--- title: "New Golf Etiquette Manual Offers Guidance for Players in Charleston" url: https://www.herecharleston.com/2026/08/12/new-golf-etiquette-manual-offers-guidance/ date: 2026-08-12T09:50:54+00:00 modified: 2026-08-12T09:50:54+00:00 author: "Oswaldo Palma" categories: ["National"] site: "HERE Charleston" attribution: "HERE Charleston" --- # New Golf Etiquette Manual Offers Guidance for Players in Charleston *Source: [HERE Charleston](https://www.herecharleston.com/2026/08/12/new-golf-etiquette-manual-offers-guidance/) — August 12, 2026 by Oswaldo Palma* A new manual outlining fundamental golf etiquette has been introduced, designed to equip players with essential knowledge before they step onto a course. The guide articulates clear goals: to maximize players’ enjoyment of the game, contribute to the pristine condition of golf courses, and ensure the safety of all participants. One of the primary areas addressed by the manual is dress code, a common point of confusion for new and experienced golfers alike. It advises players to proactively check the specific dress requirements of any course they plan to visit, acknowledging that standards can vary significantly between private clubs and public facilities. When in doubt, the manual recommends a collared shirt paired with slacks as a generally accepted standard. It explicitly advises against attire such as jeans, tank tops, short shorts, and T-shirts, which are typically considered inappropriate for most golf settings. Footwear guidance suggests soft-spiked golf shoes as the preferred option, though it notes that sneakers, general athletic shoes, and golf sandals may be permitted at some courses. The underlying rationale for these guidelines often relates to tradition, respect for the game, and practical considerations like turf preservation (in the case of soft spikes). The manual also delves into the increasingly relevant topic of cell phone use on the course. It highlights that many private courses, along with a segment of public facilities, maintain strict prohibitions on mobile phone use anywhere on the premises. Other courses may adopt a more lenient stance, restricting phone use to designated areas only. For those who carry their phones onto the course, the guide strongly recommends keeping devices on vibrate mode to minimize disruption to other players and the overall atmosphere of concentration and tranquility that golf traditionally fosters. Two cardinal rules of on-course conduct are emphasized as foundational to golf etiquette. First, players are instructed to remain motionless and quiet whenever another player is preparing to make or is making a stroke. This respect for concentration is paramount in a sport where precision is key. Second, the manual stresses the importance of maintaining a courteous and composed demeanor throughout the round. This includes actively avoiding displays of frustration such as club abuse, the use of foul language, and constant complaints, all of which can detract significantly from the experience of fellow golfers. Pace of play is another critical component of the manual, recognized for its impact on course flow and player satisfaction. The guide states that most 18-hole courses are designed to be played by a group of four in four hours or less, provided that groups maintain an appropriate pace. To facilitate this, it recommends that any group falling out of position and causing a delay for those behind them should invite the following group to play through. This practice, while sometimes feeling like an interruption, is a fundamental courtesy designed to keep play moving efficiently for everyone on the course. Safety and course maintenance are given significant attention. For safety, players are instructed to never swing a club when there is any possibility of striking another person. They must also wait until players ahead are well out of range before hitting their own shots. In the event that a ball is struck and appears to be heading toward another person, the manual mandates shouting “FORE!” loudly and clearly as a universal warning. Regarding course maintenance, players are expected to replace any divots they create, repair ball marks on the greens, and rake bunkers after playing from them to leave a smooth surface for the next player. Additionally, golf carts should be kept away from greens, teeing grounds, wet areas, and steep slopes to prevent turf damage and ensure player safety. To aid in understanding the game’s specific terminology, the manual includes definitions for several key golf terms: * **Bunker:** A hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground, typically a depression, from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand. Playing from a bunker requires specific technique and is considered a challenge. * **Casual water:** Any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not designated as a water hazard and is visible either before or after a player takes their stance. Players are typically afforded free relief from casual water without penalty. * **Ground under repair:** Any part of the course that has been specifically marked by the course committee or declared as such by an authorized representative. This often includes areas with material piled for removal or holes made by greenskeepers, even if not explicitly marked. Players are generally entitled to free relief from these areas. * **Line of putt:** The intended path on the putting green that a player wishes their ball to travel from its current position to the hole. Players are strictly prohibited from touching this line or causing anything to touch it, with a few specific exceptions related to removing loose impediments. * **Out of bounds:** Any area of the course where play is not permitted. When a ball comes to rest out of bounds, the player incurs a one-stroke penalty and must play another ball from the spot where the previous stroke was made, known as stroke-and-distance relief. * **Putting green:** The specially prepared area of a golf hole designed for putting, characterized by its closely mown grass. It is the final destination for a ball on any given hole. * **Stroke:** The forward movement of the club made by a player with the deliberate intention of striking and moving the golf ball. It is the fundamental action of the game. * **Teeing ground:** The designated starting area for each hole. It is a rectangular space, two club-lengths in depth, defined by the outer edges of two tee-markers from which a player begins play for that hole. * **Through the green:** This term refers to the entire area of the golf course, excluding the teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played, and all hazards (like bunkers and water hazards). It encompasses fairways, rough, and other general areas of play. ### Why it matters in Charleston Charleston and the wider Lowcountry region are home to numerous golf courses, attracting both local enthusiasts and visitors throughout the year, particularly during the summer months. The consistent application of golf etiquette is crucial for preserving the quality of these local courses, many of which are significant recreational assets for residents and a draw for tourism. Adherence to these guidelines helps ensure that facilities, from public courses to those near major employers like Joint Base Charleston or for students at the College of Charleston, remain in excellent condition. It also fosters a respectful and enjoyable environment for all players, contributing to the overall positive experience of golf in Charleston. Maintaining a good pace of play and respecting course conditions directly impacts the sustainability and appeal of these important community resources.