Top 5 unwritten rules that govern world golf

Golf is all about traditions. Not surprisingly, in addition to its extensive rule book, the sport is brimming with some unwritten ones. This is what is commonly referred to as golf etiquette, and they are just as valuable as those dictated by the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

Knowing golf etiquette is critical to making your way in the sport at any level. It doesn’t matter if you are pursuing a professional career or just playing occasionally. The unwritten rules will be present every time you step on the course. You better know them and respect them.

Top 5 unwritten golf rules

Golf etiquette covers everything from golfing behavior to attire and touches players and fans alike. Let’s take a look at 5 of the most popular and important unwritten rules:

1. The ‘Fore’ Shout

Generally, no one is alone on the course. When you are playing you almost always have a group in front of you and, if it is a tournament, the crowd will be so close that you can hear them breathing. Because of this, a ball off your drive can easily hit someone else.

The shout of ‘Fore’ is the warning for everyone present to be aware that there is a ball in the air. And if you detected that your swing was not as expected and the ball traveled precisely where there were people, it is much more imperative that you give the cry of alarm.

2. The sanctity of the green

The official rules of golf state that good care must be taken of the course, but do not place special emphasis on the greens. However, this is taken care of by the unwritten rules, as any golfer knows how difficult it is to achieve and maintain the greens in optimum condition. It is a combined result of art and science, which requires the use of the best materials and also the touch of experienced hands.

That is also why any golfer knows that the green must be treated as something sacred. Not to mistreat it is one of the most deeply rooted unwritten rules in this sport. It’s no wonder that whenever someone is caught driving his cart over the green, or sticking the putter furiously after missing a putt, true fans will go out of their way to denounce him or her.

3. If you want to talk to a ball, talk to your own ball.

It is a fundamental rule of politeness in golf course not to talk to your partner’s or competitor’s ball. If you say something in their favor (e.g. ‘stay dry’ or ‘go’) it will sound insincere. If, on the other hand, you ‘ask’ the ball to do something in your favor, such as ‘g in the water’ or ‘stay on the beach’, it won’t sit well with the rest of them either.

Therefore, limit your comments, directions or requests to your own ball. Your partners and competitors will do the same and harmony will be maintained in the course.

4. ‘Nice shot’ is not just any praise

In golf, superfluous praise is frowned upon. Therefore, if you are going to compliment someone on something they did well, make sure that ‘something’ was actually ‘well done’.

For example, if your partner hits the ball in a way that seems to go further than ever, wait until you are sure that the ball ended up in a good position before you call it a ‘nice shot’. If you praise the shot and it ends up in the water, it may not be a very happy moment for you.

5. Don’t delay the ball in the hole

When you make your putt, don’t delay getting the ball out of the hole. It is rude to allow another player to execute his putt with your ball resting in the bottom of the cup. In addition, this may affect the outcome of your partner’s or competitor’s stroke.

Respect the golf etiquette

The above are just five of the most popular unwritten rules of golf. I’m sure you know many more, so share them with us and, above all, show them the proper respect.