Proper Golf Etiquette (First Time)

[BattleBorn]

Howdy, tomorrow I will be golfing at a local course with a friend who has yet to golf on a real course either. I've been to the driving range a few times but that's as close as I've ever gotten to actually golfing. I don't want to make a fool of myself in front of the golfers there, or the staff, so what are some basic rules that I should remember? What do I do when someone is behind me waiting for me to finish my hole? Also, is there a certain age you must be to rent a golf cart? I am only 18, but sprained my ankle about a week back and was hoping I would be able to use the cart to get from hole to hole. Thank you.

[Mordan]

Reading the R&A;'s etiquette guide would be a good place to start:

http://www.randa.org/Rules%20and%20Amateur%20Status/Etiquette.aspx

The rules for hiring carts will depend on where you are and often on the individual course. The quickest way to find out would be to just call the pro shop.

[boogielicious]

Don't be afraid to ask etiquette questions with the folks you are playing with either.  Most players will gladly help a new player.

[Rulesman]

or here

http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Etiquette/

[Fourputt]

Originally Posted by Mordan

Reading the R&A;'s etiquette guide would be a good place to start:

http://www.randa.org/Rules%20and%20Amateur%20Status/Etiquette.aspx

The rules for hiring carts will depend on where you are and often on the individual course. The quickest way to find out would be to just call the pro shop.

In the US, riding carts are almost ubiquitous.  I've never heard of them being disallowed except in very high level tournaments.  Even in the CGA tournaments that I officiated, carts were allowed. In many local competitions like corporate or charity scrambles, they are mandatory, and usually part of the fees paid for the tournament.