Golf etiquette for kids and parents

Why etiquette matters in golf

Golf is unusual because players often call their own mistakes and look after the course themselves. There may be no referee on every hole, so the game depends on honesty, courtesy and shared care for the grounds. For a young player, learning etiquette early is just as valuable as learning to swing. It also makes a first round far less stressful, because your child knows what to do and when. For the basics of how a round works, see golf rules for beginners.

Safety comes first

A club swing and a moving ball can hurt someone, so safety habits are the most important etiquette of all.

• Look before you swing. Make sure nobody is standing close, in front of you or within reach of the club, including practice swings.
• Stand well back from others who are swinging. Keep a safe distance and stay out of their line of sight.
• Wait for the group ahead. Do not hit until the players in front are clearly out of range.
• Shout "Fore!" if a ball is heading toward people. Anyone who hears it should cover their head and crouch low.
• Carry clubs carefully. Keep them pointed down and away from others, and never swing them in play around the cart or bag.

While others are hitting

Golfers ask for quiet and stillness when a player is about to hit. Stand a little off to the side and slightly behind the player, keep your shadow off their ball, and hold conversation, phones and sudden movement until the shot is done. The same goes for putting, where even a small noise can be distracting. Parents who follow along should keep the same habits.

Who hits first

On the first hole, the order may be set by the group or by a coin toss. After that, the player who earned the honor of hitting first usually goes first from the tee. On the rest of the hole, the player whose ball is farthest from the hole normally hits first. In casual and youth play, many groups use ready golf, meaning whoever is ready and safe to hit goes ahead, which keeps the round moving. Your coach will explain which approach your group uses.

Caring for the course

1. Replace or fill divots. If a swing tears up turf, put the piece back or use the sand or seed mix provided by the course.
2. Rake bunkers. After hitting out of sand, smooth your footprints and the spot where the ball was, using the rake.
3. Fix ball marks. A ball landing on the green can leave a small dent. Use a repair tool to fix it, and fix others you see.
4. Stay off sensitive areas. Walk around the area right next to the hole and follow any signs or staff guidance about where carts and walkers may go.
5. Handle the flagstick gently. Place it down, rather than dropping it, so it does not damage the green.

Keeping a good pace

Slow play is one of the most common complaints in golf, and it is something beginners can easily improve. A few habits help:

• Think about your next shot while others hit, so you are ready when it is your turn.
• Take practice swings only when needed and keep them brief.
• Park the bag or cart in a spot that lets you walk to the next tee quickly after putting out.
• Write the score on the next tee rather than at the green, so the group behind you is not waiting.
• If you lose a ball, do not search for long. Standard rules allow three minutes to search, though your program may differ, and a coach can help you decide when to move on.

If your group falls behind, let a faster group play through, with the coach's or course's guidance.

Honesty and sportsmanship

Golf places a lot of trust in the player. Count every stroke honestly, including swings that missed, and tell your playing partners if you took a penalty. Be a good sport after other players' good and bad shots alike: a simple "nice shot" goes a long way, and nobody needs advice about a bad one unless they ask. Shake hands at the end of the round or match, and handle the scorecard carefully, since players often keep and sign them. Your child may find the vocabulary new, so share the golf terms for new parents glossary together.

Etiquette for parents and spectators

• Ask the program whether spectators may walk the course, and where. Many events limit where family can stand.
• Stay quiet, still and out of a player's line when they are hitting.
• Do not coach during a round unless the program invites it. Let the coach and the player work it out.
• Do not give rules rulings or touch a child's ball or equipment unless a rule or official says so.
• Silence your phone, and keep photos and video away from the moment of a swing.
• Praise effort, manners and a good attitude, not only the score.

Etiquette is one of the best parts of the game to learn, and it carries over to other sports and life. For more golf guides, visit the golf hub page.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to shout fore?

Fore is a warning shouted when a ball is heading toward people. Anyone who hears it should cover their head and crouch low.

Who hits first in golf?

From the tee, the player with the honor usually goes first. After that, the player farthest from the hole normally hits first, and many casual groups play ready golf.

Why do golfers need to be quiet?

A calm, still setting helps the player focus on the shot. Talking or moving near someone who is about to hit can distract them.

Can parents walk along on the course?

It depends on the program and the course. Ask in advance where spectators are allowed and how close they may stand.