---
title: "Myrtle Beach Golfers Reminded of Etiquette Manual’s Core Principles"
url: https://www.heremyrtlebeach.com/2026/08/10/myrtle-beach-golfers-reminded-etiquette/
date: 2026-08-10T09:51:42+00:00
modified: 2026-08-10T09:51:42+00:00
author: "Emilia Cervantes"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Myrtle Beach"
attribution: "HERE Myrtle Beach"
---

# Myrtle Beach Golfers Reminded of Etiquette Manual’s Core Principles

*Source: [HERE Myrtle Beach](https://www.heremyrtlebeach.com/2026/08/10/myrtle-beach-golfers-reminded-etiquette/) — August 10, 2026 by Emilia Cervantes*

A foundational manual on golf etiquette, last revised in March 2013, continues to serve as a guide for players seeking to understand the sport’s unwritten rules and best practices. The document introduces basic golf etiquette, aiming to prepare individuals for a respectful and efficient experience on the course.

One of the initial areas addressed is dress code, a common point of inquiry for new golfers. The manual advises players to verify specific course dress standards prior to their visit. In situations where the requirements are unclear, it suggests a collared shirt and slacks as a generally acceptable standard. Conversely, it explicitly recommends against wearing jeans, tank tops, short shorts, and T-shirts, aligning with the traditional decorum often observed at golf facilities. This guidance helps maintain the established atmosphere and respect for the game.

On-course courtesy is a significant component of the manual’s instruction. It emphasizes that golfers should remain motionless and quiet while others are preparing for or making a stroke, ensuring concentration for the player. Beyond specific actions, the manual promotes a broader standard of courteous behavior, discouraging foul language and the abuse of clubs, which can disrupt the experience for fellow players and reflect poorly on the sport. Additionally, it covers appropriate conduct in the clubhouse and golf shop, proper check-in procedures, and respectful behavior on practice ranges and putting greens, including mindful use of cell phones and yardage tools.

Pace of play is another critical element detailed in the manual, directly impacting the flow and enjoyment for all golfers. It recommends that players maintain a consistent pace with the group ahead of them. When a gap forms, or if a group is playing particularly slowly, the manual advises inviting the following group to play through. It notes that most 18-hole courses can typically be completed in four hours or less by a foursome playing at an appropriate speed. Further guidance on pace includes hitting provisional balls when there’s a possibility of a lost ball, abandoning searches for lost balls after a maximum of five minutes, and promptly vacating the green once a hole is completed. It also cautions against taking mulligans during official play and encourages players to select tee boxes that are appropriate for their skill level to help maintain a good pace.

Safety protocols are clearly outlined to prevent accidents on the course. Players are instructed to ensure that no one is within the arc of their club during a swing. Before hitting a shot, golfers must wait until players ahead are well out of range. In instances where a ball in motion might pose a risk of striking someone, the manual mandates shouting “FORE!” loudly and clearly as a warning. These measures are designed to minimize the risk of injury from errant shots or swinging clubs.

Course maintenance is also a key focus, emphasizing the responsibility of golfers to preserve the playing surface. The manual instructs players to replace divots, rake bunkers after use to smooth the sand, and repair ball marks on the greens. It advises against actions that could damage greens and holes, such as dragging feet or dropping clubs. Adherence to golf cart policies is also stressed, including keeping carts away from greens, tees, very wet areas, and steep slopes to prevent turf damage and erosion. These practices ensure the course remains in optimal condition for all players.

To aid understanding, the manual provides definitions for common golf terms. These include “bunker” (a hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground, often a depression, from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand), “casual water” (any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes a stance), and “ground under repair” (any part of the course so marked by an authorized committee). Other defined terms include “line of putt” (the line that a ball is expected to take after a stroke on the putting green), “out of bounds” (ground from which play is prohibited), “putting green” (the area of the hole being played that is specially prepared for putting), “stroke” (the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking the ball), “teeing ground” (the starting place for the hole to be played), and “through the green” (the whole area of the course except the teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played and all hazards).

### Why it matters in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach stands as a premier golf destination, with the sport serving as a cornerstone of the region’s economy and identity. The adherence to golf etiquette, as outlined in this manual, is not merely about tradition; it is fundamental to preserving the quality of play and the reputation of the numerous courses across the Grand Strand. For the City of Myrtle Beach, maintaining high standards of player conduct contributes directly to the positive experience of visitors and residents alike, supporting the vital Leisure and Hospitality industry. Furthermore, emphasizing safety protocols helps prevent injuries, reducing potential strain on local healthcare providers such as Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. These guidelines collectively ensure that the golf experience in Myrtle Beach remains enjoyable, safe, and respectful for everyone.