Etiquette on the Course: Paige Spiranac
Are you worried you’ll come across as a beginner because you forgot a rule? Paige Spiranac breaks down the “hidden” etiquette of golf—the rules that no one explains but everyone expects you to follow—whether you’re teeing off, in a bunker, on the green, on the fairway, or when it comes to attire and pace of play.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
For Paige Spiranac, it’s etiquette—more than the rules—that gives away a beginner. On the tee, thehonor goes to the player who scored the lowest on the previous hole; if you want to play “ready golf,” it’s best to ask first. Don’t talk while a playing partner is taking a shot, don’t stand too close to them, and watch out for your shadow. In the bunker, rake carefully, using light back-and-forth strokes without leaving a mark, then set the rake down as is customary at the club. On the green, the first player to arrive takes care of the flag, asking the others whether they want it in or out, and lays it down away from the putting lines. Above all, you never step on another player’s putting line, or on its extension: she recommends walking around it by at least 5 feet. Don’t stand behind a player who is putting, and avoid moving.
Repair every ball mark as soon as you reach the green: push the edges toward the center all around, without lifting the bottom, then tamp it down. Her rule: repair your own and two others. You also repair your spike marks, and fill your divots with sand from the golf cart or by replacing the divot. Ask for permission before playing music, and check the dress code on the club’s website; at more formal clubs, remove your cap when inside the clubhouse. Finally, the pace of play: in a friendly round, it’s best to pick up your ball on a tough hole, speed up your routine, and give each other short putts. Also avoid sarcastic “nice miss” comments after a bad shot.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- On the tee, let the player with the honor go first, or ask before hitting first.
- Keep your distance from the player who's hitting the ball, and watch your shadow.
- Rake the bunker with light back-and-forth strokes, then set the rake down as usual.
- On the green, ask whether the flag should stay in the hole or be removed.
- Walk around putting lines by at least 5 feet.
- Repair your ball mark by pushing the edges toward the center, then tamp it down.
- Fill in your divots and keep up a brisk pace.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Sticking the rake in and dragging it, leaving a furrow.
- Stepping on a partner's putting line.
- Repairing a ball mark by lifting the bottom with the divot tool.
- Saying “nice miss” or “nice try” after a bad shot.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Repair three ball marks on every green
- Rake a practice bunker until no trace is left
- A shorter pre-shot routine to save time
Your Questions
Who tees off first?
Traditionally, the player who scored the best on the previous hole gets the honor. Paige Spiranac recommends asking before playing “ready golf.”
How do you repair a ball mark?
Insert your tool at the edge and push the turf toward the center, all around the mark, without lifting the bottom, then tamp it down. Repair yours and two others.
Where should you walk on the green?
Never step on a partner’s putting line or on its extension behind the hole: walk around it by at least 5 feet.
Can you pick up your ball to save time?
In a friendly round, she recommends it if you're holding up the group. In stroke-play competition, however, every hole must be completed.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Paige Spiranac). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.