Etiquette and Pace of Play
Golf Etiquette (R&A)
Etiquette is an integral part of the game, defining golf's core values . It describes the manner in which the game of golf should be played to ensure all players gain maximum enjoyment.
In short, it’s about “respect”:
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Respect for the course – leave the course as you would like to find it by repairing pitch-marks, replacing divots and raking bunkers
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Respect for your fellow players – be sportsmanlike and polite, stay by the green to watch them hole out, and avoid distracting them
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Respect for the game – by knowing the Rules and etiquette of golf
Play at Good Pace and Keep Up (R&A)
Players should play at a good pace. The Committee may establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow.
It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group. Where a group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can play faster, it should invite the faster moving group to play through.
Be Ready to Play
Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play.
When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
Lost Ball
If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, he should play a provisional ball.
Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found.They should not search for five minutes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they should not continue play until that group has passed and is out of range.
