This is the most important etiquette rule for beginner golfers, says instructor

For a player who is just starting out, learning the ins and outs of the game can be daunting. From arriving at the pro shop to figuring out where to stand and when it’s appropriate to move, there’s a big learning curve between hitting balls on the range and actually taking your newfound skills to the course.

Etiquette is a huge topic of interest on this site, and even seasoned players tend to breach a rule or long-standing custom every now and again. But at GOLF’s recent Top 100 Teacher Retreat in Scottsdale, Ariz., I had a burning question for Top 100 Teacher Lou Guzzi: What’s the most important etiquette rule a beginner golfer should know?

“I think the most important etiquette rule on the golf course should be that they’re prepared to be on the golf course,” Guzzi said. “With golf, the clubs come in a beautiful package or box, you put them in your bag and there’s no directions. And if you learn how to hit a ball, you think, ‘Oh, I can go play now.’ But there’s actually a lot more to it, it’s not just hitting the ball that makes you course-ready.

“There’s too many people that get a set of clubs and they go out and they go play and they haven’t done their homework on what to do,” Guzzi continued, “so there’s a lot of rules being violated.”

Instruction

For new golfers who want to play a round on the course, Guzzi says it’s important to do your research — an easy prospect given the bounty of information available online.

“You can find out what to do,” he said. “Go to a website like this one, GOLF.com, and look at what these great teachers are telling you about how to handle yourself on a golf course. Get as educated as possible before you go out there and then you’ve got your best chance.”

Guzzi is right — GOLF.com has a ton of helpful information for beginners. Looking to get started? Check out the links below.

— Golf basics every beginner should know
— 5 fool-proof swing tips for beginners
— 5 course-maintenance mistakes beginners make too often