Golf Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules Every Golfer Should Know

Order of Play

Starting the round? There’s no strict rule—make it fun! A popular way to decide is spinning a tee and letting it point to the first player. Keep spinning until everyone has their order. Or just go with “ready golf,” where whoever’s good to go takes the tee. Once you’re rolling, it’s simple: the player farthest from the hole goes next. So if your friend launches one down the fairway and you’re a bit behind, it’s your turn to catch up before they swing again.

Respect the Putting Line

When you’re on the green, one golden rule: don’t step on someone’s putting line—that’s the path between their ball and the hole. Not only is it about respect, but walking on that line can mess with their roll if it leaves marks or dents in the green. Just walk around it, give them space, and keep the green in great shape.

Golf Cart Basics

Driving the cart is part of the fun, but there are a couple must-follow rules. Don’t ever drive onto the tee box or putting green. Most courses have signs near the greens reminding you to return to the path, but even if they don’t—just don’t do it. Carts can damage those delicate areas, and it’s one of the quickest ways to frustrate other players and the course staff. Stick to the path and you’re good.

Yell "Fore!" (When You Need To)

If your shot heads in the general direction of people—even if it’s a maybe—yell “FORE!” Loudly, and in their direction. That’s the universal warning in golf, and it gives others time to react. Saying anything else (or worse, staying silent) just leaves people confused and at risk. It’s a simple thing that keeps everyone safe.

Play it Fair (Honesty is the Best Game)

Golf has plenty of challenges—cheating shouldn’t be one of them. Be honest about your strokes, where your ball ended up, and the rest. Most players are keeping track anyway, and odds are they saw what really happened. It’s way more enjoyable when everyone plays it fair.

Fix Your Divots

Golf is a game of ups and downs—some shots hit clean, others not so much. But if your club or ball leaves a mark (like a chunk of turf in the fairway or a pitch mark on the green), take a moment to fix it. Most carts have a sand bottle for filling fairway divots. On the green, use a divot tool (or a tee) to gently push the turf back in from the sides, then tap it flat with your putter. It helps the course and everyone playing after you.

A few good habits go a long way in golf. Whether you're grinding to break 80 or just out for some laughs, a little etiquette makes the experience better for everyone—and makes you look like a pro while you're at it.