5 Essential Golf Rules for Beginners

If you’re new to golf, navigating the vast world of golf rules may seem daunting, but fear not – we've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll explore five fundamental golf rules that every new golfer should know to help their understanding of the game and ensure a more enjoyable experience on the course.

Teeing off:

The tee box is your starting point for each hole. Ensure that your tee shot is played within the markers, and your ball is teed up in line with or slightly behind the tee blocks. It's crucial to wait for your turn and not to tee off until the group ahead has moved a safe distance away. In a competitive setting, the person who scored best on the previous hole tees off first, however at Iron Lady Golf, we encourage “ready golf”, so in a casual round, whomever is ready to go tees off first for pace of play. (More on that below!)

Fairway and Rough Etiquette:

After your tee shot, you'll find yourself either on the fairway or in the rough. The fairway is a well-maintained, shorter grass surface, whereas the rough has longer grass and might present a more challenging shot. When walking on the fairway, be mindful of other players' positions and be sure to not walk or stand in front of another player that’s hitting. Always repair any divots or ball marks you create.

On The Green:

When on the green, be aware of your fellow golfers and avoid unnecessary distractions and noises. The flagstick may be tended, removed, or left in the hole depending on the circumstances and your choice. Always repair any ball marks on the green to maintain its smooth surface for everyone. Read more about etiquette on the green HERE.

Pace Of Play:

Maintaining an appropriate pace of play is a shared responsibility among all golfers. A couple ways to practice good pace of play are: Be ready to play when it's your turn, take only one practice swing, take 2 minutes or less to look for your ball, and in non competitive rounds, pick up once you’ve reached double par. While it's key to take your time to make good shots, excessive delays can hinder the enjoyment of the game for everyone.

Your Clubs:

You are allowed a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag. You can have less if you like, but no more.

By familiarizing yourself with these five fundamental rules, you'll not only enhance your golfing experience but also contribute to the overall enjoyment of the sport for yourself and the people you play with. So, tee up, stay mindful of the rules, and enjoy the beautiful game of golf!

Want to learn more? Join us for a lesson! Find a location near you HERE.