Your First Time on the Golf Course-Basic Rules of Etiquette

As a beginner, your first time out on a golf course may seem a little intimidating. Just like any other sport, the game has rules that you must follow. But there are also rules of etiquette in golf-those behaviors that are not necessarily in the rulebook, but are done to show respect for the game and other players. You will want to acquaint yourself with a few of the basic rules and proper etiquette to avoid making any unintentional blunders. Here are a few basics for your first game:

- Be prepared: While there is no minimum number of clubs allowed per player, the maximum is 14. Make sure you take your own clubs, and try to take a good selection for the course you are playing. If you are strictly following the rules, you will not be allowed to borrow clubs from the other players in your group. Even if your group will allow it, borrowing another player's clubs will slow down your game. Also, be sure to take plenty of balls and tees, and a ball-mark repair tool for fixing ball marks on the green. Most beginners tend to lose several balls during their first few games.

- Be on time: Of course, being on time is always a good idea no matter where you are going. However, it is especially important when you are heading to the golf course. If you have reserved a tee time, you should try to arrive a little before your scheduled time. Some golfers like to be earlier than others, but 30 minutes early is generally good enough. This will give you time before your game to warm up on the driving range or the practice putting green. If you cannot make it there early, at least arrive on time. If you are late, you may lose your spot and end up waiting around for another opening. Depending on how busy the club is, you may be waiting for hours.

- Dress appropriately: Most golf courses have somewhat strict dress codes, especially the private clubs and golf resorts. If you are on vacation, you might make the mistake of thinking you can dress too casually. You can find out what the dress code is by calling ahead and asking the secretary. Many places do not require golf shoes and golf gloves, but you may still benefit from wearing them.

- Keep up the Pace: Nothing will aggravate the groups playing behind yours more than slow play. Try to keep a steady pace by being ready to play when it is your turn. Think about your club choice and your shot while you are waiting for your turn instead of making those decisions while others must wait for you. If you are clearly holding up the group behind, offer to allow them to play through. They may or may not want to, but the offer is respectful either way.

- Play it as it lies: You may be tempted to nudge your ball just a little to make your shot easier, but this is bad etiquette and against the rules in most circumstances. Wherever it comes to rest is where you must hit it, except of course for balls that travel out of bounds or into water hazards.

Knowing these rules of etiquette ahead of time may save you some embarrassment and impress the experienced players in your group during your first game.