Golf is an exciting game and captivating in equal measure. There, is however something that can dampen the spirit of the game and ruin the entire Golfing experience. And that’s none other than proper Golf etiquette. For the uninitiated, Golf etiquette is as vital as the game of golf. It’s important to understand that if you are seeking a fulfilling Golfing experience, ensure that you and your golfers gear up to follow the right golf etiquette so that everyone can have a great time.

1. Silence is golden: As a courtesy, do not move or make any noise when a fellow player is up to putt. It can be distracting for the player and may throw concentration, so just stay quiet. By the way, this includes your cell phone. Put it in silent mode or leave it behind. A ring during a swing is not a good thing.

2. Take your time, but not too much:  It is completely understandable that you’ve been anxiously waiting to take your swing. Try not to take too long before you get on with it. Do you remember that antsy, ‘come on, come on’ feeling you had when you were ready to take on the next hole, or when your colleague took forever to make her next shot? Trust that everyone is feeling that same way about you. Try not to use more than 30 to 45 seconds to check the lie, select your club, anticipate your swing, and take your shot.

3. Losing the game can be frustrating, but losing your cool is significantly worse. Many people head to the golf course for relaxation. Try not to corrupt the vibe. If you find your sense of frustration rising while playing the game, take a few seconds to ‘woo-sah’ and realize it ain’t so bad. It’s a beautiful day and you’re playing a game with friends, that’s something to smile about.

4. Watch where you stand. Stay away from your fellow players’ putting lines. If you happen to be close enough, volunteer to mark the ball for your fellow player.

5. Respect the green: Remember to replace your divots. Try to repair any damage to the green caused by the ball swing, or from your shoes. It’s just the right thing to do.

(Black Enterprise)