Rules & Etiquette
The stuff that confuses new golfers most — explained simply, so you never have to pretend you know what a mulligan is.
What to Know First
Keep Pace
Ready golf is the most important etiquette rule on public courses.
Know the Basics
Out of bounds, penalties, and how to keep a simple score.
Respect the Course
Repair divots, fix pitch marks, and don't drive carts where they don't belong.
Rules Without the Jargon
The only rules you actually need for your first few rounds.
Etiquette That Keeps You Welcome
How to act on a public course without standing out.
Keeping Score
Par, birdie, bogey, and how to fill out a card.
Common Etiquette Mistakes
- Not being ready when it's your turn to hit.
- Walking in someone's line on the green.
- Talking during another player's swing.
- Leaving ball marks and divots unrepaired.
All Rules & Etiquette Guides
golf course marshal what do they do: A Local's Guide to the Friendliest Authority Figure on the Course
What does a golf course marshal actually do? A plain-English guide to the unsung hero of public golf—keeping pace, solvi...
cart path only golf meaning: A Beginner's Guide to Wet-Day Rules and Etiquette
What does "cart path only" mean in golf? A plain-English guide to the wet-day rule, how to play it, and why it matters f...
golf pace of play tips: A Local's Guide to Keeping Up Without Rushing on Beckley's Busy Courses
Learn how to keep up with the group ahead without rushing your swing—practical pace-of-play tips from a 44-year Beckley ...
ready golf explained: A Local's Simple Guide to Keeping Up and Enjoying Your Round
What is ready golf, and why does it matter on public courses around Beckley? A plain-English guide to the pace-of-play c...
what is a mulligan in golf: A Local's Simple Explanation of Golf's Favorite Do-Over
What is a mulligan in golf? A plain-English guide to the unofficial do-over, when it's allowed, and why casual golfers a...
what is a scramble in golf: A Local's Simple Guide to the Most Popular Charity Tournament Format
What is a scramble in golf? A plain-English guide to the rules, strategy, and why scrambles are the most beginner-friend...
what is a shotgun start: A Local's Simple Explanation of Golf's Most Popular Tournament Format
What is a shotgun start in golf? A plain-English explanation of the format, how it works, and why so many charity tourna...
golf course slope rating explained: What That Number on the Scorecard Really Means for Your Game
Golf course slope rating explained in plain English—what the number means, why mountain courses like ours have higher sl...
golf handicap for beginners: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get Yours Without the Stress
Learn what a golf handicap is, why it matters for beginners, and how to get your first one without obsessing over the nu...
what is a tee time: A Beginner's Simple Guide to Booking Your First Round
What is a tee time in golf? A simple, beginner-friendly explanation of how tee times work, why they matter, and how to b...
what to wear golfing for beginners: A Practical Dress Code Guide for Public Courses
What to wear golfing as a beginner—comfortable, affordable, and appropriate for public courses, without looking like you...
golf terms for beginners: The Words You'll Actually Hear on the Course (And What They Mean)
Confused by golf terms like birdie, bogey, and mulligan? This beginner's glossary explains the words you'll actually hea...
what does par mean in golf: A Beginner's Simple Explanation
What does par mean in golf? A simple, jargon-free explanation of par, birdies, bogeys, and how to use par to enjoy your ...
golf scoring for beginners: Par, Birdies, and Why Your Score Doesn't Matter Yet
How golf scoring works for beginners—par, bogeys, birdies, and why you shouldn't obsess over the number on your card dur...
golf rules for beginners: The Only Rules You Actually Need to Know
The essential golf rules for beginners, explained without the jargon—scoring, out of bounds, and what to do when your ba...
golf etiquette for beginners: What Actually Matters on a Public Course
Simple golf etiquette for beginners—what to do, what not to do, and how not to embarrass yourself on a public course....
Rules Questions
A mulligan is an informal do-over, usually allowed by friends on the first tee. It's not an official rule, but it's common in casual rounds.
In casual play, most people drop a ball near where it went out and add a penalty stroke. In formal play, you replay from the original spot. Know which kind of round you're playing.
Keep up with the group ahead of you. If there's open space ahead and people waiting behind, pick up your pace. Ready golf helps a lot.