Whether you’re a first-timer at your neighborhood links or planning to visit one of the world’s most prestigious golf courses, following proper etiquette is imperative.
Business Insider asked PGA pros and course employees about the biggest mistakes people make at golf courses — and how they can be more respectful players.
Here’s what they said.
Don’t waste time watching shots if you want to keep things moving
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Justan Johnson, a PGA golf instructor at East Potomac Golf Links and the owner of Blue Golf Performance in Washington, DC, told BI that he doesn’t like it when golfers waste time watching other players’ shots land.
“Instead, they should be playing ‘ready golf’ — meaning standing at their ball quietly, without distraction, preparing for their next shot while their partner is hitting,” he said. “As soon as their partner’s shot lands, they should be hitting their shot in the next 20 seconds.”
Johnson added that keeping things moving can save about 30 minutes a game.
Don’t break the dress code — it exists for a reason
Erika Larkin, the director of instruction at Creighton Farms golf club in Virginia, told BI that players should always pay attention to a golf course’s dress code.
Wearing things like jeans, tank tops, and backward hats can be seen as disrespectful.
“Golf has always been a game about class and integrity, so it’s best to wear proper attire like a collared shirt with golf shorts or a skirt,” she said.
Putting your golf bag on the green is also frowned upon
Larkin said players shouldn’t leave their heavy bags on the green.
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“It can damage the green and create a distraction for the players in the group,” she told BI.
Forgetting to repair your marks on the green is bad etiquette
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Another classic faux pas is leaving ball marks on the green — which can mess up other players’ putts.
“A simple rule of thumb is ‘make one, fix four.’ When you approach a green, fix your ball mark and another three ball marks with your divot tool,” Johnson said.
Arriving late for your tee time disrupts the whole day
Jason Crawford, the PGA head golf professional at Massanutten Resort in Virginia, told BI that being on time is crucial when heading to the golf course.
“Check in 20 minutes before your tee time,” Crawford said. “Tee time means starting the first hole at your time. If you begin after your tee time, you throw off the rhythm of the course for everyone.”
He added that beginners should choose tee times later in the day to enjoy a more relaxed pace — golfing behind veterans who hit the links early can feel rushed.
Never dangle your foot outside the golf cart
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Don Rasmussen, the lead instructor at Circling Raven Golf Club’s academy in Idaho, said players shouldn’t misuse golf carts — especially while in motion.
“We have had a couple of golfers that dangled their legs,” he told BI. “The result ended poorly as they both caught their foot on a railroad tie and caused a spiral break in their lower leg.”
Avoid playing music too loud (or at all)
It might be tempting to bring a Bluetooth speaker out on the course for a fun day, but Johnson advised against it.
“In a business setting, the wrong song could destroy a relationship or even a deal,” he said. “Keeping your volume to a level that doesn’t distract or offend your playing partners but you can still enjoy is best.”
Whatever you do, don’t drive into native grass off the green
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People should only drive golf carts on the paths along the links. Venturing off into native grasses to the sides of the greens isn’t a good idea.
Rasmussen said driving off-path can cause the carts to shut down automatically at some courses.
“You will look pretty funny being the person pushing your cart back into the normal course of play,” he told BI.
Avoid letting your frustration get the best of you
Crawford said that no matter how frustrated you are with a shot, letting your anger out in obvious ways disrupts the vibes on the course.
“Avoid letting frustration take control,” he told BI. “Throwing clubs and cursing not only disrupts your game but also affects others’ enjoyment.”
In general, never destroy the greens, or you might not be welcome back
One of the simplest ways to get barred from a golf course is to damage the green, regardless of whether it’s intentional.
“If there’s any sacred ground on the golf course, it’s the putting-green surfaces,” Johnson told BI. “They’re mowed low and rolled to be as smooth as possible for maximum enjoyment. One scrape on a green could change the direction of someone’s putt, causing it to miss.”
All in all, just be respectful toward your surroundings on a golf course like you would be anywhere else.
This story was originally published on August 26, 2024, and most recently updated on May 30, 2025.
