Course Etiquette

Behavior on the Course
Review this section in the USGA Rules of Golf booklet periodically. As quoted on Page 1, “The overriding principle is that consideration should be shown to others on the course at all times. Your CTGA Directors are making the following challenges to all of us as they apply to:

CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS
The first of the two most important Etiquette behaviors in golf:

• When others in your 4-some are preparing to hit their shot, you should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary noises;
  
• Once a player has teed the ball and is preparing to address it to take his/her shot, you should avoid moving your cart, handling your clubs, etc;
  
• When a player hits his/her tee shot, your task is to help watch the ball flight until it lands and stops moving.

CARE OF THE COURSE
Think of how you’d like other golfers to leave the course for you and how you should leave it for those who follow. These simple steps will help us all enjoy a better round of golf;

• If you take a divot (of any size) with your swing, replace it. If the course provides sand on carts, use it to fill your divot and at least one more;”
  
• Avoid taking divots with your practice swing(s);
  
• Enter and exit Sand Traps from the lowest point to ensure you don’t damage high lips and edges, and make sure you rake the trap (see attached example);
  
• Repair your pitch mark, accidental cleat scrapes, etc, on the Green, then look for another pitch mark to repair (see attached example of how to properly repair pitch marks);
  
• Remove the ball from the cup with your hand; never scoop your ball out with your putter head;
  
• Remove and replace the Flagstick carefully so not to damage the edge of the cup;
  
• Use the “90 Degree” rule at all times with golf carts;
  
• Keep your carts completely on the cart path when within 30’ of Tees and Greens;
  
• Dispose of your refreshment containers and wrappers in appropriate waste bins;
  
• If you eat sunflower seeds, smoke or use snuff, please don’t leave remnants of these pleasures on Tees or Greens;

Revised January 18, 2010.