Commonsense Golf and Cart Etiquette
Golf Etiquette ►
by Bill Cromwell
It’ s a Golf Course—
Not the Indy 500!
Commonsense Golf and Cart Etiquette
It will take more than a Sand Wedge to get out of here!
Too often, we see individuals engage in reckless behavior while operating golf carts on golf courses. Lack of respect, common sense, or alcohol consumption is often a contributing factor to these“ reckless” decisions. Golf etiquette extends beyond just swing skills; for avid golfers, it’ s a whole lifestyle! Golf etiquette is mutual respect for the course and fellow players; it forms the cornerstone of an enjoyable round for everyone. Golf cart etiquette is an integral component of this fundamental respect for the game and the golf course.
Golf is a sport immersed in tradition, where etiquette is the key to keeping the game fair and fun for everyone. Whether you’ re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the fairways, understanding and adhering to proper golf etiquette is crucial. Golf etiquette mistakes and“ reckless” decisions can disrupt the game for fellow golfers and everyone on the course following you. Here are some suggestions to enhance your rounds and ensure a more pleasant experience for yourself and those around you.
First and foremost, respect the golf cart. Not only are golf carts a significant financial investment for the course, but reckless driving, including speeding or operating them in areas where they are not permitted, can cause substantial damage to the course and to others, as well as personal injury. In fact, golf cart accidents have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities on golf courses.
You are not driving in the Indy 500, speeding, making sharp turns, or taking off-path joyrides— reckless golf cart driving not only endangers others but also destroys the course. Responsible driving practices prioritizes the safety of all and contributes to the preservation of the pristine fairways and greens.
Certain areas of the golf course are absolutely off-limits to golf carts, and those who violate these rules often face confrontations with course staff, anger fellow golfers, and you could be asked to leave the course.
No-Go Golf Cart Zones( absolutely off-limits) Ò Ò Ò Ò
Greens and the surrounding fringe areas Teeing grounds and the surrounding areas Water hazards and bunkers or near edges Wet, muddy, or soft turf areas
Next, consider the golf ball. A typical amateur male golfer, age 30 – 50, hits a well-struck golf ball with an average flight speed of 103 miles per hour— essentially a speeding bullet. Neglecting basic safety protocols on the golf course can result in serious injuries, even fatalities. This includes not shouting“ Fore” when hitting a potentially dangerous shot at nearby golfers, standing too close to a golfer, or in front of a swinging golfer. Golfers staying alert and mindful of the golfer hitting shots ensures a safe and enjoyable game for everyone.
Don’ t be This Guy!
These two goofballs decided it would be a good idea to race golf carts at full speed on the cart path that circled hedges near the tee box. They found out the hard way that golf carts, being top-heavy with basic suspension, do not corner at high speed like Indy cars. The inevitable roll-over happened. This guy is lucky that he didn’ t break his legs, crack his skull, or worse. They even video recorded their stupidity as evidence of the cart damage they caused. He is responsible for the hundreds of dollars in damages to the golf cart. A very“ dumb” decision.
20 April 2026 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE