Golf etiquette for juniors: your first rounds together

Golf etiquette is the practical side of sharing a course: knowing where to stand, being ready and leaving things in good shape for the next group. A junior can learn those habits while still learning to hit the ball.

Start with a short course walk

Before a first round, ask the coach to show your child a safe place to wait, where a bag can go and how to move between holes. Make this a conversation: “Where would you stand while someone is swinging?” is more useful than a long list of things not to do.

Leave space around anyone swinging and wait until the group ahead is safely out of range. If a shot could endanger someone, call “Fore!” loudly and immediately. The Rules expect consideration for others, prompt play and care for the course. Official reference: Rule 1.2.

Be ready without rushing

Watch where your ball finishes, think about your next shot while others play and keep the bag somewhere sensible. In stroke play, safe and responsible “ready golf” is encouraged; match play has different order-of-play considerations. Official reference: Rule 6.4.

For an early family round, choose a course, time and distance that fit the child. Ask the club about a short course or beginner tees. Agree a suitable friendly format before starting. Do not assume an informal shortcut is permitted in a competition or a score intended for handicapping.

Make course care part of the game

Ask staff how they want divots dealt with, where rakes should be left and how to repair a pitch mark. Let your junior practise a task with an adult rather than expecting them to know it already. Use a “leave it ready for the next person” habit after each hole.

Help other players concentrate

When another player is preparing a shot, pause the conversation and keep still in a suitable place. On a green, notice where other balls are and avoid walking across another player's line. Explain why: it is about giving somebody the same space and consideration you would like yourself.

Separate rules from a club's own arrangements

Dress requirements, supervision ages and access to a full-length course can differ between clubs. Ask your club for its junior guidance instead of treating something heard elsewhere as universal. Lutterworth's junior guide, for example, sets out its own supervision and course-readiness arrangements.

Support the child as well as the golf

Agree one habit to practise on a round. Praise a helpful action when you notice it: waiting safely, thanking a playing partner or asking a clear question. Leave space for the child to enjoy the surroundings and the people they meet. A tired or frustrated beginner may need a shorter visit, not more instructions.

When your child is ready for an event, work through the first-competition checklist. To practise a few rules situations at home, use the free printable quiz.