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Etiquette is the dress code and behaviors that are associated with golf. If you are going to be a member of a private club than your shorts have to be a certain length from your knees and your shirts must have some type of sleeve. Usually there is a rule that no denim is allowed. If you are learning at a public golf course you can wear just about anything but your swimsuit.

Etiquette on the golf course consists of not walking on someone else’s line of putt. The "Honor System" is used meaning that the lowest score on the previous hole tees off first. When you are playing a golf hole, whoever is farthest away is the first to hit their shot. Always be ready to hit your shot. Usually there are golf course rangers on the course to help monitor the speed of play. There is a two hour limit for nine holes and four hour time limit for 18 holes. It is important to stay up with the group in front of you on the golf course.

When learning the rules of golf, discuss the basic rules with your golf professional. Here are a few that I would ask your professional about. Ask him or her how to take a drop from the cart path, what is out of bounds and what hazards are.

Finally, please buy and read an official United States Rules of Golf Book (every golfer should own one). Usually you can purchase one from a golf shop or go to the website www.usga.org to order one.

by Justina Hopkins
Director of Instruction
Countryside Country Club
Clearwater, Florida
(727) 773-6123
jhopkins70@tampabay.rr.com

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