Etiquette and Conduct

Etiquette:


True golfers help protect the game by preserving this code of conduct and observing golf etiquette.  This is especially important for new golfers.  If you are new to the game, you will be a lot more comfortable on the golf course when you know what to do and how to behave.  If you are unsure, ask!

Personal Conduct:


In signing up for a EWGA sponsored activity, members agree to participate in a way that upholds the positive image of EWGA. Incidents of unbecoming conduct, misrepresentation, illegal activities, or other actions deemed to be detrimental to the image of the EWGA may result in exclusion from Boston Chapter activities, or in formal proceedings to remove EWGA membership.

The Teeing Ground:


Always be on time and prepared to play. Choose the teeing ground that best matches your ability.   Turn off your cell phone for the entire round.
Safety - stand on the same side as the ball when watching someone hit and be careful about others around you while taking practice swings. Stay silent and still while others in your group are teeing off. Avoid taking divots with practice swings on the teeing ground. 

Pace of Play:


Be aware of your position on the course -- always keep up with the group ahead.
Plan your shot while walking to your ball or while others are playing.  Be ready to play when it is your turn to play, particularly on the putting green. Walk briskly between shots.  Walk directly to your golf ball; do not follow other players to theirs unless assisting in a search.  If riding, take several clubs with you to your ball so you will not have to walk back to the cart.  At the putting green, leave all equipment where you can pick it up on the way to the next hole.  Record scores on the next teeing ground (not on the green) while others are hitting or after you have played your tee shot.
Do not take mulligans, but understand how to use a "provisional ball".

Course Condition:


Replace your divots or fill divots with soil/seed mixture, if available.  Repair other golfers' divots.  Avoid taking divots with practice swings.  Smooth footprints and irregularities in sand after playing from bunkers. 
Leave the course in better condition than you found it.

On the Green:


Know how to repair a ball-mark:   Insert a repair tool or tee at the edges of the ball mark and push the edges to the center.  Do not lift the center of the ball mark.  Try not to tear the grass.
- Place golf bags well off the putting surface, and in the direction of the next tee.
- Take care with flagsticks when removing and replacing them in the hole, and when placing them on the green.
- Stay off the line of putt of other players.
- Study your line of putt ahead of time and be ready to putt when it is your turn.

Additional information on Golf Etiquette can be found at the United States Golf Association web site, www.usga.org.

Remember to always play by the Rules of Golf, play quickly, and observe golf etiquette,
and you'll be an integral part of the greatest game of all.