Basic Golf Course Knowledge for Beginners


When you are a beginning golfer it is important to know some of the basic rules, regulations and etiquette required to play on a golf course. This will give you a more comfortable experience.

1.Every player must have their own set of clubs.

2.Check to see if the course you are going to play has a dress code in effect. Do not wear high heels, cowboy boots, soccer or baseball shoes. If you don't have soft spiked golf shoes, running shoes or soft soled shoes are fine.

3.If you have a tee time booked, check-in at least fifteen minutes beforehand. Be ready when your time is announced. When your partners are teeing off, do not stand ahead or directly behind of them. You do not want them to be aware of you when they swing. Also, you do not want to be in the way of their swing or ball.

4.Do not take your pull-cart on the tees or greens. If you are renting a power cart, stay on the designated paths.

5.Watch your speed of play. You should be ready to hit the ball when it is your turn. If you fall more than a hole behind the group in front of you, catch up. It is easier to pick up your ball and keep up than it is to wave the groups behind you through.

6.When you hit out of a sand trap it is your responsibility to rake up your mess The rake must then be placed either in or out of the trap depending on the local rules.

7.Replace your divots on the fairway.

8.If you hit your ball and are not sure where it went, you can abandon that ball and hit another one. This will help to speed up play. Remember to put an identifying mark on your golf ball.

9.When you get to the green, if someone asks you to attend the flags stick, hold it by the flag against the stick so it doesn't flutter in the breeze. Pull the flag out of the hole before the ball gets there . Make sure you are not casting a shadow over the hole when you are attending the flag. Do not stand on your playing partners' line.

10.Once the flag stick is replaced and you walk off the green, the group behind you is allowed to hit. You want to be out of their way, which is why you should leave your cart by the side of the green that is closest to the next tee.

11.Do not mark your score until you have reached the next tee box. Mark it when someone else in your group is teeing off. This is a great way to save time.

Golf is a great game, so enjoy yourself and remember everyone was a beginner.