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Brushing up on your game. Golf car ettiquette on the course

Golf is not just about playing a sport. The etiquette of the game is equally important. It is this etiquette that golfers show other players on the course that sets golf apart from all other sports.

Etiquette is about manners, courtesy, respect and above all practicality. In general terms the reasons for the rules of golf etiquette are to 1) provide a safe environment for golfers and their helpers on the course, 2) ensure the game flows for all participants, and 3) maintain the course, green and equipment and limit damage.

Before you go out to the first tee make sure you know the club rules and don’t assume they are static. Rules often change on a day-to-day basis depending on weather and course conditions. In relation to golf carts there are a few perennial rules, such as:

  1. Unless there is a designated path don’t drive golf carts within 10 metres of a bunker or water hazard or within 50 metres of greens or close to tee boxes (unless there is a designated path).
  2. If there is water over any part of the golf course, except paved areas, don’t drive your golf cart through it as this will cause damage to the turf. Whether on or off the fairway never drive the golf car through mud. This will track mud to other areas, cause deep ruts, and risk damage to the golf cart.
  3. If there is a ‘Cart Path Only’ sign this means you must keep your cart on the path at all times. Sometimes there is a restriction around only a couple of holes. In this case keep your cart on the track around these holes.
  4. If there is a ’90-degree Rule’ in effect it means you can take your cart off the path but only at a 90 degree angle i.e. stay on the path till you are parallel with your ball then drive off the path and drive straight to the ball.
  5. Stay off the grass on par-3 holes. The course may allow golf carts on par-4 and par-5 fairways but you must still keep on the paths on a par-3.
  6. On busy courses mark your scorecard at the next teeing ground rather than hold up other players.

General rules and etiquette:

  • A maximum of 14 clubs is allowed in your bag at one time during a stipulated round. The choice of clubs is up to you.
  • For safety, never park the cart ahead of the tee deck you are hitting from, and never keep the cart in front of golfers who are yet to hit.
  • Similarly don’t move your golf cart when a player is about to make a stroke. It is also important to not distract a player about to strike by any noise or sudden movements.
  • Before you swing, always check the whereabouts of surrounding people and check for objects along the ball’s intended trajectory.
  • If you take practice swings make sure you are not facing someone. This is scary and rude.
  • When there are others on the course keep the pace of your play at a rate that keeps up with the groups ahead but don’t advance into the group. If you need to play through a group seek permission first.
  • When on the teeing ground stand behind the player so as not to distract her/him.
  • When on the fairway, hit as few divots as possible and make an attempt to put them back in place.
  • If there is a group behind you, don’t take too much time looking for a lost ball.
  • Take the rake with you on to the bunker and when you have finished your shot rake the area. Remember to enter the bunker from the low side at a point nearest to the ball and where possible avoid walking on the steep face of a bunker. The rake should be left outside the bunker with the handle parallel to the fairway.
  • On the green avoid stepping on the ball paths of other players. If the force of your ball hitting the green has left marks, repair these.
  • To avoid contention, place your ball on the green before picking up the ball marker.

For further information do a search on the web on the following terms.

Golf Rules Books
Decisions on the Rules of Golf
Golf Rules in Brief Pamphlet