Whether you’re hitting the neighborhood links for the first time or planning to visit one of the world’s most prestigious golf courses, following proper etiquette is imperative.
Business Insider asked PGA pros and course officials about the biggest mistakes people make on the golf course — and how they can be more respectful players.
Here’s what they said.
Don’t waste time looking at footage if you want things to move
You must be ready to swing right after the other players in your group. kasakphoto/Shutterstock
Justin Johnson, a PGA golf instructor at East Potomac Golf Links and owner of Blue Golf Performance LLC, told BI that he doesn’t like it when golfers waste time watching other players’ shots.
“Instead, they should be playing ‘Ready Golf’ – which means sitting on their ball quietly, without distraction, preparing for their next shot while their partner is hitting,” he said. “As soon as their partner’s shot lands, they must hit their shot within the next 20 seconds.”
Johnson added that keeping things moving can save about 30 minutes per game.
Don’t break the dress code – it exists for a reason
Erica Larkin, director of instruction at Creighton Farms Golf Club, told BI that players should always pay attention to the golf course’s dress code. Wearing things like jeans, tank tops and backwards hats can be seen as disrespectful.
“Golf has always been a game of class and integrity, so it’s best to wear appropriate clothing such as a collared shirt with golf shorts or a skirt,” she said.
Forgetting to fix your marks on the green is bad etiquette
The divot tool is intended to be used to correct imperfections on the green. Peakstock/Shutterstock
Another classic mistake is leaving ball marks on the green – which can mess up other players’ shots.
“A simple rule of thumb is ‘do one, fix four.’ As you approach the green, pin your ball and three more balls with your putter,” Johnson said.
Putting your golf bag on the green is also frowned upon
Larkin advises players not to leave their heavy bags on the green.
“It can damage the green and distract the players in the group,” she told BI.
Never hang a leg out of the golf cart
If people are not careful, they can be seriously injured while operating golf carts. Peakstock/Shutterstock
Don Rasmussen, the lead instructor at Circling Raven Golf Academy, cautions players against abusing golf carts—especially while in motion.
“We had two golfers swinging their legs,” he told BI. “The result ended badly as both caught their leg on a railway tie and caused a spiral fracture of the lower leg.”
Avoid playing music too loud (or at all)
It might be tempting to take a Bluetooth speaker to the course for a fun day, but Johnson advises against it.
“In a business environment, the wrong song can destroy a relationship or even a deal,” he said. “It’s best to keep the volume at a level that doesn’t distract or offend your game partners, but you can still enjoy yourself.”
Whatever you do, don’t drive in the native grass off the green
The area around the golf course is not built and maintained for the same amount of wear and tear. Taljat David/Shutterstock
Golf carts should ideally only be driven on the fairways along the links. Going out into the native grasses on the side of the foliage is not a good idea.
In fact, on some golf courses, Rasmussen said, it could cause the carts to shut down automatically.
“You’re going to look pretty funny as the guy who pushes your cart back to normal game flow,” he told BI.
Never destroy the greens, or you may not be welcome back
One of the easiest ways to get banned from a golf course is to damage the green – intentionally or unintentionally.
“If there’s a holy place on the golf course, it’s the putting green,” Johnson told BI. “They are cut low and rolled to be as smooth as possible for maximum enjoyment. A scrape on the green can change the direction of one’s shot, causing it to miss.”
Arriving late for your teen time ruins the whole day
It may be better for beginners to reserve play time later in the day. Victory Studio Day/Shutterstock
Jason Crawford, the PGA’s head golf professional at Massanutten Resort, told BI that timing is essential when hitting the golf course.
“Check in 20 minutes before game time,” he said. “Tee time means starting the first hole on your time. If you start after your time, you disrupt the rhythm of the course for everyone.”
The pro also mentioned that beginners should opt for tee times later in the day to enjoy a more leisurely pace — golf behind veterans who hit the links early can feel rushed.
Avoid letting disappointment get the best of you
No matter how frustrated you are with a shot, Crawford said, giving vent to your anger in obvious ways disrupts the mood on the course.
“Avoid letting frustration take over,” he told BI. “Throwing clubs and swearing not only disrupts your game, but also affects the enjoyment of others.”