The rules of golf are everything, as it’s a game of integrity above all else. However, the unwritten rules of golf are just as important and not discussed enough.
After playing for more than two decades and countless days of tournament golf, I want to help you understand these rules better. When you apply them, the course and other players will benefit. If you don’t adhere to the rules, chances are you’ll make some golfer mad and not have much fun on the golf course.
15 Unwritten Rules of Golf
Key Takeaways
- There are a ton of formal rules in golf like only having 14 clubs, counting penalty shots, hitting behind tee markers, etc.
- But the unwritten rules are just as important. These include a combination of etiquette and golf best practices to make the round enjoyable for others.
- Some of the rules we’ll cover today include playing ready golf, repairing ball marks, staying quiet when others are hitting, and a lot more.
Keep reading to learn 15 unwritten rules so you can act like an advanced golfer, even if you’re still new in your journey.
1. Play Ready Golf
The first rule to remember is to play ready golf.
This is when the first person that is ready heads up to the tee box or approach shot, even if it’s out of order. Doing so will improve the pace of play and make a much better experience for everyone involved.
The only exception to this rule is competitive events. If you’re in a golf tournament, you’ll typically play honors golf, where the person with the lowest score on the previous hole. And if you’re playing match play, you must play the honor’s system.
2. Always Fix Divots and Ball Marks
Since golf courses are busier than ever since 2020, this rule is critical – always improve the golf course conditions.
On the driving range (if they have sand) and on the course, always fill your divots after practicing. Adding sand/seed mix will help the grass heal faster and leave the course in good shape.
On the greens, make sure to always repair your pitch mark and one or two others if you can. Think of this like “good karma” from the Golf Gods, and will also help the course heal up quicker.
3. Stay Quiet When Others Are Hitting
It’s best to remain silent when others are hitting so you do not distract other golfers.
Once someone starts their practice swings and into their pre-shot routine, stay quiet. Otherwise, your voice or other movements might distract them and affect performance.
Make sure to silence your phone so you don’t let the phone vibrate in a cart compartment, which is equally distracting.
4. Don’t Give Unsolicited Advice
Golfers love to give other players advice… the only problem is that a lot of it is unsolicited advice. Not to mention might actually hurt your golf game as the people giving it typically aren’t instructors.
When it comes to giving advice, only provide tips and tricks when someone asks for it.
Don’t be that person who walks up and down the range offering tips like you’re looking for new clients. It’s not a good move and won’t help your reputation at the course.
When it comes to getting advice, be very careful of who you take it from, too. Unfortunately, too many mid-handicappers love to provide tips to similar level golfers. Instead, only take tips from someone you would switch places with (like a scratch golfer or a plus handicap).
Preferably, though, just stick to one golf instructor so you don’t get bad advice.
5. Stand Out of Line of Sight
From tee to green, you must remember this unwritten rule of golf… always stand out of line of sight. Otherwise, if you move or fidget at all, it might distract a player and impact their swing.
On the bee box, always stand behind the ball or the golfer. You don’t want to be ahead or to the side of them, as you’ll be in their peripheral vision. The same goes with approach shots too.
Around the greens, you want to make sure to not stand directly behind them or near the hole. You want to stand to the side and not close to them too.
If your playing partner is on a similar line and want to learn from them, you can stand behind them, but at a distance. Then move quickly so you’re right behind them after they hit their putt so you can learn from them.
If you’re someone who is noticing someone too close or fidgeting around, always ask them to move before you swing. This way, you’ll swing with more commitment and focus.
6. Watch Other Players Shots
Another unwritten rule of golf is to always watch other players’ shots so you can help find the wayward ones. This will help you speed up the pace of play, ensure you’re looking in the right spot, and hopefully reduce the number of lost balls.
7. Limit Practice Swings
Etiquette and pace of play are so key in golf and practice swings can affect how long it takes you to hit a shot. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you shouldn’t take them, but understand how they impact your time over the ball.
If you’re taking 3-4 practice swings, it’s going to slow you down. Plus, it probably won’t help your game either. Keep it to 1-2 and get over the golf ball sooner.
Learn more about how to make the most of your practice swings here.
8. Rake Bunkers Like a Caddy
One of the worst things that can happen is hitting your ball in a greenside bunker only to find it sitting in a footprint. Bunkers are hard enough, but a bad lie makes them even more difficult.
This is why it’s so important to rake your bunkers as if you were a caddy on the PGA Tour. Try to leave the sand even better than when you found it.
9. Return the Flagstick Properly
First off, respect the flagstick and don’t just toss it on the green when you remove it.
Some golfers in a fit of rage can sometimes throw it and trust me, it’s not a good look. Learn more about the importance of a good mental game here.
When you do put the flagstick back in the hole, make sure to do it properly. Avoid hitting the edge of the cup as it might impact the roll for future players. If you do accidentally knick the edge, make sure to pat it down and fix it.
10. Ask About Music
The history of golf is rich and I think some of the legends of the game would roll over in their grave knowing how many of us play music on the course.
That being said, always make sure to ask other players in your group if music is okay. If it’s a private country club, make sure it’s even allowed, too.
When playing music, make sure the lyrics/songs aren’t offensive to others, aren’t too loud, and turn off when you’re near the clubhouse.
11. Don’t Jinx Putts
One of my biggest pet peeves in golf is someone saying “good putt” before the ball is in the hole. It seems to jinx the ball and lead to burned edges and lip outs.
Wait until the ball finds the bottom of the cup before congratulating them. If the ball doesn’t go in on a lengthy putt, but it’s a good putt, go with “good roll” to congratulate the player.
12. Allow Other Groups to Play Through
Pace of play is a huge issue in the game and one of the reasons more people don’t get into the game. If you have a single or twosome that is playing fast and no one ahead of you, consider letting them play through.
Otherwise, they’ll be right behind you the entire round, which won’t make it fun for either group. Learn more about playing through in golf here.
13. Have a Good Attitude
Even if you aren’t that great at golf, you can always choose to have a good attitude. If you want to make friends with strangers and make a good impression with others, have the right attitude.
Some best practices include:
- Being gracious in defeat.
- Conversing with other golfers.
- Treating the golf club staff with respect.
- Always introducing yourself on the first tee and shaking hands after the round.
- Not letting anger get the best of you and make the round uncomfortable for others.
14. Always Tip at a Country Club
When you’re a guest at a country club or at a nice facility for a bucket list trip, make sure to tip generously. This means tips for valet, cart attendants, and people working in the restaurant or beverage cart.
If you have a caddy, make sure to tip them separately as well. Even if there is a flat fee to hire a caddy, you always need to tip extra. If they help you out a ton, make sure to tip even more.
15. Be Honest With Your Score
The final unwritten rule of golf is to always be honest with your score. Arnold Palmer’s famous quote, “I have a tip that can take five strokes off anyone’s golf game. It’s called an eraser.”
While it’s true and a funny quote, it’s not the way to go when it comes to keeping score. Have integrity so you avoid a bad reputation on the golf course and never be labeled as a sandbagger.
My Experience
I’ve had to learn a lot of these rules the hard way and want you to not have the awkward scenarios I’ve had. When you follow the rules of golf and these unwritten rules, it’ll make for a much better experience for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
Don’t forget to learn about the dress code in golf too, as that can cause some uncomfortable situations. Next, make sure to read the best practices for etiquette. I know it feels like a lot to remember, but the more you play, the more it’ll become second nature.
