Appropriate etiquette when golfing in a group with people you don't know

[rjfan91]

Actually I don't see anything wrong with that. Assuming you're not wagering, it's no one else's business how you want to play your game. In fact most would appreciate you giving yourself a better lie if it speeds up your play. (Just don't gloat about the birdie/par/whatever you got on the hole, if you haven't played it as it lies.)

Agreed. I play with a guy that does this and it's just plain lame.

I play with strangers a lot (I often play as a single on Fridays). When I ask if I can join their group, I let them know that I'm relatively new to the game, I'll shoot around 90, that it won't hurt my feelings if they pass on playing with me and that I'll buy the first round. I haven't been turned down yet. In fact, I ended up joining the golf association of one such group and am currently serving a term as their president. I have a great time on Sunday mornings with them.

[GaijinGolfer]

Other than your usual golf etiquette, try to strike up a little conversation with them and just see how it goes.
If you want to have a conversation, cool. If not, be respectful of that, dont take it personally and just focus on your game.