Above all, remember this: There is no cheating in golf! But there are no rules against picking up key information as quickly and easily as you can. That’s the idea behind this cheat sheet — to give you a quick look at some important points about golf etiquette, penalty shot scoring, and business outings.
Dos and don’ts for players and spectators
Golf etiquette can seem confusing to newcomers, but whether you’re a first-timer or a pro, you won’t go wrong if you exercise some common sense and remember these tips.
Dos and don’ts for players on the course
| Do |
Don't! |
| Play at a reasonable pace. |
Move or talk while someone in your group is hitting the ball (or getting ready to hit). |
| Repair ball marks, replace divots, and rake bunkers. |
Walk across the line of another player’s putt on the green. |
| Pay attention to the rules as they are laid out and administered by the USGA and R&A. |
Ask your opponent what club they hit. |
| Have the player who is farthest from the hole hit first on each shot. |
Let your phone or other devices interfere with others’ enjoyment of the game. |
| Let the winner of the previous hole tee off first at the next tee. This is called “the honor.” |
Hit a shot until the group in front of you is well out of range. |
| Put an identifying mark on your golf ball, and watch it like a hawk. |
Ever play when there is lightning in the vicinity. |
| Walk the course if possible. |
Hold up other players. |
| Turn in every score for handicap purposes. |
Claim a false handicap to impress other golfers or get extra strokes from them. |
| Respect the rules and regulations of the course you are playing. |
Expect that the rules and regulations will always be the same as at your home course. |
Dos and don’ts for golf spectators
| Do |
Don't! |
| Be quiet when play is going on. |
Run on a golf course while a tournament is being played. |
| Keep your movements to a minimum when players are about to hit. |
Talk on a cell phone. |
| Wait for all players to putt out before leaving the green area for the next tee. |
Take pictures during competition rounds. When in doubt, ask tournament organizers about camera use. |
| Follow the etiquette guidelines set down by the club and association hosting an event. |
Ask for autographs from golfers who are still out on the course playing. |
| Cheer a good shot, but only in an appropriate and moderate fashion. |
Shout “You da man!” or “Get in the hole!” after a player hits a shot. |
| Ask for autographs and praise your favorite players after they finish their rounds. |
Applaud or otherwise celebrate a bad shot by any of the players. |
How to score common penalty shots
Nobody enjoys dealing with penalties — but you can save yourself strokes and heartache by knowing the rules.
| Penalty |
How to Score |
| Out-of-bounds |
Stroke and distance: return to where you hit the shot and add a 1-stroke penalty. |
| Unplayable lies |
1-stroke penalty. Drop the ball within two club lengths of the original spot, no nearer to the hole. Or drop it as far back as you want, as long as you keep the original unplayable lie point between you and the hole. You may also return to the spot from which you played your original shot. |
| Penalty areas marked by red or yellow stakes |
You may play the ball as it lies. Or if the stakes at the penalty area are red or yellow, you may hit another ball from the spot where you hit the last one, adding a 1-stroke penalty; or you can drop a ball where your shot entered the penalty area — or at any point back to where you hit the last shot — and play from there, adding a one-stroke penalty. |
| Penalty areas marked by red stakes |
If the stakes at the penalty area are red, you may drop a ball within two club lengths of the spot where your shot entered the penalty area, no closer to the hole, and add a 1-stroke penalty. |
Enjoying a golf business outing
Golf is a social sport that lends itself to friendly competition — not to mention many business deals that happen on the course. As long as you respect the game, don’t expect too much, and don’t get pushy, you’ll have a great day.
Business outing dos and don'ts
| Do |
Don't! |
| Respect the course you are playing and leave it in as good shape as you found it — or better. |
Show up late — or even at the last minute. |
| Act like a guest and adhere to all rules and regulations of the venue. |
Use an out-of-date handicap — especially if yours is higher than it should be. |
| Buy something from the pro shop as a gesture of support for the pro. |
Play slowly. Golf outings can take forever, so do what you can to speed things along. |
| Keep temper and bad language in check. |
Drink too much. |
| Thank the staff and whoever else has taken care of you that day. |
Keep playing if you are out of a hole. |
| Write a thank-you note, text, or email to your host. |
Forget to send your host a thank-you. |
