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The 10 Unwritten Rules of Golf (That Every Golfer Should Follow)

📌 Some Rules Aren’t in the Rulebook—But Every Golfer Knows Them

Golf has a lot of official rules—some make sense, and some are just frustrating (looking at you, divot rule).

But then there are the unwritten rules—the ones that aren’t in the USGA rulebook but every golfer just knows.

Break one of these, and you’ll annoy your playing partners faster than a five-hour round.

So, let’s go through the 10 unwritten rules of golf—and let’s see how many you follow!

⛳ 1. Don’t Talk While Someone is Swinging

This is rule #1 of golf etiquette.

No whispering while someone is at address.

No moving around in their backswing.

No unwrapping snacks right before impact.

Why This Exists: Because golf requires focus, and nothing ruins a shot faster than a random noise.

🚨 Exception: If you’re playing with your regular golf buddies, light heckling is acceptable.

🏌️‍♂️ 2. Play Ready Golf (Seriously, Just Be Ready)

Golf is already a long game—don’t make it longer.

Pick your club BEFORE it’s your turn.

Walk to your ball while others are hitting (if safe).

Limit practice swings to 1-2 max.

🚨 Slow players break this rule all the time. Don’t be that guy.

Why This Exists: Because no one enjoys a 5-hour round.

🤯 3. Never Step in Someone’s Putting Line

This might be the quickest way to lose a friend in golf.

Walking across a player’s putting line = bad golf karma.

• Even worse? Standing in their through-line (where the ball might roll if they miss).

• If you accidentally step on a line—fix the mark immediately.

Why This Exists: Because even one small footprint can throw off a putt.

🚨 Exception: If you play with someone who never reads putts, they might not even notice.

🔥 4. Never Give a Swing Tip Unless Asked

Golf is already hard enough—the last thing a player needs is unsolicited coaching after every bad shot.

Wrong: “You lifted your head—keep it down next time!”

✔️ Better: Say nothing unless they ask for advice.

🚨 Warning: The worst offenders? High-handicappers who think they’re Butch Harmon.

Why This Exists: Because no one wants mid-round lessons.

🎭 5. Always Watch Your Playing Partner’s Ball

If a golfer loses sight of their ball, be a good playing partner and help them track it.

Don’t be on your phone.

Don’t stare at the ground.

And definitely don’t wait until they ask, “Did you see that?”

🚨 Bonus Rule: If you say, “I saw it land right over there,” and then can’t find it—prepare for judgment.

Why This Exists: Because losing balls slows down play and ruins the mood.

🐢 6. If You’re Holding Up the Group Behind You, Let Them Play Through

No one likes to wait on every shot—if you’re playing slow, do the right thing:

✔️ Wave the group behind you through.

✔️ Step aside and let them play past you.

✔️ Don’t act like you don’t notice them.

🚨 Exception: If the course is stacked up ahead, letting a group through won’t speed anything up.

Why This Exists: Because slow play is one of the biggest problems in golf.

💭 7. Don’t Be the Scorecard Police

Nobody likes the guy who questions every single stroke their playing partners take.

If someone writes a 5 instead of a 6, be cool about it.

If you’re playing for money, keep it fair—but don’t be annoying.

And if it’s just a casual round? Let the guy take his mulligan.

🚨 Exception: If someone is blatantly cheating (i.e., dropping a ball and pretending it was never lost), you have the right to call them out.

Why This Exists: Because casual golf isn’t the PGA Tour.

💨 8. Never Say “Nice Putt” Until the Ball Stops Rolling

One of the biggest golf jinxes—saying “Great putt!” while the ball is still rolling… only for it to lip out.

🚨 Even worse: When it was tracking perfectly until you said something.

Why This Exists: Because golf karma is real.

🤣 9. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

Bad shots happen. It’s just golf.

Don’t throw your clubs.

Don’t make excuses after every bad shot.

And definitely don’t act like you’re playing in The Masters.

🚨 Exception: You’re allowed one club toss per season—but only if it’s funny.

Why This Exists: Because golf is meant to be fun, not stressful.

🍻 10. The 19th Hole is Mandatory (At Least Sometimes)

The round isn’t over when you tap in on 18—you’ve still got the most important part left: The 19th Hole.

Laugh about the round.

Talk about the putts you “almost made.”

Plan the next round, because you know you’ll be back.

Why This Exists: Because golf isn’t just about scores—it’s about good times with friends.

📢 Which Unwritten Rule is the Most Important?

Golfers know there’s more to the game than just hitting good shots.

So, let’s hear it—which unwritten rule do you follow religiously?

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The Golf Bandit
The Golf Bandit

Hi, I'm Jan. I'm passionate about golf and have been playing for years. I love testing out new clubs and equipment, and I share my reviews right here on my blog. With access to the latest gear, I provide honest insights on how they perform on the course. I also enjoy sharing tips and tricks to help you improve your game. Thanks for visiting—hope you find something useful!

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