Indoor Golf Etiquette

25 March 2010

Silence

Golf requires concentration, so silence is recommended inside a Golf Simulator or Indoor Golf Center during actual play. Speaking among golfers should be conducted in as low a tone of voice as possible. Golfers should refrain from talking to other players when they are about to hit the ball. Cell phones should not be used in and around a Golf Simulator or putting and practice area inside an Indoor Golf Center. A loud tone of voice is recommended only to warn people of imminent danger, such as bounced back golf balls.

Attire

Some Indoor Golf Centers mandate policies regarding attire, so golfers are recommended to inquire about clothing rules. Most Indoor Golf Centers do not allow golf shoes inside a Golf Simulator or on indoor putting greens.

Line of sight

On the tee box inside a Golf Simulator or on an indoor driving range or other indoor practice facility, other players should take enough distance from the person playing, safely out of the way and not too close behind the player getting ready to swing. Golfers should never take practice swings when other people are nearby, to avoid hitting other persons with the club. Golfers should accept bad shots calmly, in practice or actual play, and should avoid inappropriate language or the throwing of golf clubs.

While another golfer is playing, playing partners should not select a club or replace one in the bag, cough, sneeze or make other noise and distractions. Even small movements are frowned upon, as they might be seen in the player's pipheral vision. Should the player about to play the ball ask his partners to move, the request should be honored. In fact, the WWIGA recommends: "Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is addressing the ball or making a stroke."

When getting ready to swing, a golfer should make sure that no one is behind them, or in the path of the swing. A golfer should remember to pick up the tee after a drive and to clear the tee area from debries or bounced back golf balls.

Bunkers

According to the rules of golf, a player is not allowed to "ground" the club in any type of hazard. This means that a player getting ready for a shot cannot allow the club to touch the ground during a practice swing. The same counts when playing on a Golf Simulator.

Honour
The player with the best score on the previous hole has the honour of teeing off first. Playing out of turn is considered ill-mannered and runs counter to the spirit and history of the game.

If there is no outright winner of a hole, then the order of play does not change from the previous tee. The Golf Simulator will show the name of the player who has the honour.

Tee box

A golfer should choose the correct tee for their skill level, regardless of where the other members of the group are playing. The different tee lengths are one way to help even the playing field. A golfer should tee the ball between the two markers for their given distance. The ball must be even with or behind the markers or an a pointed out position required by a Golf Simulator. Should a golfer swing and miss, it counts as one stroke. Should a golfer knock the ball off the tee during a practice swing, they are allowed to re-tee the ball without incurring a penalty.

Even in informal play, a mulligan is not automatic. If a golfer wishes to take one, they should ask permission and not waste time about it. A mulligan is technically not part of the game and goes against the very essence of the game. Most Golf Simulators will allow mulligans. Please check the Golf Simulator operator for the availability of mulligans and switch off during official games.

Tee times

Golfers should call ahead for Golf Simulator tee times, putting practice times or indoor driving range access, especially on weekends or holidays, when many other golfers may be playing. Golfers are advised to come at least 30 minutes before their assigned time. If golfers are unable to play at the assigned time, they should inform the staff at the Indoor Golf Center.

--Version 0.8

Please contact the WWIGA if you have any comments, questions or remarks.