Beginner's Guide to Golf Etiquette
To help enjoy your game

Golf has many rules and traditions, as well as a certain etiquette that should be adhered to in order to prevent you from irritating other golfers. There is certainly nothing worse than an inconsiderate player who doesn’t pay attention to others around them, nor gives a thought for the course itself — which is why the rules are there.

With this in mind, we've compiled a list of golfing rules to follow while you’re out on the course, in order to help you avoid the pitfalls that many beginners fall into.

Golfing dos:

  • Replace all divots you have created with your club.
  • Stand well out of the way of an opponent when they are taking their shot, so as not to distract them.
  • Give warning to other golfers of a wayward shot by shouting ‘Fore!’.
  • Allow the player who is furthest from the hole to play their shot first.
  • Allow a group of quicker players to go ahead of your group, so that you don’t continually hold them up.
  • Rake the sand after you have played a shot from a bunker.
  • When you remove the flag before putting, place the flag on the ground rather than throwing or dropping it (and replace it in the hole when you have finished putting).

Golfing don’ts:

  • Play unnecessarily slowly so as to hold up other players.
  • Idly chat while on the tee or green, it is very distracting.
  • Take too many practice swings on the tee.
  • Walk about the course when others are playing their shot.
  • Unnecessarily rush a group of golfers ahead of you (without due reason).
  • Wheel your golf trolley across the green or tee.
  • Wear heavy footwear that is going to damage the putting green.
  • Hit your ball when another group of players is within range.
  • Mark your scorecard on the green while another group is waiting behind you.
  • Spend more than three minutes looking for a lost ball.

Quick Tips
- An Extra Golf Tip -

Although learning the dos and don’ts is essential before you start playing golf, the best advice for when you’re starting out is to play with someone who knows the game well, and listen to what they tell you.

- Enjoy the Game -

By learning the above etiquette before playing golf for the first time, you will be able to avoid irritating other players — and therefore enjoy your game more.

Course Guides
Course Safety

Playing golf at DDGC is a special experience because of its rolling parkland setting with natural undulations which give rise to steep slopes in places. In addition we have rabbits and badgers digging holes to trip the unwary.

Please be aware of riders, walkers and cyclists that use the footpaths and bridle paths that meander through the course.

Golf by its very nature can be a dangerous game, we therefore draw your attention to the following.

Course Safety Sign

Poor Visibility Policy

Greens Priority Policy

Dress Code

The CMC have relaxed the rules to allow 'smart casual' in the clubhouse and patio with 'appropriate golfing attire' to be worn on the golf course. 'Smart casual' permits the wearing of smart jeans and training shoes.

The staff on duty, the club's professional and the Committee will govern the interpretation of 'smart casual' and please respect their decision if you are approached.

Dress Code for the Golf Course
Appropriate attire for the golf course is as follows:

Ladies
Recognised golf polo shirts
Recognised golf sleeveless shirts
Polo–necked jumpers
Golf sweaters
Tailored trousers
Tailored shorts
Golf skirts
Waterproofs
Appropriate golf shoes (no metal spikes)
Socks must be worn

Gentlemen
Recognised golf polo shirts
Polo–necked jumpers
Golf sweaters
Tailored trousers
Tailored shorts
Waterproofs
Appropriate golf shoes (no metal spikes)
Socks must be worn

The following MUST NOT be worn on the golf course:

Ladies
Tracksuits or similar
Blue denim jeans (designer or otherwise)
Unsuitable shorts (of unreasonable length)
Halter necks, backless or strappy tops
Metal spikes
Sandals (except for specific golf sandals)

Gentlemen
Sleeveless or collarless shirts or T shirts
Football, beach or similar shorts
Tracksuits or similar
Blue denim jeans (designer or otherwise)
Metal spikes
Sandals (except for specific golf sandals)

Buggy Hire Rules

Use of a ride-on buggy will not be allowed unless authorised by the Club.
Any person who operates a ride-on buggy on the golf course is deemed by so doing to have the knowledge, training and skill to safely operate this vehicle and be fully accountable for their actions and the consequences thereof.
The safe operation of ride-on buggies on the course requires conscientious application and adherence to the minimum standard of care prescribed by this policy.
Ride-on buggies must be operated in accordance with the requirements of the following document.

Buggy Safety Policy and Acknowledgement Form