Last Updated on February 17, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
One of my least favorite jobs as a golf professional and then membership director was to deal with etiquette issues at the country club. There are certain things that you think are just understood at a country club. However, that’s not always the case. Country club etiquette is a learned behavior, and you’re about to learn it! I’ll go through the most important things about country club etiquette so you can have full confidence that you are following the rules (both written and unwritten!).
Why Does Country Club Etiquette Matter?
Country club etiquette allows a country club to maintain the standard and atmosphere of a club. Members of a country club pay a lot of money to belong to the club, and if things like dress code and on-course behavior were not addressed, the environment would not be the same.
12 Country Club Etiquette Tips To Brush Up On
Whether you are a new member of a country club or heading to play golf at a friend’s club, there are the most important country club etiquette tips to keep in mind.
Dress Code Is Your First Step
Proper dress code for men and women is the place to start. You likely know the basics of no jeans or cargo shorts to play a round of golf, but country club dress codes go a little deeper. If you are ever in doubt, call the club ahead of time and confirm with an employee. They will be glad you did and happy to help!
| Dress Code Aspect | Do’s | Don’ts |
| Tops | Wear collared shirts or polo shirts. | Avoid t-shirts, tank tops, or shirts with offensive graphics. |
| Bottoms (Men) | Opt for tailored pants or golf shorts. | Refrain from wearing jeans, cargo shorts, or athletic shorts. |
| Bottoms (Women) | Choose golf skirts, skorts, or tailored pants. (A dress works fine too.) | Steer clear of leggings, jeans, or overly short skirts. |
| Footwear | Wear golf shoes or soft spikes. | Do not wear flip flops, sandals, or boots. |
| Hats | Use golf caps or visors while outdoors. | Avoid wearing hats indoors or backward caps. |
| Outerwear | Sport a neat, golf-appropriate jacket or sweater. | Avoid hoodies, denim jackets, or athletic sweatshirts. |
| General Appearance | Ensure clothes are clean, pressed, and fit well. (Shirts often have to be tucked in.) | Avoid unkempt, wrinkled, or ill-fitting attire. |
Dress Code Changes Within The Club
While we are on the subject of dress code, let’s talk about the fact that dress code is not the same from one location to the next. What you can wear in the fitness center is not acceptable on the driving range.
Here’s a cheat sheet to help you figure that out:
| Area | Do’s | Don’ts |
| Golf Course & Practice Areas | Wear collared shirts, tailored pants or shorts, golf shoes. | Avoid denim, gym wear, flip-flops, or overly casual attire. |
| Clubhouse & Dining | Opt for smart casual; collared shirts, dress pants for men, appropriate dresses or blouses for women. | Refrain from wearing caps, torn jeans, or tank tops. |
| Tennis Courts | Sport tennis-specific attire; white clothing often preferred. | Steer clear of running shorts, jeans, or non-athletic wear. |
| Swimming Pool | Use appropriate swimwear. Cover-ups required off the pool deck. | Bathing suits that reveal a little too much . . . |
| Fitness Center | Choose athletic wear suitable for working out, including proper sneakers. | No sandals, boots, jeans, or inappropriate clothing. |
Take Care of The Course
Part of proper country club etiquette includes taking care of the golf course. Make sure you fix all ball marks, replace divots, and handle the flagstick with care. It takes a lot of time and money to keep country clubs in great shape, that fact should be respected.
Keep Quiet
One and off the golf course, it isn’t necessary to be loud at a country club. In the grill room, at tennis, on the driving range etc. Overall people come to the club as a way to escape the craziness of life, and remain respectful of that.
Most of the time, this will come naturally. Just keep the Bluetooth golf speakers turned down a bit!
Be Smart About How You Treat The Staff
Country clubs (the good ones) are very particular about how members treat the staff. Most of the staff has been recruited, and they are generally talented professionals. Staff retention is important, and if you disrespect a staff member, you may end up losing club privileges.
At our club, it’s the main reason there are suspensions. People disrespect staff, typically after a long night at the bar, and the club has them take a break for a while.
Remember Names
Here’s one of the unwritten etiquette rules you should know, remember the names of the people you meet. When you first join a club, it’s hard, but you have to pick it up. Here’s the easiest way to remember:
- Say the person’s name back to them as soon as you learn it
- Create an association that you can connect with (similar sports teams, the same number of kids, lives in the same town, etc.)
- Finish the conversation and introduction by repeating the name back
- Text yourself the name and the association when you walk away
Keep Technology Use Respectful
We all have phones, and we use them even when we know we don’t really need to. Most country clubs have gotten rid of the no cell phone policy, as they know it’s a losing battle. However, yelling at your wife or talking to your financial advisor about why they made a trade while you are at the club is really not necessary.
Turn the ringer down and keep the technology use respectful.
Guest Etiquette Overview
Before bringing guests to a country club, there are some important etiquette procedures you must have them follow. Here’s a little cheat sheet to help you prepare for a guest. Read through these, and if there are any that you think can be a problem, make a quick mention.
- Dress Code: Adhere to the club’s dress code, typically collared shirts for men, and appropriate golf attire for women.
- Arrival Time: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tee time to check in and warm up.
- Mobile Devices: Keep mobile phones on silent and use them discreetly to not disturb others.
- Pace of Play: Be ready to hit when it’s your turn.
- Silence During Shots: Remain quiet and still when others are preparing and taking their shots.
- Golf Cart Usage: Follow the club’s rules on cart path usage and where carts are allowed.
- Divot Repair: Always repair divots and ball marks on the greens.
- Bunker Care: Smooth over the sand in bunkers after your shot.
- Flagstick Handling: Handle the flagstick carefully.
- Respect for Others: Show consideration to other golfers on the course at all times.
- Club Facilities: Respect the club’s facilities, including the clubhouse and practice areas.
- Alcohol Consumption: Consume alcohol responsibly and in accordance with club policies.
No Politics
Don’t bring up politics at the club. You’ll find some people that agree with you and others that don’t. Leave it alone to ensure no issues are started.
Keep Pace of Play
Yes, pace of play is proper etiquette. You are out there to share the golf course with other members. There is no reason to rush, but fast golf is not hard if you are aware of your surroundings. Keep moving, or people are going to get annoyed.
Follow Cart Rules
Golf cart rules are in place to protect the course. Most clubs have rules about no carts on par 3s that are within 100 yards of the green, etc. Follow these! You’ll keep the golf course in better condition for all who play.
Post Round Etiquette
Finally, after a round of golf, make sure you shake hands. Most country club members will head into the 19th hole after a round, go through the scoring, and reflect on the round. If you can’t (or don’t want) to do that, make sure you politely excuse yourself and say goodbye.
Final Thoughts
At this point, you have enough information about country club etiquette to get you through a round of golf at almost any country club. Pay close attention to those around you at the club and see what they are doing to remain respectful out there. Country club etiquette should come as second nature; it’s not something you’ll have to work on for long! What are some other unique etiquette issues you have seen at your club?
