It’s no secret that golf is one of the oldest, most respected sports in the world. With that, you probably already know that there’s a set of rules and common etiquette that golfers are expected to follow, especially at country clubs or with older golfers who grew up and found their love for the game when proper golf etiquette was at the forefront of every golfer’s mind.

However, if you’re new to the game or learned it from a loved one outside of a country club where things are set in stone, you might not know some of these common etiquette expectations. While not every golfer follows these rules strictly, it’s important to consider others on the course and take their game and time into consideration.

Here, our golf professionals at Burl Oaks Golf Club will discuss common golf etiquette you must consider while on the course.

Be Kind to Your Caddie

Being kind to your caddie, if you have one, is one of the most important rules of golf etiquette. Your caddy does a lot of work for you, and they’re typically some of the most knowledgeable people in the area. Traditionally, caddies are younger people who are trying to familiarize themselves with the game of golf and meet more experienced golfers to grow their knowledge of the game.

 

Caddies take pride in learning everything they can about each course, which means if you treat them well, they’ll likely give you tips and tricks to find success. Being kind to your caddie is crucial to your enjoyment of that particular course.

Play At a Reasonable Pace

If groups or individuals are scheduled to golf before or after you, you will want to arrive at a decent time, preferably early, to tee off at your scheduled time. Once you’re playing, you need to be conscious of those ahead and behind you so you’re not making others feel rushed or slowed down.

While you want to make the most of your golf experience, you need to think of others while on the course, and that’s one of the most important unspoken rules of golfing!

Keep Your Noise Level Down

While golfers are preparing to take their shot on the course during a tournament, you’ve probably noticed fans being eerily quiet. Noise is a significant distraction during golf tournaments and when playing for fun, as well.

When you’re out on a course, like our pristine course at Burl Oaks, we want you to have a blast and be conscious of those around you. Be considerate of others when you’re out on the course and keep the noise reasonable.

Don’t Distract Other Golfers

Moving around and walking in the line of sight for golfers trying to line up their shot is a no-go. It’s difficult to concentrate on your shot when people are moving around.

If you’ve ever watched golf on TV, you’ve likely seen fans and other golfers holding as still as a statue when someone is lining up to take their shot. That’s a common courtesy on any golf course, which includes ours at Burl Oaks Golf Course.

We want every golfer to have a great experience at our course, and it takes a community-wide effort to do that.

Follow the Cart Path Rules

While it may seem exciting to ride the golf cart on the golf course, you should check in with the golf shop before doing that. Depending on the season, you might be allowed to drive the golf cart on the course or only on the cart path.

It is only sensible to be respectful of the course and avoid anything that may ruin it. You must be particularly careful in the winter when the course is usually wet, and you can tear it up if you drive a golf cart over it.

In such conditions, you will only be allowed to drive on the cart path and not the course itself.

Watch Where You’re Walking

You should be careful about where you’re walking on the golf course. It is typically against golf etiquette to walk in someone’s line of shots.

It can distract them and may result in their putt going offline. You should avoid their main shot line and the through line if they miss their shot.

Avoid Using Your Phone

Your entire focus should be on the game while playing golf. Cell phones can be a big distraction for you and your fellow golfers.

While it makes sense that you’d want to take a quick peek on Facebook while waiting for your putt, you should actively try not to do that. You can use this time to observe the game and learn how you can improve your golf skills.

If you are waiting to hear from someone, consider putting your phone on silent mode so the ringing sound doesn’t disturb the other golfers.

Protect Other Golfers Around You

When hitting a shot that goes out of bounds and towards the other golfers, make sure to yell ‘FORE’ loudly. This will help warn them of the approaching ball, and they will steer clear of its path.

Contact Burl Oaks Golf Club Today

If you’re in the Twin Cities metro area and looking for a top-notch golf course to improve your game and expand your community, contact Burl Oaks Golf Club today. Our pristine golf course is one of the best in the entire state, and we know you’ll feel at home in our location.

 

To learn more about our membership or course, call us at 952-472-7017 or message us on our contact page today.