Golf Etiquette: On the Putting Green
by
Jeremiah Bohannon
on
Sep 09, 2013
Golf etiquette is very important, but it seems that the subject is never taught by golf instructors. Players are expected to somehow learn etiquette on the course. Unfortunately, learning that way usually results in someone being mad as the etiquette rule is only brought to the attention of the player when they violate it. Today we will be covering a few of the basics in golf etiquette on the putting green.
The Line
It is important for golfers to be aware of the putting “line” of other players. The line refers to where a player’s ball will roll from its current position to the point it drops in the hole. Players should be sure to never walk on other players’ lines.
Lines extend beyond just the space between the ball and the hole. Players should not stand on other players’ lines either behind the putter or on the other side of the hole.
Peripheral Vision
Players who are not putting should stand still on the green when others are putting. It is also good golf etiquette to stay out of the peripheral vision of the person putting. This would include on the line behind the hole, behind the player and in front of the player.
Sound
While golfers are putting, do not make noise. Noises can break the putter’s concentration. Examples may be talking during one’s putting stroke, clanking golf clubs (either accidentally or intentionally), rattling change in one’s pocket, tearing the velcro on one’s golf glove, playing with one’s cell phone.
Cell Phones
Speaking of cell phones, obviously it is bad etiquette to use a cell phone on the putting surface. If the call is that important, leave the round and take the call elsewhere.
Fix Ball Marks
Approach shots can cause indentations or “ball marks” on the greens. Always fix your ball marks and try to find others to fix as well. This will make the putting experience better for everyone.
Don’t Abuse the Flag or Hole
Sometimes players jam the flag into the hole when they’re frustrated. In doing so, the hole’s stability is weakened. And sometimes those players miss the target, thus taking out a chunk of the green right on the edge of the hole. This is a big no-no.
Some players think it is cool to bend the flagstick and let it flip back and forth. This too is destructive to the hole and should not be done.
Leave Green Quickly
When done putting, leave the green quickly so the group behind can play up. If there’s a group behind, don’t hang around the green and practice shots, add up scores or chit-chat.
Conclusion
These are but a few basic golf green etiquette subjects. There are certainly many more!
Golf etiquette is very important, but it seems that the subject is never taught by golf instructors. Players are expected to somehow learn etiquette on the course. Unfortunately, learning that way usually results in someone being mad as the etiquette rule is only brought to the attention of the player when they violate it. Today we will be covering a few of the basics in golf etiquette on the putting green.
The Line
It is important for golfers to be aware of the putting “line” of other players. The line refers to where a player’s ball will roll from its current position to the point it drops in the hole. Players should be sure to never walk on other players’ lines.
Lines extend beyond just the space between the ball and the hole. Players should not stand on other players’ lines either behind the putter or on the other side of the hole.
Peripheral Vision
Players who are not putting should stand still on the green when others are putting. It is also good golf etiquette to stay out of the peripheral vision of the person putting. This would include on the line behind the hole, behind the player and in front of the player.
Sound
While golfers are putting, do not make noise. Noises can break the putter’s concentration. Examples may be talking during one’s putting stroke, clanking golf clubs (either accidentally or intentionally), rattling change in one’s pocket, tearing the velcro on one’s golf glove, playing with one’s cell phone.
Cell Phones
Speaking of cell phones, obviously it is bad etiquette to use a cell phone on the putting surface. If the call is that important, leave the round and take the call elsewhere.
Fix Ball Marks
Approach shots can cause indentations or “ball marks” on the greens. Always fix your ball marks and try to find others to fix as well. This will make the putting experience better for everyone.
Don’t Abuse the Flag or Hole
Sometimes players jam the flag into the hole when they’re frustrated. In doing so, the hole’s stability is weakened. And sometimes those players miss the target, thus taking out a chunk of the green right on the edge of the hole. This is a big no-no.
Some players think it is cool to bend the flagstick and let it flip back and forth. This too is destructive to the hole and should not be done.
Leave Green Quickly
When done putting, leave the green quickly so the group behind can play up. If there’s a group behind, don’t hang around the green and practice shots, add up scores or chit-chat.
Conclusion
These are but a few basic golf green etiquette subjects. There are certainly many more!
