Golf Green Etiquette: Pace of Play, Gimmes and Ball Marks

The green and the area around it are where golf takes the most time, and where consideration for your playing partners and the groups around you matters most. There are three things to keep in mind: do not hold up or endanger the groups ahead and behind, do not disturb your playing partners, and do not damage the green. These are the green etiquette basics every golfer should learn early.

1. Look after the groups ahead and behind

Never hit into a group still on the green

Wait until everyone in the group ahead has left the green before you play your approach. Even if you think you cannot reach, a well-struck shot can get there, and a ball that hits someone can cause a serious injury. If your ball does head toward people, shout “Fore!” loudly and immediately.

Keep things moving on the green

Play around the green takes up more time than any other part of a hole. On busy days especially, keep an eye on whether the group behind is waiting.

Read your putt before it is your turn.
Take your putter with you as you walk to the green. If you bring other clubs for a chip, leave them on the side of the green nearest the next tee so you do not forget them.
Leave the green as soon as everyone has holed out. Write down scores on the next tee, not on or beside the green.

On busy days, wave up the group behind on a par 3

When the course is crowded, a group may let the group behind tee off on a par 3 once everyone in their own group is on the green. While the group behind tees off, step to the edge of the green and wait, then finish putting once they have hit. This stops both groups from waiting at the same time and speeds up play overall. Customs differ between courses and regions, so follow your caddie or the course’s guidance.

Gimmes save time

In friendly rounds and golf days, when a ball finishes right next to the hole, players often treat the next putt as holed without playing it. This is called a gimme, and it is a way of saving time.

Agree within the group beforehand how close counts, for example “inside the length of the putter grip”.
When a putt is given, still add one stroke to your score.
Gimmes are not allowed in stroke play competitions under the Rules. In match play, however, a player can formally concede the opponent’s next stroke under the Rules.

2. Do not disturb your playing partners

Stand out of the player’s line of sight. Do not stand directly in front of them or on an extension of their line (beyond the hole or directly behind the ball).
Stay still and quiet while others putt. Practice strokes and picking up your ball marker can wait until they have played.
Do not step on other players’ lines. Step over the line between their ball and the hole and its extension beyond the hole. Make sure your shadow does not fall across their line either.
If your ball is on someone else’s line, mark it and lift it. If they ask, move your marker aside, for example one putter-head length (and move it back before you putt).

3. Do not damage the green

Do not drag your feet

The grass on a green is cut very short and is easily damaged. Dragging your spikes scuffs the surface and can throw other players’ putts off line. Lift your feet as you walk, and never run on the green. Do not lean on your putter either, as that leaves dents in the surface.

Repair your ball marks (pitch marks)

When a high shot lands on the green, it leaves a small dent in the surface called a ball mark or pitch mark. Repairing your own ball marks straight away is basic etiquette. If you see others that have not been fixed, repair them too.

How to repair a ball mark:

Insert the repair tool at an angle into the outer edge of the dent.
Gently push the edges toward the center, working around the mark from several points. Do not lift the center up from below; that tears the roots and the grass dies.
Finally, tap the area flat with the sole of your putter.

Handle the flagstick with care

When you take out the flagstick or put it down, lay it down gently rather than dropping or throwing it onto the green. Since the 2019 Rules changes, you may putt with the flagstick left in the hole, so agreeing within the group whether to take it out or leave it in speeds up play.

On golf courses in Southeast Asia

Golf courses in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia usually provide caddies. Your caddie will often repair ball marks, clean your ball and read your putts, but do not leave it all to them; repair your own ball marks as well. And even if the heat makes you want to rest in the shade, do not linger on or beside the green. Move to the next tee first and rest there, so the group behind is not kept waiting.

Frequently asked questions

What if I do not have a ball mark repair tool?

You can use a tee instead. At courses with caddies, your caddie will usually have one you can borrow.

What if I cannot see whether the group ahead has left the green?

On a blind hole (where you cannot see the green), check with your caddie or with any signal on the course, such as a bell or flag, before you play. If you are not sure, it is safer to wait.

Are gimmes allowed under the Rules of Golf?

No. They are a custom used in friendly rounds and golf days to save time; in stroke play competitions you must hole out. In match play, the Rules do allow a player to concede the opponent’s next stroke.

Golf Green Etiquette: Hitting Into Groups, Pace of Play and Ball Marks