Been invited to play golf, or just heading out for your first round? Here’s the most important things you need to know.
If you’re new to golf, the idea of stepping onto the course for your first round can feel a bit overwhelming.
Sure, you might have your driver and putter ready, but knowing what to do once you’re out there is just as important as hitting a good shot.
While it’s easy to get caught up in trying to hit the perfect shot, how you behave on the course is just as crucial.
From keeping up with the pace of play to respecting the course and fellow players, these basic rules help ensure everyone has a smooth, enjoyable round.
Before You Tee Off (Pre-round Etiquette)
Show up early.
Not just five minutes early. We’re talking 30 minutes minimum.
Why?
Because rushing to the first tee with a breakfast burrito in one hand and your driver in the other isn’t a good look.
Those 30 minutes before your tee time are crucial. Here’s what you should do with them:
Stretch those muscles. Golf might not look like a workout, but try explaining that to your back tomorrow. Focus on your shoulders, back, and legs – the key areas keeping you playing well through all 18 holes.
Hit some practice balls. Figure out if it will be a slice or hook kind of day. Start with half-swings using your wedge to get loose, then work up to your driver. 20-30 balls is plenty – you’re warming up, not rebuilding your swing.
Check out the course. Look at any local rules. Most courses post important information near the first tee, in the pro shop, or on the back of the scorecard. Knowing the local rules in particular regarding special hazards can save you strokes later.Grab a snack and water. Those nine hours between breakfast and the turn can feel like forever. Pack a banana or energy bar. And yes, get water, even if you plan to grab a beer later.
What to Wear (Golf Attire Etiquette)
Every course has rules about what you can wear. And no, your lucky concert tee from 1995 probably isn’t on the approved list. But these dress codes aren’t just about looking fancy – they’re about respecting the tradition of the game while staying comfortable through 18 holes.
For the guys:
Grab a shirt with a collar. Any collar. Polo shirts are perfect because they let you move freely while keeping you looking presentable. Most pro shops stock them if you forget.
Proper golf pants or shorts need belt loops and proper pockets. Cargo shorts aren’t golf shorts, no matter what your buddy says. The extra pockets just collect tees and slow you down.
Golf shoes. Your running shoes might be comfy, but they’re not meant for the course. Golf shoes give you grip during your swing. Modern ones are as comfortable as trainers but won’t have you slipping on morning dew.
For the ladies:
Golf dresses, skirts, or pants work great. Most have built-in shorts and moisture-wicking fabric.
Same deal with the shoes – get proper golf ones. They come in more styles than ever now.
What not to wear (unless you want to be turned away):
- Tank tops
- Jeans
- Your everyday sneakers
- Any sort of open shoes
Tee Box Etiquette
This is where every hole starts.
If you’re not careful, you can annoy everyone in your group. Getting it right here sets the tone for the whole hole.
Be ready when it’s your turn
Nobody wants to watch you dig through your bag looking for a tee. While others are hitting, check your yardage, pick your club, and get your ball and tee ready.
Think of it like being on deck in baseball – you should be good to go when it’s your turn to bat.
Who goes first?
The person who got the lowest score on the previous hole gets “honors” – the right to tee off first. If that’s equal, count back to previous holes. Whoever is doing best goes first.
First hole? Flip a coin or play rock, paper, scissors. After that, it’s all about how well you played the last hole.
Some groups play “ready golf” which means whoever’s ready hits first. Just agree on this before you start.
Stay out of the way
If someone’s hitting, don’t be that person walking around or chatting about last night’s game. Stand still and stay quiet.
Where should you stand? Either behind the person hitting or at least 10 feet to the side. Never stand where they might see you in their peripheral vision.
Give people space
The tee box isn’t a subway car at rush hour. Give everyone room to take practice swings and set up their shot.
Stand behind and to the side of whoever is teeing off. Somewhere you will be out of their eye-line but can also help to watch their ball.
Playing the Hole
Once you’re off the tee, the real fun begins. Here’s how to play through without making enemies:
Fix your divots
Those chunks of grass you sent flying? They need to go back where they came from.
If you find the divot, put it back and step on it gently to press it down.
No divot to be found? Most courses have sand/seed bottles on their carts. Fill the spot with that instead.
Ball marks on the green are your responsibility
Fix it.
Even if it’s not yours, it’s like karma – fix two, and maybe someone will fix yours next time.
Here’s how: Push your divot repair tool under the mark and gently push forward. Don’t lift – that damages the roots.
A properly fixed ball mark heals in a day. An unfixed one takes weeks and leaves the green bumpy.
Rake your bunkers
Enter from the lowest point to protect the edges.
After your shot (no matter how many tries it took), rake your footprints AND swing marks.
Start from the middle and work your way out of the bunker.
Leave the rake outside the bunker, parallel to play. This stops balls from hitting it and keeps maintenance crews happy.
The unwritten rules of not being distracting:
Stand still when someone’s hitting. That story about your amazing birdie last week can wait.
Stay out of people’s line of sight. If you can see their face, they can see you.
Watch where other balls land. Nothing helps a group more than extra eye-tracking shots.
Keep your shadow off someone’s putting line. (Yes, that matters.)
Slow play is the WORST.
Nobody wants to spend 5 or 6 hours on the course, especially the groups behind you.
Here’s how to keep things moving without rushing your shots:
Be ready to hit when it’s your turn.
While your playing partner is hitting their shot, you should be:
- Checking your distance
- Picking your club
- Getting your glove on
- Planning your shot
Practice swings are great, but maybe not 15 of them. Two or three will do just fine.
Let people play through
Signs you’re too slow:
- You can’t see the group in front of you
- You can see way too much of the group behind you
- The marshal keeps driving by with that look
Just wave the group behind through.
Your pride will recover. And hey, now you can play as slow as you want.
Having a nightmare hole?
We’ve all been there. You’re on shot seven and still not on the green.
Depending on your group either pick up your ball when you hit double par (6 on a par 3, 8 on a par 4, 10 on a par 5). Or if you get to 10 shots.
Some call it the “mercy rule.” I call it “saving my sanity and everyone else’s time.”
Wrapping It Up
If you’ve never played before, this might seem like a lot. But once you’ve played a few rounds it will become second nature. And remember, this isn’t about being fancy or following stuffy old rules – it’s about making sure everyone has a good time, including you.
Next time you’re out there, play at a decent pace, fix what you break, and let faster groups through.
Maybe, just maybe, the golf gods will reward you with fewer shots into the woods. Or probably not. But at least everyone will want to play with you again. And in golf, having playing partners who don’t hate you is half the battle.