Five social blunders you don’t want to commit on the golf course

Do you have a golf outing on the horizon?

Here are a few faux pas that you should avoid at all costs in order to respect the dignity of the sport — and to make sure you don’t end up banned from the golf club!

1. Aiming at the bag of a player in the party ahead of you to demonstrate the accuracy of your swing. Make sure that the party ahead of you is out of the way before you get started. Always yell “fore” if your ball is heading toward another player.

2. Showing off your new high heels on the green. Sports shoes or golf shoes are required to head out on the course (but check to be sure that your kind of cleats are permitted).

3. Racing golf carts on the grass. Help keep the perfectly manicured turf looking pristine by refraining from driving on it at all times. Taking a cart onto the putting green is also forbidden, as is leaving your golf bag on it.

4. Yelling “boo!” at someone about to swing. For obvious safety reasons, you should never place yourself behind a golfer who is getting ready to take a swing. If it’s your turn to take a shot, always check that no one is behind you before you swing.

5. Going on about what you did last weekend while everyone waits. In order to keep the game moving along, don’t prolong your time on the green unnecessarily. You should also tally your score near the start of the next hole rather than on the green.

Have a golf outing coming up? Be sure to follow the etiquette and rules of the course!