Unlike many other sports that rely on referees to enforce rules, golf requires each player to follow proper etiquette, and be considerate of other players. According to Jim Corbett, author of "The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Golf Rules and Etiquette," half the strokes of a par score are allotted on the putting green. Because putting can make or break a round, the green may be the most important place on the course to practice considerate behavior.
Pay Attention to Where You Stand
Be aware of where you stand as you wait your turn to putt. You can distract a putting player by placing yourself in his peripheral vision, so if you want to watch the putt, stand far enough behind the player to remain out of his line of sight. Avoid letting your shadow fall over another player's line of putt.
Watch Where You Walk
Take note of the location of each player's ball before moving around the putting green. Avoid stepping in any ball path, as your foot may cause an indentation that could cause the ball to veer from its path.
Wear Soft Spikes
The short grass of the putting green is easily damaged. While metal spikes give you good traction on the course, they can wreak havoc on greens, when you twist your feet to putt. Soft spikes, made from plastic, still provide traction, and keep greens in shape. Repair any damage to the green made by your group before moving on to the next hole.
Stay Near the Green Until Everyone Finishes
Stay with your group on or near the green until each player has completed the hole. Set your clubs and other gear on the way to the next tee, to ensure groups behind you are not left waiting for you to collect your equipment.
Mark Your Ball
Marking your ball gets it out of the way of other players, and allows you to clean it and replace it in the exact location where it stopped. Always place your marker on the opposite side of the ball from the hole. If your ball is in the path of another player's ball, place your marker up to a club-length to the side, and remember to move your marker back to the original location. Place your ball back on the ground before removing your marker.
Take Care of the Hole and Flagstick
When removing the flagstick from the hole during putting, lift the pole directly up, to avoid damage to the sides of the hole. Gently lay the flagstick off to the side of the green when not in use. Avoid standing close to the hole, and never remove your ball from the hole with the head of your club.
Mark Your Score at the Next Tee
After the last player completes the hole, quickly move on to the next tee. Wait until you clear the green to mark your scores, allowing the next group to hit without delay.
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