12 Rules Your Golf Community Wants You to Remember
Golf, originating in Scotland during the 15th century, is a game of precision, patience and etiquette. Savannah has a rich history of golf, as well, with golf and athletic clubs appearing as early as the 1800s.
Many of these clubs are in luxury golf retirement communities, like The Landings, and play a crucial role in fostering a vibrant lifestyle for active adults and retirees alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the fairways, understanding (or remembering) the written, and unwritten, golf rules is essential for both your enjoyment and others within your golf community.
From the importance of proper attire (no T-shirts) per many golf course clothing rules) to the nuances of scoring and golf etiquette, these top rules will help you navigate the greens with confidence and respect for the sport.
So, grab your clubs, clean your spikes and get ready to tee off!
6 Written Rules of Golf You Should Know
These six most-common written rules are standard at nearly all public and private golf communities.
- Golf club limit: You can carry up to 14 clubs in your bag during a competitive round. It doesn’t matter which 14 you choose. If you have more than 14, it could cost you penalty strokes.
- Provisional ball in golf: What is a provisional ball in golf?If you suspect that your ball is lost, you can hit a provisional ball from the same location. If you find your other ball, then you can play that one and remove the provisional ball without penalty. If the ball is, indeed, lost, then you can play on with your provisional ball at a one stroke penalty.
- Golf order of play: The player furthest from the hole is supposed to play first. But some may play ‘ready golf,’ which means whoever is ready can play first as long as everyone else is in agreement.
- Teeing off: If you tee up between the two markers, you are fine. There are typically different colored tees for you to choose from, depending on your skill level. Generally, red tees are for newer female golfers or those looking to improve their game, blue tees are for more experienced female players, yellow tees are for newer male golfers who are looking to improve their game, and white tees are for male golfers who have a good level of experience and skill. Remember, if you tee up outside the set parameters, there will be two penalty strokes incurred.
- Play the ball as it lies: What is the golf rule for out of bounds? Official USGA rules state that you cannot play the ball from where it is. The player must take stroke and distance relief by adding one penalty stroke and playing the original ball or another ball if it was lost from where the previous stroke was made.
- Know your ball: Penalty strokes can be incurred if you hit your playing partner’s ball. Know the number on your ball or some other differentiating feature. Once you get to the green, you can mark your ball by placing the mark behind the ball and picking it up.
6 Unwritten Rules of Golf You Should Know
Unwritten rules, also called golf etiquette, oftentimes are more important than those in the rulebook.
- Respect the course: Things like keeping the rakes in the bunkers and fixing your divots go a long way to showing respect for your fellow golfers and the course itself. Leave no trace of play behind.
- Yell “fore”: When you make an errant shot, make sure you yell “fore” loud enough for those 200 yards away to hear you. Just in case.
- Faster groups have the right of way: There is no shame in getting passed while playing a round. Some people just tee up and have a faster pace of play than others. Let them play through.
- Tip your caddie: The service caddies provide (carrying your bag, selecting the right club, etc.) isn’t to be underestimated — or undervalued – especially at area country clubs where many are earning summer money for help pay college tuition.
- Putting lines are sacred: Don’t step on putting lines behind or past the hole. When in doubt, walk around.
- Don’t throw your clubs: The casual flip is fine, but the slam into the ground is not. The gentle toss toward your bag is fine, but the hard throw toward a tree or the pond is not acceptable. Throwing clubs shows poor sportsmanship and lack of control.
Six 18-hole private championship golf courses are available only to members of The Landings Golf & Athletic Club, each one designed by such masters as Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills and Willard C. Byrd.
In addition, learn more about the rules of the game and become a better golfer at the Golf Performance Center. The center has industry-leading technology that our Golf Coaching Team uses to help members of all experience levels perfect their game. This 3,000 square foot facility includes six hitting bays (three inside the building, three covered bays next to the facility), demo inventory with advanced fitting technology, golf club repair, an outdoor veranda for pre- and post-session socialization, and a showroom/retail space.
This year, golf has been at the forefront of attention at The Club in celebrating its 50th anniversary, which includes renovating the Oakridge Golf Course in 2025.
Additionally, the Club Car Championship at The Landings is slated for March 31 – April 6, 2025. The world class tournament, typically played on the Deer Creek Course, is a part of the Korn Ferry Tour Schedule and is a four-day, 72-hole, stroke-play competition that is often televised on the Golf Channel amidst luxury real estate living.
Set against a stunning backdrop of stately hardwood forests, unspoiled saltwater marshes and pristine tidal creeks, all six Landings’ golf courses are designated as “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries” by Audubon International, offering challenging play for golfers of all skill levels.
Interested in becoming a club member? Contact us.
Reach out to schedule a Discovery Visit and learn more about our golf community.