Over the last six years, the game of golf has seen a major influx of attention and a steady rise in popularity worldwide. From COVID-19 and the LIV Golf drama to three seasons of everyone’s favourite golfing docuseries Full Swing, the explosion of golf social media influencers, and everything in between, the game continues to grow at an incredible pace.
In Canada alone, 2025 saw 11,276,080 scores posted in a single season—setting a new record—along with 29,383 new handicap registrations that same year. Here in Alberta, Golf Canada membership exceeded 65,000 players. With so many new golfers across the province, this guide is designed to cover the basics: caring for the course, consideration for others, and the spirit behind the game we’ve all come to love.
Golf is an individual game at its core, allowing players to play entirely alone if course availability permits. Unlike almost every other sport, golf is primarily played without the supervision of a referee. As a result, the game relies heavily on the integrity of each player to follow and apply The Rules of Golf to themselves and their playing partners.
Golf was built on sportsmanship, and players are expected to conduct themselves accordingly—showing courtesy, honesty, and respect to everyone on the course.
Consideration for Others
While golf is an individual sport, it’s played on a shared course used by hundreds of players each day. Giving others the same consideration you’d expect in return is essential.
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Noise and Other DistractionsPlaying music, talking, etc.
Players should make every effort not to disturb others by moving, talking, or making unnecessary noise during a shot—whether it’s someone in your group or a nearby group. Music has become more common at many courses, but it’s always best to confirm with the course before teeing off and to keep volume at a respectful level.
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Where To StandFrom green to tee
No one wants to be in the way, and the golf course is no exception. When someone is playing, avoid standing directly behind them for both respect and safety. On the putting green, don’t stand in a player’s line or cast your shadow over the hole. Putting is hard enough—let’s not make it harder for our fellow golfers.
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Order of PlayWhat is it
In competitions, there is a defined order of play that changes based on the previous hole, and playing out of turn should be avoided. In most casual rounds, however, Ready Golf is acceptable. This allows whoever is ready first to play their shot, as long as it’s safe to do so.
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Pace of PlayHow to avoid it
Pace of play is a hot topic across the golf industry, discussed in board meetings, locker rooms, and probably after the round as well. Keep golf fun by playing efficiently: practice ready golf, move quickly from green to tee, keep up with the group ahead, and play from skill-appropriate tees. In recreational rounds, players can use Maximum Hole Scores (Net Double Bogey) and pick up on a hole after reaching that number. Golf is meant to be enjoyable, but no one enjoys a five-hour round in the heat—so let’s keep things moving.
More On Ready Golf
Ready golf is a great way to speed up play during everyday rounds with friends. Whoever is ready to play—and it’s safe to do so—should go ahead. A few additional tips include:
- Hit before assisting in finding another player’s ball
- Shorter hitters can play first if longer hitters are still waiting
- Putt out whenever possible, including while others rake bunkers or have long walks across the green
- In competition, begin your routine while another player is preparing, provided it’s safe and not distracting
Care for the Course
Alberta is home to over 200 golf courses, all of which require care and respect so we can continue to enjoy the game. There are a few simple habits that go a long way.
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DivotsWhat they are and how to fix
We all know the euphoria of a perfectly struck 7-iron—and the gut-wrenching feeling of a chunked shot. After either, many players walk off to their next shot, but it’s important to repair the divot (the piece of turf removed by your swing). If you’re using a power cart or pushcart, use the sand bottle provided—just make sure it’s full before teeing off. Walkers should also carry a bottle of sand. If the divot is recoverable, replace it and press it down with your foot. Then you can focus on that birdie putt—or recovering from the previous shot.
There’s a video linked at the bottom of this article to explain how to repair a divot!
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Ball Marks On The GreenWhat they are and how to fix
TV and Instagram close-ups don’t do it justice, but few things are more frustrating than a good putt knocked off line by an unrepaired ball mark. After hitting into the green, locate your ball mark and fix it. If you have time, repair another one as well.
There’s a video linked at the bottom of this article to explain how to repair a ball mark!
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BunkersWhat to do when you’re done
Before exiting a bunker, players must carefully smooth over any footprints, swing marks, or ball impressions left behind. That’s what the rakes are for—and we’re not in COVID anymore!
By respecting the traditions, the course, and the people around us, we help preserve the spirit of the game and ensure golf remains enjoyable for everyone.