Golf Cart Etiquette
Make sure you are aware of the rules specific to the course you are playing before teeing off.
If you use a car on the golf course, be aware of golf car etiquette. These rules are designed for your safety, and to protect the turf on the fairways and greens. When you pay your greens fees, find out which car rules are in effect for the day. Rangers are on hand to make sure players follow the rules.
Car Safety
Read the warnings posted in many golf cars about keeping safe when you use a car., such as limiting use to two passengers, and keeping arms and legs inside of the car. Some courses post additional car rules. Common sense dictates that the driver should wait until the passenger is seated before accelerating. Drive carefully around the clubhouse and at intersections. Never drink and drive.
Steering Clear
Keep your car away from tee boxes, and about 30 feet away from the greens. Signs near the green might say; No carts beyond this point; or arrows might point to the car path. Do not drive close to water hazards, grassy mounds or bunkers. The water can damage the car, and the car can damage the mounds and bunkers. Many golf courses do not allow golf cars on the fairway of a par-3 hole.
Take Care of the Turf
Making sharp turns, or speeding along in the car and coming to a sudden stop, can damage the turf grass. The same goes for driving through wet or muddy areas, or grass with standing water. Keep the car away from naturalized areas to protect the grasses and wildlife.
Be Aware of Other Players
For your safety and for the safety of your passenger, do not drive the car in front of other players in your group or another group. As a courtesy, do not drive forward or back up when a player is addressing the ball.
The 90-Degree Rule
Players should stay on the car path whenever possible to protect the fairway turf. On some days, especially when the course is wet, you may be asked to follow the 90-degree rule. Under this rule, cars are allowed on the fairway, but they must maintain a 90-degree angle from the car path. You must take the car path to a spot that is even with your ball, make a right angle turn and drive straight toward the ball. This rule may be in effect for all or some holes.
Cart Path Only
On days when the golf course requires cart path only, you must keep the golf carton the designated path and off the grass. Drive to a point where you are even with the ball, and walk to the ball. You may want to take several golf clubs with you, since you won’t be able to see the conditions near the ball from the car. Course officials invoke this rule to protect the fairway grass, and may be in effect for all or some of the holes.
Take It Around the Back
As a courtesy to the group behind you, it is customary to drive the golf car around the back of the green before putting, or at least before entering scores. This speeds play, since the next group will not be forced to wait while you clear the area.
