Things to Never Do on a Golf Course from PGA Pros and Employees

Don’t waste time chasing frames if you want to keep things moving

Justan Johnson, a PGA golf instructor at East Potomac Golf Links and owner of Blue Golf Performance LLC, told BI that he doesn’t like it when golfers waste time watching other players’ shots.

“Instead, they should play ‘ready golf’, meaning sitting at the ball quietly, without distraction, preparing for the next shot while their partner is hitting,” he said. “As soon as their partner’s kick lands, they should hit their kick within the next 20 seconds.”

Johnson added that keeping things moving can save about 30 minutes per game.

Don’t break the dress code – it’s there for a reason

Erika Larkin, director of instruction at Creighton Farms Golf Club, told BI that players should always pay attention to the golf course’s dress code. Wearing things like jeans, tank tops and hats backwards can be considered disrespectful.

“Golf has always been a game about class and integrity, so it’s best to wear appropriate attire such as a collared shirt with golf shorts or a skirt,” she said.

Forgetting to repair your putting on the green is bad etiquette

Another classic foul is leaving ball marks on the greens – which can mess up other players’ putts.

“A simple rule of thumb is ‘make one, fix four.’ When you approach a green, set your ball mark and three other ball marks with your divot tool,” Johnson said.

Putting your golf bag on the course is also discouraged

Larkin advises players not to leave their heavy luggage on the field.

“It can damage the green and create a distraction for the players in the group,” she told BI.

Never hang your leg outside the golf cart

Don Rasmussen, head instructor at Circling Raven Golf Academy, cautions players against misuse of golf carts, especially while on the move.

“We’ve had a few golfers hang their legs,” he told BI. “It ended badly as they both caught their leg on a railway tie and caused a spiral tear in their lower leg.”

Avoid playing music too loud (or at all)

It might be tempting to bring a Bluetooth speaker to the course for a fun day, but Johnson doesn’t recommend it.

“In a business setting, the wrong song could destroy a relationship or even a deal,” he said. “It’s best to keep your volume at a level that won’t distract or offend your gaming partners, but still allow you to enjoy yourself.”

Whatever you do, don’t go for the native grass on the green

Ideally, golf carts should only be driven on the paths along the links. Venturing into native grasses on the edges of greens is not a good idea.

In fact, on some golf courses, Rasmussen said he can cause the carts to stop automatically.

“You’ll look pretty funny being the person pushing your cart back in the normal course of the game,” he told BI.

Never destroy the greenery, or you may not be welcome back

One of the easiest ways to get banned from a golf course is to damage the green – either intentionally or unintentionally.

“If there’s any sacred ground on the golf course, it’s the greens,” Johnson told BI. “They are cut low and rolled to be as smooth as possible for maximum enjoyment. A scratch on a green could change the direction of someone’s putt, causing them to miss.”

Arriving late to game time interrupts the entire day

Jason Crawford, the PGA’s head golf professional at Massanutten Resort, told BI that promptness is necessary when going to the golf course.

“Check in 20 minutes before your departure time,” he said. “Tee time means starting the first hole at your time. If you start after your tee time, you’re throwing everyone off course.”

The pro also noted 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.

Avoid letting frustration get the best of you

No matter how frustrated you are with a shot, Crawford said, releasing anger in obvious ways disrupts the vibe on the fairway.

“Avoid letting frustration take over,” he told BI. “Throwing clubs and swearing not only disrupts your game, but also affects the enjoyment of others.”