges to the center. Do not lift the center of the ball mark. Try not to tear the grass.
• Repair your ball mark and others on the putting green:
  A repaired ball mark will heal in two to three days, a ball mark not repaired will take three weeks to heal.
• Place golf bags well off the putting surface.
• Take care with flagsticks, when removing and replacing them in the hole and when placing them on the green.
• Mark your golf ball with a small coin or similar object.
• Stay off the line of putt of other players.
• Study your line of putt ahead of time and be ready to putt when it is your turn.
• Remove golf balls from the hole with your hand, not the head of your putter.
• On completion of the hole by all players in the group, repair damage to the putting green caused by spikes.

PROCEDURES FOR WALKING & RIDING THE COURSE:

• Always obey the "Rules of the Road."
• Check with the golf shop to see what cart rules are in effect for that day and follow all regulations.
• Have a sense of where you are on the golf course.
• You don't have a "right" to drive a cart over every area of the course, so estimate the yardage and select several golf clubs before walking to your ball.
• Be aware of the damage carts can cause.
• Keep the cart at least 30 yards away from a green or bunker and park in the direction of the next hole.
• If walking, leave the golf bag next to the green facing in the direction of the next hole.

HONESTLY & INTEGRITY:

• Play the course as you find it. 
• Play the ball as it lies: When that is not possible do what is fair.
• Be responsible for applying the Rules of Golf.
• Treat others with respect.

MANNERS & BEHAVIOR WHILE GOLFING:

• Leave the course in better condition than you found it.
• Treat other players the way you would like to be treated.
• Before playing, check to be sure the way ahead is clear.
• No mulligans! Use the practice tee prior to the round.
• Golf is played best when emotions are under control.
• Pets and very young children are at risk on the golf course. It is not appropriate to take non-playing children or pets on a golf outing.

BUYING "THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME" VIDEOTAPE & USGA MEMBERSHIP:

ASiteForGolf.Com reminds you to enjoy the game more by always playing by the Rules of Golf, by playing as quickly as possible, and by consistently practicing good Golf Etiquette.  Thank you again for visiting our website.  May all your golfing be Good Golfing! 

Members of the United States Golf Association (USGA) can obtain a complimentary copy of "The Spirit of the Game" videotape upon request.   For golfers who are not currently USGA Members, a one-year membership can be obtained for about $15.00(US).  Simply call toll free  1-800-345-USGA or click here for more information.

For Non-Members, copies of "The Spirit of the Game" videotape are available for about $20.00(US) per copy by calling the USGA Order Department at 800-336-4446.  Canadian and International golfers can go directly to the USGA web site for ordering information or more golfing information at http://www.usga.com.