Mind Your Manners: Proper Golf Etiquette for Spectators

Posted by doug

September 3, 2009

quiet please Mind Your Manners: Proper Golf Etiquette for Spectators

If you’re lucky enough to land tickets for a PGA Tour event, it is imperative that you practice proper spectator etiquette to ensure a relaxing, fun, and smooth experience. Then again you could head for the FBR Open at TPC Scottsdale which is loud, raucous and well, yes, drunk spectating at its best – and worst.

So at least try to:

Please be Quiet (Please!)
It is especially important to be quiet and stand still when a player is preparing and just about to make their swing. It is simply distracting for players who are trying to focus on their game. It is probably best to leave cell phones in the car or even at home, as they are not allowed at events.

For instance, if you’re watching a round in Panama, an up-and-coming golf destination for amateurs and professionals, Panama hotels are just moments away from the best golf courses and you’ll be able to take calls and socialize with other spectators there (and perhaps a cool margarita!)

Players and other spectators surely wouldn’t appreciate a ringing cell phone during the middle of the game, especially before a swing (unless, of course, you are Tiger and can stop your swing midway down!) And although it may be exciting to see your favorite players in the flesh, resist the urge to ask for autographs during a player’s rounds.

Autographs may be permitted after they finish their rounds but some events only allow autograph requests at the player’s convenience at the practice range or putting green during practice rounds. So during the actual game, just stow the pen and paper away – your time will be coming soon.

Respect All Players
Unlike some other sports, things such as heckling and booing are not acceptable during professional golf events. This means that even though you are rooting for a certain player, you should never cheer for another player’s ill-fated swing. Applauding a player’s mistake because you are rooting for another is inappropriate and downright rude.

Making rude, vulgar, and otherwise inappropriate comments or gestures towards a player will surely get you kicked off the course. You can, however, cheer and applaud for successful strokes by players. Just don’t make it excessive. A good rule of thumb is to not do anything that would distract players in any way.

And just like you should respect players, you should also show respect for other spectators. For instance, you should kneel down if you are in the front row. If there are other spectators in front of you and waiting at a certain hole before you get there, don’t just come in and stand in front of them.

Follow Directions
For your own safety and organization of the event, you must listen to the surrounding tournament security, obey signs, and follows any directions from other course officials. You should always stay inside the ropes, and no matter how bad you want to cross at a given time, you should only do so at designated crosswalks under the direction of the staff. Feel free to walk briskly but you should never run.

Before attending the event, make sure you are familiar with the list of prohibited items which may include cameras, food, or large bags. Thinking about making a sign to cheer on a beloved player? Think again because you can bet that signs and banners will be on the list of prohibited items.