Basic Golfing Etiquette that You Should Know About

The game of golf is more than just swinging a golf club and driving a small ball into a small hole. There are rules and etiquette that should be obeyed and followed which make the sport a very classy one. So here are some important reminders that you should keep in mind before and during play.
Pre-game rule - always be on time and being on time means arriving at least 20 minutes before the match. It is advisable that you arrive around 45 minutes before start of play so you can survey the course and practice your shots. Practicing during the game itself is a big no-no.
As the play starts - generally, the player with the lowest handicap gets to tee off first on the first hole. Thereafter, the player whose ball is the farthest from the green gets to play on next. On the succeeding holes, the player who won the previous hole gets the right to tee off first. Be sure to pick up your tee after hitting your drive.
Silence is key - observe silence whenever you are on the teeing grounds or on the greens especially when another player is about to tee. But if you really have to talk, just keep your voice at a low since the fairways are quite close to each other. Also, avoid taking your cellphones and beepers as well.
Safety first - there are what we call the laws of safety that are to be observed by every golfer. The first law is to ensure that no one gets hit with the ball, your golf club or the golf cart. Next is to be sure that the players ahead of you are already out of the range before you swing. And lastly, be sure to yell "fore" if you think that your shot could potentially hit someone.
The rules in cart driving - as far as driving the golf cart is concerned, there are five rules that every golfer should take note of and follow. The first is to keep your golf cart within the path as much as possible. Second is to follow all the signs and never speed up. Third is what we call the 90 degree rule which states obliges you to stay on the path until you reach a point that is parallel to your ball then drive towards it. Fourth is to never drive you golfing cart near the teeing grounds or the greens. And lastly, determine the direction of where the next tee will be and leave your clubs when you approach the greens. Or perhaps, you can park your cart towards the next tee.
The right pacing - always be prepared and play very quickly when it is your turn to hit. Keep in mind the other players that are waiting after you. Try to develop a pre-shot routine so that you will no longer need to take so many practice shots. Be sure to take only one practice shot. When choosing a golf club to use, be quick in deciding. Immediately replace the flagstick and leave the green when you are finished putting.

Purple Gone writes for TheGolfGuru.com, Golf Course Resort in Phuket