Rules of Etiquette to Be Abided By

by Kim Jeong-kyoo

Korea Times Golf Columnist

It is good to see that the game of golf is becoming popular among people these days but is a pity to come across an increasing number of golfers who are thoughtless, inconsiderate and even rude to other players. Quite a many golfers seem to be in pursuit of their own needs only, blatantly disregarding the rights of other players around them. A lesson in golf etiquette is surely needed now more seriously than ever before. The rules of etiquette are more important than the competence to hit the ball.

For your own golfing pleasure and also for the pleasant rounding of other golfers, here are some rules of etiquette every golfer at all levels is strongly requested to follow. Obeying these basic golf etiquettes will make the golf course a pleasant place to play on.

Always position yourself so you don't disturb other players on the course. When talking, keep your voice very low not to disturb the concentration of others.

Avoid talking or taking practice swings when one of your partners is preparing for a shot or is about to swing.

Play without delay in the interest of all players. When it is your turn to play, hit the ball immediately. Pay attention to the playing order and finish your pre-shot calculations in advance. Before it's your turn to play, pace off yardages, gauge the wind and pick out the club. Finish all preparations needed for the shot at hand while waiting for your turn. You need to be ready to play when it is your turn.

Avoid searching for a lost ball for more than five minutes. A ball is deemed lost if it is not found within five minutes after beginning the search. Always help other players search for their ball for the full 5 minutes. Avoid giving up after just one minute search. By the same token, follow the flight of the partner's shot so you can help look for it.

Out of consideration for the team behind you, avoid leaving your cart on the entrance side of the green. Otherwise, they cannot play promptly, even if you have finished the hole.

Be sure the course is left in better condition than when you found it. Try to leave the course in the condition in which you'd like to find it.

Replace your divots by retrieving the displaced turf or by placing a sand and seed mixture in the hole you've made.

Rake your footprints in the sand after hitting out of a bunker.

Repair pitch marks on the putting green. Fix at least one or two ball marks on every green.

Avoid dragging your feet on the putting green and pulling the flagstick along the putting surface.

Avoid stepping on another player's putting line on the green.

Avoid shouting except to exclaim, ``Fore.'' Refrain from overly-vocal outbursts, even when you celebrate. It can annoy or disturb others around you.

Avoid hitting until the players ahead are out of your reachable range.

Avoid bringing mobile phones on the course.

Avoid using a ball washer while another golfer is teeing off.

Tending the flagstick, be sure your shadow is not in the line of putt or on the hole. On windy days hold the flag against the pin to keep it from flapping. On a breaking putt, stand on the high side of the hole. That enables one part of your foot to serve as a target for your partner.

Pull the flagstick out immediately after your partner hits the putt. Allowing the ball to hit the flag, you cost him a one-stroke penalty. Take care with flagstick not to damage the surface of the green when removing and replacing it in the hole. Lay the flagstick down off the green when putting.

Mark the ball with a coin immediately after you get the ball on the green.

Before leaving the green tap down spike marks around the hole.

If you've already taken four or five putts, do your playing partners and yourself a favor and pick up the ball not to delay play.

Compliment good shots, ignoring bad ones. Having nothing nice to say about the performance of your fellow golfers, avoid saying anything especially when you are playing with struggling partners. Finding your partner having an off day, just leave him or her alone. Offering golfing tips on the course tends to aggravate the situation rather than help.

Avoid venting your anger by throwing your clubs in frustration over a missed shot. That discomforts your playing partners.

Without a doubt, there are many other rules of etiquette to be abided by, but faithfully observing the etiquette discussed so far will lead others to remember you as a courteous golfer.