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”:
The player who has the "honour" should be allowed to tee-off first and should do so without delay, scoring their own card later.
You should not talk, stand close or otherwise distract fellow players while they are taking their shots.
Don't play until the group in front of you is out of range.
If you lose a ball and it is obvious that it will not be found easily, signal the group behind to play through. Do not wait the THREE minutes allowed under the "Rules of Golf" for ball searching, before doing so. (If you believe a ball may be lost immediately after you have hit it, play a provisional ball.)
When completing a hole, move off the green immediately. Leave the marking of scorecards, etc. until you are well clear.
Please avoid the use of mobile telephones on the course, consider others and switch ring tones off.
Keep moving as quickly as you are able whilst walking between shots.
No sharing of clubs, bags or trolleys because this slows play.
Always leave your bag in a position which will assist your speedy exit from the green.
Before leaving a bunker, make sure that you smooth over all holes and footprints with the rake. If you pass an unraked bunker please rake it to assist later players.
Always replace divots on the fairways and repair pitch marks on putting surfaces. (If a pitch mark is repaired immediately it only takes 24 hours to recover. Leave it and it could take up to 15 days !).
Don't take your bag or golf trolley near the putting greens or between green and bunker and take care not to damage the hole when removing the flagstick.
Don't damage the teeing areas by taking practice swings on them.
Observe all notices regarding "Ground Under Repair" and keep to the designated paths, especially when pulling a trolley.
Avoid walking on worn areas even if this adds a few yards to your direct route.
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, priority on the course is determined by a group’s pace of play. Any group playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round. The term “group” includes a single player.
It should be remembered that consideration should be shown to others on the course at all times.
Player’s should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.
Wait until the players in front are out of range. Players should always alert greenstaff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them.
If your ball is heading in a direction where there is a danger of it hitting someone, shout a warning immediately. The traditional word of warning is “fore!”.