Golf is Evolving
But Etiquette Still Matters
Like anything, the way a round of golf is played and enjoyed has evolved, and honestly, I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
Today’s everyday golf round – and I am not referring to tournament play – looks a little different than it did 25 years ago. You might hear music coming from a golf cart. Players are tracking stats, taking videos or photos on their phones, or listening to music through earbuds. Hoodies are now just as common as quarter-zips. Golf simply has a little more personality and fun to it these days, and I think that’s fantastic.
Golf is an incredible sport, activity, game, whatever you like to call it. In my opinion, the world is a better place because of the fresh air, sunshine, exercise, camaraderie, banter, fun, and life lessons it provides. We should want as many people as possible to experience that.
In many ways, the evolution has been great for golf. The game should feel welcoming. It should evolve with the next generation. It should be fun for everyone. And yes, not playing well can sometimes make that harder to remember, but on the bright side, you still got to spend a day on the golf course, and that is a pretty good day!
But I also hope we can agree that some guardrails still matter. Many of the things that make golf special are rooted in etiquette, respect, and consideration for others. Without those fundamentals, a lot of what we love about the game can disappear quickly.
Want to listen to music during your round? Great. Just maybe don’t assume everyone in your group wants to hear your carefully curated early 2000s alternative rock playlist. If you are paired with someone you have never met before, just simply ask if they are alright with it.
Need to constantly check your phone? No problem. We all have lives, families, and jobs. But maybe don’t have your phone in hand everywhere you go scrolling social media with the sound turned way up, especially while someone in your group is hitting their shot.
Golf doesn’t need to stay frozen in time. But there are a few things that should never change because they are part of what makes golf different from almost every other sport. Etiquette is one of those things.
Here are my five “Holy Grail” etiquette items:
1. Take care of the golf course
Replace your divots. Fix your ball marks. Rake bunkers. Don’t treat the course like someone else will clean up after you. Golf courses are expensive and difficult to maintain, and everyone deserves to enjoy good conditions. The best golfers, and the best people, leave the course better than they found it.
2. Keep up with the group in front of you
Pace of play matters. It impacts everyone’s experience. If your group falls behind and you are struggling to keep up, there is no shame in letting faster groups play through. In fact, it’s often appreciated. Nothing ruins a beautiful summer round in the Pacific Northwest faster than spending six hours on the golf course.
3. Don’t walk through someone’s putting line
This one may sound old-school, but it still matters. Whether someone is trying to win the club championship or break 100 for the first time, respect their moment. A little awareness goes a long way.
4. Be silent and still when someone is hitting
This remains one of golf’s simplest acts of respect. You don’t need to stand like a statue for three minutes, but avoid moving, talking, shouting out something, or deciding that right now is the perfect time to open a bag of chips.
5. Be thoughtful and respectful to the people you are playing with
This might be the most important one of all. Golf is one of the few activities where you can spend four or five hours with people you just met. Be kind. Be patient. Celebrate good shots. Most importantly, don’t be the reason someone has a bad day on the golf course.
One of the things I have always loved most about golf is that it’s a game built on self-governance. There are referees at top amateur and professional events, but for most of us, the game relies on players doing the right thing when nobody is watching. That is rare in a sport.
So yes, bring the speaker. Wear a hoodie. Use your favorite golf app. Take the selfie with your friends on the first tee.
Just fix your ball mark first!