Golf is a game of many, many strange rules and traditions. While many of these are probably outdated and should be abolished, a golfer should know as much as possible about good etiquette before they take their game to the course. Some of this is (or at least should be) basic common sense, but let's cover the bases anyway:
Play 'Ready Golf'.
Don't be overly concerned about the honor system of golf (person with the best score on the previous hole hits first; person furthest from the hole goes first) just hit when you're ready. Unless you are playing a competitive round or your playing partners insist on 'the honors system', just step up to your ball and hit it when you're ready to go. You can be the worst golfer in the world and nobody will notice if you keep up your pace.
Prepare for your shot when other people are hitting theirs.
Don't worry about their shot, don't look at what they are doing to prepare for their shot, just prepare for yours. For instance, when your playing partner is addressing their ball for a putt, you should be down low to the green reading the break, so that when it's your turn, you are ready to hit without further preparation.
Have an extra ball in your pocket.
Have a ball ready in case you hit one out of bounds or can't find it. This will save the time of having to walk back to your bag and fish out another one. The added confidence of having a ball handy will likely improve your swing too.
Replace your divots.
When your club slides under the turf and sends a divot flying down the fairway, it's your responsibility to replace the divot to it's original place and tamp it down with your foot. The grass roots will re-attach themselves to the turf and thereby not cause damage to the course.
Fix your ball marks.
When you hit an approach shot to the green from more than 30 yards or so, it will leave an indentation on the green when it lands. Simply have a 'ball mark repair tool' in your pocket and use it to push the surrounding turf inwards towards the middle of the mark and tamp it down with your putter so that it is level again.
Don't talk in people's backswings.
One of those old fashioned stuffy golf traditions, but still important. Some people feel that the slightest noise will throw off their swing and distract them enough to mis-hit the ball. You would also be advised to stand out of the golfers line of sight when they are addressing a ball, and not to move excessively either.
Let people behind you play through if they are having to wait for your group.
If the group behind you is having to wait to hit their shots because your group is slower than them, simply wait for them on the next tee box and allow them to 'play through'. You can also mark your balls when they are on the green, then wave them up, and allow them to play through on the current hole.
Leave your golf bag on the side of the green closest to the next hole.
One of those things that should be common sense but you see all the time. People leave their golf bag on the opposite side and have to walk all the way around to get it and back towards the next hole. Not a big deal on one hole, but if they are doing this on every hole the cumulative time spent is significant.
Don't walk on other golfer's putting lines.
Observe the intended line of other golfer's putts and make sure you don't walk in them. Another old school tradition, but the footprint actually can leave an indentation in the green that would make the ball 'jump' off course when they putt.
Stand behind other golfers when they are preparing to hit their ball.
Pretty obvious for safety reasons, but you also don't want to be in their line of sight as they are preparing to hit. Don't be in such a hurry to get to your ball that you forget about this one (I learned the hard way on this one and got nailed on the back pretty hard a few years back).
Warn other golfers if your ball is flying towards them.
You must yell 'FORE' loud enough for golfers to hear you if your ball is flying at them. This serves as a warning for them to duck their heads under their arms and protect themselves from potential injury.
There are many other ways to display good etiquette on the golf course, but you will pick these up as you play more. The above checklist should be enough to get you started though. Have fun and mind your golf manners!
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