Golf Etiquette Reminders: A Little Niceness Goes a Long Way

Nobody likes being reminded to clean up after themselves, and the same is true on the golf course. But the truth is, a little bit of awareness and courtesy goes a long way out there. Whether you're a seasoned player or you're still building your game, these etiquette reminders are worth revisiting. Because golf is more fun for everyone when we treat the course and each other right.

Replace Your Divots

When you take a divot on the fairway, put it back. Most courses either have sand and seed mix in your cart for this purpose, or the divots are large enough to replace by pressing them back into the ground. Taking a swing and walking away from a bare patch of turf is one of those small habits that adds up and affects every player who plays behind you.

Fix Your Ball Marks on the Green

Ball marks that aren't repaired harden within 24 hours and create an uneven putting surface that lasts for days. It takes about ten seconds to fix a ball mark with a divot tool. Fix yours and fix one or two others while you're at it. The golf culture of taking care of the course is what keeps courses looking good and putting well.

Rake the Bunkers

Whether you blasted out cleanly or took three swings to escape, rake the sand smooth before you leave the bunker. Place the rake with the head outside the bunker when you're done. Players who come after you deserve a fair lie, not the footprints and craters you left behind.

Stay Quiet When Others Are Playing

You don't need to be silent, but you do need to be aware. When someone is addressing their ball or mid-swing, stop moving, stop talking, and keep still. Noise and movement in a player's peripheral vision are real distractions. A little awareness and quiet respect costs nothing and means a lot.

Keep Pace with the Group Ahead

Slow play affects every group on the course behind you. Be ready to play when it's your turn. Limit practice swings. Walk with purpose between shots. If your group falls behind the group ahead of you, pick up the pace or let the group behind you play through. Keeping pace is one of the most important contributions you can make to a pleasant round for everyone.

The Little Things Matter

Put the flag back gently. Don't drive carts near the greens. Pick up litter you didn't drop. Be genuinely happy for a good shot from someone else. These small gestures are what golf culture is built on, and they make the game better for everyone who plays it.

Ready to head out for a round? Stop by the Redlands Mesa Pro Shop and then book a tee time at one of Grand Junction's most scenic public courses.