Golf etiquette is important to avoid negatively impacting others on the course. Key rules include keeping one's composure when playing, taking care of the course by picking up after oneself and not damaging the grounds, maintaining a good pace of play so as not to hold others up, and silencing cell phones so as not to disturb other golfers.

1. Golf Etiquette
101
Darrell Kindley

2. Bad golf etiquette can be
detrimental to both yourself
and those around you.
Here are some basic, yet
crucial golf etiquette rules
to keep in mind.

3. Keep your cool
An obvious part of golf etiquette is
keeping a level head as you play. If you
are the type of person who dissolves
into rage during recreational activities,
do yourself and everyone around you a
favor and check these feelings at the
practice area.

4. Treat the course
well
An easy way to develop a bad reputation
at any club is to disrespect that club’s
course. Pick up after yourself, repair the
ground you play on, and keep your golf
cart driving under control so you do not
leave tire marks.

5. Pick up the pace
Make sure you are not taking an
unnecessarily long time playing each hole.
Otherwise, you might eventually be seen as
a nuisance to other players -- whether they
make this clear or not.
Develop a “ready golf” system, or simply a
style of play where you play as soon as you
are ready (commonly encouraging players
farthest from the hole to shoot first).

6. Avoid cell phone
use
Keep your cell phone turned down at all times.
Nobody wants their shot ruined by an
obnoxious ringtone or a forgotten alarm.
In the event of a phone call that can not be
ignored, make sure you move yourself to a
location where you can quietly speak without
intruding on other players’ focus.