League Play Etiquette

Golf is more enjoyable when everyone plays with courtesy, awareness, and respect for others. Please review the following etiquette guidelines to help keep league play fun and fair for all!

🕓 Registration

• Be sure to register by the League Play deadline (midnight on Sunday before play).
  Late additions make it difficult to finalize the pairings and tee times.
• Call your League Play Coordinator only on the day of the event if you have an emergency and cannot play.
  Coordinators have shared personal phone numbers—please call only between 9 AM and 5 PM.
  For all other questions or concerns, use email.
• Wondering if you’ve paid? Don’t call—check online!
  Click the Register button for the event to view the list of confirmed players.
  If your name is listed, you’re in and paid.

💬 Advice

According to USGA Rule 8.1, during a round you may only give or receive advice from your partner or their caddie.

• Please avoid giving unsolicited advice to others—it can be confusing and overwhelming.
  Each golfer should focus on their own game and progress.
• If someone asks for help, of course, feel free to offer tips or encouragement!

🔟 Pick Up After 10

To maintain the pace of play, please pick up after 10 strokes.

• If you do not finish a hole, record your score as “X10” (for example, X10).
• If your scorecard shows more than two “X’s” for 9 holes, you may not post that round for handicap purposes.

💡 Helpful Hints for Players

Golf is unique—it’s played mostly without referees and relies on every player’s honesty and consideration.

⛳ Safety

• Always make sure no one is nearby before swinging.
• Don’t hit until the group ahead is out of range.
• If your ball may strike someone, immediately shout “FORE!”

🤝 Consideration for Others

• Stay still and quiet when others are hitting.
• Keep phones on silent.
• Avoid standing too close to another player’s line or view.
• On the putting green, don’t step on or cast a shadow over someone’s putting line.
• Stay near the green until all players in your group have finished.
• Replace the flagstick in the hole before leaving the green.

⏩ Pace of Play

• Play ready golf! Be prepared to hit when it’s your turn.
• Take no more than 10 strokes per hole—pick up when appropriate.
  Example: If you’re already at 8 strokes and still several shots from the hole, pick up and record a 10.
• Keep pace with the group in front of you (not behind).
• Exit the putting green promptly when finished.

🏌️ Lost Ball

• If you think your ball may be lost or out of bounds, play a provisional ball.
• Maximum search time: 3 minutes.

🌱 Care of the Course

• Bunkers: Rake and smooth all footprints before leaving.
• Divots & Ball Marks: Always repair any divots you make and any ball marks you see on the green.
• Avoid unnecessary damage:
• Don’t create divots during practice swings.
• Avoid dropping or leaning clubs on the green.
• Handle the flagstick carefully.
• Don’t press down near the hole when removing your ball.

📚 Want to Learn More?

Check out the USGA’s animated tips for more great examples of golf etiquette and rules:
👉 USGA Tips

⛳ Happy Golfing!