10 essential rules for good golf etiquette

All sports have their own customs and accepted behaviours, but proper etiquette is especially important in golf. Good manners and thoughtful play will make sure your games run smoothly, but will also help ensure you don’t negatively impact anyone else’s round and make a bad name for yourself in the process.

Whilst the rules of golf are officially stated, golf etiquette often isn’t. Some clubs may have written rules of etiquette, but often, the behaviour and good manners expected of players are more ‘unwritten rules’. But if you’re unsure about proper etiquette in golf, we can help. To make sure you don’t commit any faux pas and that your golfing etiquette is up to the tee, in this blog, we explain the 10 most important examples of proper golf etiquette in the UK.

1. Respect the pace of play

Golf is generally a gently-paced game, but playing too slowly can frustrate groups behind you and disrupt the rhythm of others. Keeping up with the group ahead (not just staying ahead of the group behind) is key.

Do:

• Be ready to play when it's your turn
• Try to take no more than 60 seconds for your shot once you're set
• Keep an eye on your ball as it lands to avoid time-consuming searches

Don't:

• Take excessive practice swings
• Engage in long conversations on the tee box when it's your turn to hit
• Spend too long looking for lost balls (the rules of golf allow just three minutes to search)

Tip: If you're holding up the ground behind you, invite them to play through.

2. Dress appropriately for the club

Golf clubs typically have a dress code that reflects the tradition of the game and that club. While some are relaxing standards, many still expect a neat and tidy appearance, and certain items of clothing may be prohibited. Golf attire etiquette is often just as important as golf course etiquette.

Do:

• Check the club's website or call ahead if unsure about dress expectations
• If in doubt, wear  collared golf shirt, tailored trousers or shorts, and proper golf shoes
• Wear golf-appropriate outerware (jumpers, vest, waterproofs) in poor weather

Don't:

• Turn up in other sporting clothes like football shirts or gym wear. Don't wear denim jeans, T-shirts, or cargo shorts unless you're absolutely sure items like these are allowed. If you're unsure, err on the side of caution
• Wear hats indoors, especially in the clubhouse
• Assume that what you wear at your home course applies elsewhere

Tip: If in doubt, overdress. A smart appearance always leaves a good impression, and it’s better to overdress than underdress.

3. Be quiet and still while others are playing

Concentration is critical in golf. Sudden noises, movement, or conversations during a swing can disrupt focus and cause poor shots or even accidents.

Do:

• Stand still and remain quiet when someone is addressing the ball
• Switch your phone to silent mode
• Be mindful of how close you're standing to other players

Don't:

• Rustle in your bag, chat, or fidget during another player's turn
• Walk across someone's putting line
• Take phone calls on the course

4. Take care of the course

Every golfer has a responsibility to leave the course as they found it. Repairing damage helps preserve playing conditions for others and shows respect for the hard work of the greenkeepers.

Do:

• Repair pitch marks on the green
• Replace divots on the fairway
• Rake bunkers thoroughly after playing out of them

Don't:

• Walk in bunkers unnecessarily or leave them un-raked
• Drag your trolley or buggy across tees, greens, or fringes
• Leave litter, broken tees, or any other items on the course

Tip: Keep a pitch mark repair tool in your pocket at all times. It’s a small tool and a quick act to repair imperfections in the green, but it’s a polite gesture that can make a big difference.

5. Use golf buggies responsibly

Good golf buggy etiquette is essential, as buggies can cause considerable damage to fairways and greens if used incorrectly. Many courses have strict rules about buggy use, especially in wet conditions, and it pays to be aware of them.

Do:

• Stick to paths where provided
• Obey all signage and course-specific buggy rules
• Drive slowly and cautiously, especially near tees and greens

Don't:

• Drive on greens, tees, or between bunkers and greens
• Take shortcuts across fairways or sensitive ground
• Allow children or unlicensed players to operate buggies

Tip: If walking whilst carrying your golf bag isn’t an option, consider a pull trolley as a gentler alternative to a buggy.

6. Know when it's your turn and be ready

Being ready to play when it’s your turn cuts down on lost time, helps maintain the pace of your round, and shows consideration for your fellow golfers.

Do:

• Begin lining up your shot or reading putts while others are playing (without distracting them)
• Be ready on the tee or green as soon as it's your turn
• Watch where other players' balls land to speed up play

Don't:

• Wait until it's your turn to start thinking about club selection or distance
• Wander away from your ball and hold up the group
• Argue or debate shots at length. Sometimes, it's better to be gracious and concede a point in order to stop play from slowing down too much

Tip: Modern golf encourages “Ready Golf”, a pace-friendly approach where players hit when safe and ready rather than strictly waiting for honours.

7. Show good sportsmanship

Golf is rooted in integrity and self-regulation. Courtesy, honesty, and fair play are hallmarks of good golfers, and showing sportsmanship will help you build a good reputation for yourself.

Do:

• Congratulate opponents on goof shots
• Accept rulings gracefully, and don't dwell on poor shots or other mishaps. Try to remain optimistic and cheerful no matter how badly your round is going
• Shake hands at the end of the round

Don't:

• Celebrate opponents' mistakes
• Cheat in any way, such as by improving your lie or miscounting strokes
• Lose your temper. Clubs should never be thrown or slammed, and allowing yourself to slip into a bad mood can affect the people you're playing with

Tip: Remember, how you conduct yourself when things aren’t going well says more about you than when they are.

8. Be considerate in the clubhouse

The clubhouse is part of golf's social fabric. Observing polite and thoughtful behaviour off the course is just as important as good golf etiquette during the round.

Do:

• Clean your shoes and clubs before entering the clubhouse
• Remove hats and waterproofs before entering the bar or dining area
• Use quiet and respectful language around others

Don't:

• Bring muddy trolleys or wet gear into indoor areas
• Argue loudly about your round or other players
• Bring up unwelcome topics of conversation, such as politics or airing other potentially unwelcome views

Tip: Remember, being a polite and well-liked golfer depends on your behaviour in the clubhouse just as much as it does on the course.

9. Understand local rules and formats

As well as basic golf etiquette, courses often have their own rules to protect the landscape, manage safety, and streamline play. Being familiar with them ensures you don’t unintentionally break etiquette. If you’re playing a specific format of golf, making sure you understand how it works will ensure you don’t slow down play and frustrate others.

Do:

• Read the local rules board before starting your round
• Ask about preferred lies, drop zones, or winter rules if unclear
• Understand the format you're playing by researching it online

Don't:

• Assume every course plays the same
• Challenge the starter or marshal on rules
• Play a golf format you haven't played before without familiarising yourself with the rules beforehand

Tip: If playing in a society or club competition, make sure you know the rules of that day’s format.

10. Avoid common golfing faux pas

Even experienced golfers occasionally commit etiquette blunders. These are some of the most common UK golf etiquette mishaps to be aware of and avoid:

Don't:

• Stand directly behind someone on the tee or green
• Walk across the line of another player's putt
• Forget to shout "Fore!" if your ball may be at risk of hitting someone
• Leave your bag or trolley in front of the green, delaying the next group
• Hit into the group ahead before they're out of range (even if they're slow)

Tip: When in doubt, be cautious and courteous.

Embracing golf etiquette and tradition

Whilst golf is a game that’s always evolving, it’s still a sport steeped in tradition and history. Adhering to golfing etiquette won’t just make you a well-liked player, but it will allow you to experience some of that history, too. As well as learning about proper etiquette in golf, check out our guide to golf traditions and superstitions too to learn more about the sport’s unique past.

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