Golf Etiquette for Beginners

Golf Etiquette for Beginners

While British Columbia has golf courses suited for beginners and advanced players alike, a great game can be ruined by a person’s ignorance of proper golf etiquette. Here are some quick tips that will make you seem like an old pro at being mindful on the green!

1. Be a Speedy Sam. Okay, let’s not zip through the whole course. You do actually want to, you know, play the game. But you don’t want to be a Slow Stan, either. Take a few practice swings before you hit the ball. Think about your next shot while you’re going to the tee. Don’t spend all your time chatting with your golf mates–they’re there to play too! Try to remain half a hole behind the group in front of you, and hope that the group behind you is just as mindful!

2. Be a Considerate Connie. This goes for most golf etiquette, but especially when other people’s lives might be at risk. Shout “Fore!” to warn other players of a stay ball coming in fast and hard. Shouting a direction in addition to “fore!” doesn’t hurt as well so potential victims will know where to escape. So what I’m trying to say is, don’t be a Murdering Marvin, all right?

3. Be a Patient Paul. Wait your turn before going ahead with your next shot. Depending on the kind of game you’re playing, the person with the best score on the previous hole might tee off first. If you’re playing more casually, the person who is ready first can go, and so on. Use your waiting time wisely and strategize your next move.

4. Be a Tidy Tim. No one likes playing golf with a slob! Rake the bunker if you happen to hit out of one so that less sand gets on the green. Ask the staff if it’s all right to drive carts on the grass of if they can only remain on the cart paths. Find out how to fix marks left by balls that hit the green. A little bit of effort can go a long way to making your golf experience–and the next person’s experience–a great one!

Golf Canada’s West is the official golf package provider for Canadian Rockies Golf & Columbia Valley Golf Trail. Give them a call at 1-877-323-3633 or visit them online at golfcanadaswest.com to book your next visit to the Columbia Valley.