Ready, Set, Tee! A Beginner’s Guide to Golfing Etiquette Abroad

If you’re serious about the great gentleman's (and ladies!) game that is golf, then learning the nuances of etiquette on the course is a must. This is especially the case when planning a golfing holiday, where very experienced golfers will be present. The following checklist will help any beginner become aware of the do’s and don’ts of the golf course. 

Correct Attire

You wouldn’t dress sloppily for any other special occasion so why golf? Looking your best on the green is a small but significant part of showing respect to where you are and to the other people present. That means ensuring clothes are clean and tidy every time you’re on the course. 

Respect for the Ground

The ground you play on is a monumentally crucial part of the entire golfing experience. It can make or break that shot you really need during the game your playing. It is therefore essential to make sure any divots in the grass are well attended to. This might mean utilising your seed pack on your cart or carefully recovering the affected area. When it comes to bunkers, think to yourself whether you would be happy with the state that you leave it in. There should be no uneven or heavy-handed trenches in the sand, just smooth coverage. 

Respect for Other Players

This is perhaps the most important part of gaming etiquette, especially if you’re on a golfing holiday. Phones should ideally be switched off or on silent to avoid distracting your fellow players from that ringtone. If calls must be taken, then make sure to leave a suitable distance between you and the rest of the players. When a player is about to tee-off it is courteous to remain still and out of eyeshot so they can focus on their game. 

Lend a Helping Hand

This tip should be obvious to most of us for anything we do. Yet in the heat of the moment when our competitive edge kicks in, we can sometimes become indifferent to others. To help avoid this, remind yourself that this is only one game, whereas a good attitude can last forever. Help fellow players find their lost balls and keep track of them in mid-air to prevent any loss in the first place. Encourage one another by complimenting good shots and comforting unfortunate ones. 

Cart control

Carts are a modern and central feature of the golfing experience. In hot places on a golfing holiday, they can also be lifesavers. However, as a heavy mechanised vehicle, they can cause extensive damage to the turf if driven inconsiderately. Groups of carts should not be driven in single file, instead, take different routes to prevent the wear and tear of a falsely created “lane”. Parking is another area where players should focus on careful positioning. Remember that there are players behind you, who might be impacted negatively by a poorly placed cart. 

These are the basics of golfing etiquette that should be adhered to when playing abroad. Of course, there are further rules specific to individual courses that should be checked before the day of play. Most importantly; have a great and considerate time!

Steve Frewin is the Managing Director of A Golfing Experience, a company with more than 29 years experience organising bespoke golf holidays and escapes throughout Europe for individuals, societies and groups. If you're looking for a truly great golfing holiday we operate in all the major European golf destinations, and if you'd like to explore options further afield, we can arrange holidays to the world's greatest golf courses in The Caribbean, Mauritius, Bermuda and USA.