Unwritten rules, written down • Designed in Northern California
Golf Etiquette Stories
The conflict: golf etiquette is mostly taught through shame and side-eye, which is a dumb way to learn anything. This page turns the “unwritten rules” into clear, practical guidance using real situations, not moral lectures.
Test Verdict
The “best” etiquette is measurable: fewer delays, fewer distractions, and less course damage. This hub organizes etiquette by pace, respect, and course care so golfers can solve problems without guessing what’s “proper.” Over time we’ll add story-based entries with a short rule, a real scenario, and a clean takeaway.
This page is a living library. We’ll add stories over time. The goal is fewer awkward moments and smoother rounds.
The Map
Etiquette, simplified
Golf etiquette isn’t about being fancy. It’s about minimizing friction between humans sharing the same piece of land. Everything here fits into three buckets.
Pace
Keep it moving
- Be ready when it’s your turn
- Limit practice swings and re-reads
- Play “ready golf” when appropriate
Respect
Don’t disrupt others
- Quiet and stillness near the shot
- Don’t walk through lines on greens
- Phone use: minimal, quick, discreet
Course Care
Leave it better
- Fix ball marks and replace divots
- Rake bunkers properly
- Cart rules exist for a reason
Starter Stories
3 situations everyone runs into
These are written like mini case studies. Each ends with a simple rule you can actually remember mid-round.
Story #1: The Practice-Swing Marathon
Hook: You’re waiting in the fairway while your buddy rehearses a full Broadway production.
Conflict: He’s not getting better. He’s getting slower. The group behind you is now spiritually attached to your cart.
Insight: More rehearsal rarely improves execution under pressure. It usually increases doubt and time.
Rule: One rehearsal swing (or none) once you’ve made your decision. Then step in and hit.
Story #2: The Cart Parked in the Wrong Zip Code
Hook: Someone parks the cart right in front of the green… then acts surprised when it’s a problem.
Conflict: You’re slowing everyone down and tearing up the spots the course can’t easily recover.
Insight: Cart etiquette is really about flow: park where you can walk off quickly, not where it’s convenient for one person.
Rule: Park on the path to the next tee. Always.
Story #3: The Greens Line Dance
Hook: You’re lining up a putt and someone stomps across your line like it’s a sidewalk.
Conflict: Even if the surface “looks fine,” it’s distracting and sometimes it matters. Either way, it’s annoying.
Insight: Etiquette isn’t just physical impact. It’s also removing noise from someone else’s moment.
Rule: Avoid walking through another player’s line. If you must cross, do it quickly and far from the hole.
Want etiquette to feel effortless? A clean routine helps. When your gear is predictable, you stop creating delays and distractions by accident.
FAQ
Golf Etiquette FAQ
What’s the most important rule of golf etiquette?
Pace of play. Not because speed is sacred, but because delays create frustration for every group behind you. “Be ready when it’s your turn” solves a lot.
What is “ready golf”?
Ready golf means the player who is ready hits, even if they’re not farthest away, as long as it’s safe and agreed upon by the group. It improves pace without turning the round into chaos.
Should I fix ball marks even if I didn’t make them?
Yes. Fixing one extra mark is the easiest way to make greens better for everyone. It’s the rare “do more” rule that actually pays off fast.
Is it rude to give swing tips?
Unsolicited tips are almost always noise. Ask first. If they say yes, keep it short. If they say no, drop it.
Next step: we’ll add more story entries and turn the best ones into dedicated pages. If you want to start with one, do “Pace of Play” because it’s the #1 source of conflict on public courses.