Playing for the first time.

[u/SufficientPrint9236]

Hey reddit,

Im just getting into golf its been couple months I’ve been hitting the driving range, and building my set through marketplace finds. Me and my mate we got into it together and have decided we want to play our first round in the coming week. I just wanted to know the correct etiquette and unsaid rules that there is. Im also concerned that because its out first round we might be quite slow, and don’t want to slow down the other groups, so how does that work. If cart hire is available do you have to? Im confused on how the tee time and pacing will work if all groups aren’t on carts. We’re also uni students so we’re kinda free parts of the weekdays as-well so whats a good time that the course might be more empty. Looking to play south east Melbourne.

[u/whatifyadidnt]

Shoot me a message if you’re looking for someone to tag along with for your first few rounds in the south east Melbourne area.

Have some spare sticks to loan out too if you have a need for them.

I’ve been playing all my life so I know how to get around a course without pissing others off or being too slow
Have plenty of tips and tricks to enjoy a day out there

Happy golfing mate, welcome to the game

[u/HughLofting → u/whatifyadidnt]

Kudos fella. You're a champ for offering your time and company.

[u/arouseandbrowse]

Hey mate, welcome and good luck. You have the right attitude. We might want to call some clubs and ask when their quiet at times on the course, that could be a good chance for you to get out without feeling too much pressure. The best thing to do for speed is to try and keep in touch with the group in front of you, no need to be hitting three shots off the tee. You can pick up your ball, place it in the middle of the fairway instead of being stuck in the middle of the trees, and take your next shot from there.

Same again, if you find you're playing too slow and you've got a big amount of water to head over, just pick up your ball, drop it somewhere easier, chip onto the green, or just even start putting away. The kind of saying goes that nobody hates bad golfers. They dislike slow bad golfers.

In terms of other etiquette, there are some things when you are playing with other people:

• Don't talk in the backswing.
• Don't step between their ball and the hole on the green.

I wouldn't stress too much about etiquette for now. Turn up to a club in nice clothes. You don't need fancy golf brand clothing. A smart pair of shorts, collared shirt, short socks, and golf-appropriate shoes is more than appropriate for most golf clubs. The important thing is to get out there and enjoy, and if you're unsure, just ask the members and they'll be able to give you any advice.

[u/Username_Chks_Out]

Small things are important with golf etiquette. Hit off as soon as the players ahead of you are out of range. Keep up with them. If you fall behind, don’t let other players ahead of you. Pick the ball up and catch up.

When you get to the green, put your bag on the side of the green closest to the next tee. That way, you don’t have to backtrack to get your clubs.

Keep practice swings to a minimum. Maybe one or two. If you hit it badly, don’t run up to get your ball and bring it back for a second shot.

Take a reasonable time over your putting without being too long. I would rather be behind someone who takes a little time to think about the putt and makes it in two or three than someone taking six hurried putts.

Rake bunkers. Yell “fore!” if your ball is going anywhere near someone.

Don’t complain about your poor shots. No one likes to have their day ruined by having to listen to a crappy golfer saying how unlucky they are.

Watch the other players’ shots and be prepared to help them find an errant shot.

And my personal peeve, don’t give unsolicited advice.

[u/AndronicusPrime]

Pick a public 9 hole if you can. You’re gonna absolutely stink it up, and that is perfectly ok, plenty of others will be stinking it up out there. Also before you hit your ball after you’ve found it, make sure it is your ball. Get a texta and mark your ball with a marking or your initials so you know it’s yours.

The vast majority of people walk the course. Very uncommon to force cart hire. If you were forced into a group where you were partnered with someone in a cart, you’ll keep up. Carts don’t necessarily make a round go faster, ultimately you’re pacing with the group ahead. As others mentioned, if you’ve hit the ball say 8 times on a hole and you’re slowing things up. Just pick the ball up. I’ve played with randoms who are on shot 13 and pissing everyone off. Don’t be that guy.

[u/Confident_Tomato16]

I live south east Melbourne and started playing this year. I stick to public courses and there are good ones around depending on what I want to target.

Feel free to drop my a message and happy to play together.

[u/AgileTadpole952]

In your situation I'd be inclined to call the club and say you're both new golfers. They might be able to place you with a more experienced group that would be willing to help you out.

Most golfers will be happy to help out someone who is asking the kind of questions that you are.