GolfPlayerMania

Golf etiquette is the set of rules golfers are expected to follow while playing the game on the course. More than just a show of courtesy to other golfers, golf etiquette is designed for several reasons – to ensure golfer safety, to protect the game's integrity, and to keep the wholesome fun in the game. Here’s some basic golf etiquette golfers are expected to observe.

On Safety
Golfers making a stroke or practicing a swing has the responsibility to make sure no one gets hit by the club, the ball or any other object as they do their tasks. So when making a stroke or practicing a swing, don't

* swing in the direction of anyone – unless you intentionally do so to hurt the person. Pebbles, twigs, and other loose things on the course can hit the person you're swinging towards.

* hit the ball only when you’re sure the party ahead of you is out of range and your party is safely at a distance.

* throw clubs. Put them down safely or hand them over to someone. Remember, they are called clubs for a reason. They can be used to clobber someone.

Also, to ensure everyone’s safety, do

* warn green staff or other players when your ball is headed toward them. Yell out, “Fore!” Don't try to be cute and substitute it with “Geronimo!” They will only think you are calling your caddy.

* observe safety guidelines or suggestions you’d normally find posted on golf carts.

On Consideration for Other People on the Course
You’re not the only one playing nor are you the only other person on the course. Being mindful of others while you’re playing is expected of anyone, bigwig or neophyte, club member or freeloading guest. On the course, do

* keep quiet. Noise is very distracting to a player making a stroke.

* wait for your turn. Teeing off when it’s not your turn is ill-mannered – manly, yes, but ill-mannered.

* keep a golfer’s line of sight clear. Stand alongside a player making a stroke, never behind them or near the hole. But be sure to stay out of a swing’s range. You want to keep your eyes on the same; not have a part of your anatomy sent flying. Moreover, don't hop about on one foot while you wait. To the player whose eyes are peeled on the ball, even small movements can be distracting. You can try to be very, very considerate and attempt to stop breathing but that might be taking it a bit too far.

On a more humorous note, etiquette really is only as good as the place you're playing in. While there are basic dos and don'ts that hold true everywhere, there are also some local rules that defy comprehension and courtesy and can be truly said to be 'for locals only'. I'm not an authority on rules but I say, if there isn't an etiquette ruling like the ones I will list down below, then there very well should be.

For golf courses in Ecuador: Do bribe the golf pro, starter, and course marshal to guarantee good service, lower fines, and better tee time. Please pay only in American currency.

For golf courses in Tibet: Golfers who have sherpas, yaks, monks, or donkeys for a caddy will be held responsible for their help. Be sure to clean after hairballs, hoof prints, bagging waste, and the like.

For golf courses in Scotland: Players who wear plaid skirts should wear underwear at all times.

The next time you play golf, remember that life is full of dos and don'ts. So is the golf course so take the time to brush up on basic golf etiquette before you go wandering somewhere to tee off.