The game of golf has certainly become more popular during recent decades.  In spite of the fact that it was once considered a rich man’s game, there are more players from all walks of life discovering golf as a recreation that can be enjoyed well into the later chapters of life.  While some of the interest in the game is due to its exposure on television, and the public’s interest in the personalities of the professionals, but the fact that golf is played on beautiful, well-groomed outdoor spaces certainly has attracted more participants over the years.   It’s likely, however, with the greater number of players, that some of them have failed to learn the etiquette and courtesies that are usually observed.  The following tips can be helpful to someone new to the game.

1.         Be quiet and stand still when others are addressing the ball or hitting a shot.  Concentration is crucial to the game of golf, and there are many things to think about just before executing the swing. 

2.         Never stand in another player’s line of sight when he/she is attempting to hit.  This rule applies to both fairway shots and putts. 

3.         Watch the location of your shadow with respect to another player’s ball, when he/she is about to hit.  This is particularly important on the green, where shadows can make it difficult to accurate judge the contour and slope of the putting surface.

4.         Play in the proper order.  The player with the lowest score generally has the “honors” and is offered the opportunity to hit first from the next tee box.  This may not be possible when mixed genders are playing and the ladies’ tee is 40 or 50 yards down the fairway, but should be observed when the tee boxes are in close proximity to each other.

5.         Be mindful of the group behind you, waiting to play the hole.  Looking for a lost ball longer than five minutes, re-counting your strokes before leaving the green (after putting out), and engaging in unnecessary chit-chat instead of hitting are all examples of activities that slow the game down, and make it less enjoyable for everyone playing the course that day.

6.         Fix your ball marks on the green.  Those little divots created by the landing of your shot can be menacing when trying to read the green and sink a putt, but are easily and quickly repaired by just bending over and prying up the spot with a long tee or a green repair tool. 

7.         Be careful when replacing the flagstick back into the cup.  The edges of the hole can be damaged easily, although this can be avoided by sampling putting the pin straight back in without touching the sides.

8.         After securing a tee time for your group, make sure that everyone is there on time. 

Paying attention to these simple rules will make sure your foursome will want you around every time they gather to play.