Rules 05
Etiquette & dress code
The unwritten rules that get you invited back — caring for the course, respecting others, and what to actually wear.
1 min read
Golf's etiquette can feel like a secret code, but it boils down to two ideas: look after the course, and look after the people you're playing with. Do those and you'll fit in anywhere.
Care for the course
- Replace divots (or fill them from the sand bottle on the cart).
- Rake bunkers after you play from them.
- Repair your pitch mark on the green and maybe one other.
Respect the group
- Stay still and quiet while others play.
- Don't stand in someone's putting line or let your shadow cross it.
- Shout "fore!" loudly if your ball flies toward anyone.
What to wear
A collared shirt and non-denim trousers or shorts cover almost every public course. Some clubs are stricter, so check ahead — but you rarely need to overthink it.
You'll hear
You need proper golf shoes or you can't play.
What's true
Golf shoes help with grip, but they're optional. Clean trainers are fine almost everywhere — comfort and a clean sole matter more than spikes for a beginner.
Key takeaways
- Leave the course as you found it — divots, bunkers, pitch marks.
- Stay quiet and still, and out of others' lines, while they play.
- Yell 'fore!' immediately if a ball heads toward people.
- Collared shirt and non-denim bottoms suit most courses; shoes optional.