Play Nicely Now: Golf Etiquette

In golf, players should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any nearby made by others before leaving the bunker.

What's a bunker? A "bunker" is a hazard that is a hole or depression that has been filled in with sand. Bunkers vary greatly in size and shape and depth. They are most commonly found serving as greenside hazards, but also often show up in fairways and alongside fairways. In the vernacular, one might hear reference to a "grass bunker," a hollowed-out area or depression in which, rather than sand, there is simply more (often deeper) grass. However, a "grass bunker" is not technically a bunker, because it is not a hazard under the rules. It's simply akin to rough.

Also, any damage to the putting green caused by golf shoes, any divot holes made by them and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball (whether or not made by the player himself) should be repaired. In any case, players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose. Try your best not to damage the putting green when putting down your bag or the flagstick.

What’s a flagstick? The "flagstick" is a movable straight indicator, with or without bunting or other material attached, centered in the hole to show its position. It must be circular in cross-section. Padding or shock absorbent material that might unduly influence the movement of the ball is prohibited.

Players and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole. Don’t lean on your club when on the putting green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole. Replace the flagstick in the hole before leaving the putting green. Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be strictly observed.