Golf etiquette is one of my core reasons for playing. I like the gentlemanly aspect of interacting with other players at a mature level. It brings civility to the game of kings, unmatched in the sporting world. Name another sport where the playing relationship is rooted in the core values of honesty, integrity and fair play. We monitor our own actions, call our own penalties, and conduct ourselves in such a way as to ensure everyone enjoys their round of golf. Etiquette, especially on the green, is a guiding principle.
Understanding etiquette is not as simple as it sounds. The PGA has outlined some etiquette guidelines that everyone should read. However, for most beginners, etiquette generally falls into the category of “You don’t know what you don’t know”! Etiquette has never been explained to them and as such, they do not understand that they are doing anything wrong. Below are a few pictures to help address this knowledge gap!
When placing the pin down, be aware of the ball location and do not place the pin in the sight line of a player.
The pin was placed away from the player, but is still in the sight line.
Avoid placing your clubs in the sight line of a player.
Avoid standing in the sight line of a player. If you want to watch as their ball rolls to the pin, stand-off to the side and move to a better viewing location after contact.
Avoid having your shadow in the player’s sight line. This is a potential problem early in the morning or late in the evening.
This is a good example of the proper placement of the pin. Behind the player, out of their sight line to the hole.
These are just a few examples of golf etiquette on the green. As the weeks unfold, I will bring you more examples from the cheap seats of the do’s and don’ts that make each round of golf enjoyable!
If you have any etiquette examples or stories to share, please do not hold back!
Thanks to my friend Jean for helping with the photo shoot. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
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One of my playing partners insists on having other players mark their balls on the green if they are closer to the hole than he is, regardless of their location or potential to interfere with his line. I contend this is unnecessary and only delays play (he is very slow and deliberate on every shot). I understand golf courtesy, but this seems to go beyond the call of duty.
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Donald
Thanks for leaving a comment. I agree. If it is not in the way, keep the pace of play. In a tournament, that is a tougher call.
Cheers
Jim
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How about placing the Pin behind a persons ball mark or back line, say 8 feet behind and laying it 90 degrees towards the hole? I ran into this issue with a player recently. Thanks
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Reblogged this on the Silicon Valley Golfer and commented:
Good golf etiquette from the grateful golfer. News you can use!
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Good stuff n good to know. Took notes. Thank you.
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No problem. Thanks for the re-blog!
Cheers
Jim
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The biggest distraction for Jean is the guy with the long hair hovering around the green!
Kirk
Sent from my iPad
>
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Kirk
Haha, I wonder what he thinks of that…wait, I will ask him!
Cheers
Jijm
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One piece of etiquette I have noticed recently is that players do not remove their caps when shaking hands at the end of the round. This was evident this week at the PGA Championship.
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Pete
I know! That is a pet peeve of mine. Being in the military, I brief all the young players before we play that removing your hat and shaking hands at the end of a match is critical and a must do! Thanks for sharing.
Cheers
Jim
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I was surprised to see it on the final green at the PGA.
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I agree…maybe he was just to excited!
Cheers
Jim
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I love this! Etiquette is so important in golf and some (even at a college level) don’t get it. I also love golf because of the integrity and honesty that is needed in order to play.
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I agree. Etiquette is very important to golf. It really can make or break a round. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers
Jim
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