When you step up to the tee box, we know you’ve been looking forward to this moment all week. Fresh air. Seeing your friends. Work notifications on silent. For a few hours, it’s just you and the next 18 holes.
And while there’s nothing better than settling into a round and enjoying your time on the course, pace and etiquette still matter. A good pace of play isn’t about rushing through your round or skipping the conversations and laughs. It’s about being mindful and keeping things moving so everyone can enjoy the course.
After all, everyone came for the same thing, a great day of golf.
The Other Rules of the Game
Golf etiquette has changed considerably over the past 20 years. So whether you’re a longtime player or new to the game, understanding today’s etiquette helps keep the course enjoyable, welcoming, and moving smoothly for everyone.
Our Target Pace of Play
We want everyone on the course to have a great time, and that starts with respecting everyone’s time and maintaining a pace of about 2 hours and 10 minutes per nine holes. At Golden Eagle, an average of 14 minutes per hole is a perfect target.
What Slows Play Down
Some of the usual suspects that slow down play include multiple practice swings, searching for golf balls longer than the suggested three minutes, and over-analyzing putts. Keeping your group to no more than four players per hole also helps keep things moving.
To maintain the pace of play, we emphasize “ready golf,” which encourages golfers to play when they are ready to go if they can do so safely and without interfering with others in their group taking their shot. While scramble-format golf may seem faster, it often slows play down.
Respecting the Group Ahead
Showing consideration for the golfers around you is one of the most important parts of good course etiquette. The goal is simple: keep pace with the group ahead without hitting into them. That helps maintain a steady flow for everyone on the course.
The Biggest Faux Pas on the Fairways
Two of the most common in play golf etiquette mistakes we see on almost every course are unrepaired ball marks and unraked bunkers.
Ball Marks and Bunkers
The good news? They’re also two of the easiest to fix. Take a few extra seconds to rake your footprints and smooth the sand before leaving the bunker. On the green, use your tee or a ball-mark repair tool to fix your mark after you make your putt.
And if you spot another one nearby, take a moment to repair that one, too. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference for the golfers behind you.
Divots and Carts
The same goes for divots and golf carts. Replace your divots, or use the sand/seed mix when provided, in the fairway when possible, keep carts at least 30 feet away from tee boxes and greens, and always follow posted cart signs.
These small habits help protect the course, keep playing surfaces in great condition, and ensure the next group of golfers has the same quality experience you did.
Music on the Course
And as for music? Go ahead and enjoy your favorite playlist, but keep the volume considerate. If you can hear it from more than a few feet away, it’s probably too loud.
And when another group is getting ready to hit, turn it down or pause it altogether. Not everyone’s soundtrack for the day is the same, so you’ll want to be mindful of the golfers around you.
Keeping Pace of Play
The biggest rule of golf etiquette is pretty simple:
Be considerate of the other players on the course. Keep up with the group ahead of you, be aware of the group behind you, and do your best to keep the round moving.
Of course, getting caught up in the game, celebrating a great shot, or enjoying a few laughs with your foursome is all part of the fun. But when groups start to fall behind, those extra minutes can quickly add up, especially on a busy day.
If your group starts to fall behind, our rangers are here to help keep things moving and may ask you to catch up with the group ahead, helping maintain a good flow around the course.
You don’t have to rush. Just be ready, be aware, and keep play moving so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy their best round yet.
Holes to Watch
There are a few holes at Golden Eagle where being a little more mindful of pace can help keep things moving, especially on busy days.
To learn more about the course, visit our hole-by-hole guide.
Hole 6
Hole 6 is a driveable par 4 for some of our longer hitters, which means players who can reach the green will want to wait until it’s clear before teeing off. If you’re not going for the green, there’s plenty of room to play your tee shot short and set yourself up for the approach.
Holes 11–14
Holes 11 through 14 can also see some backups, with par 3s on 11 and 13 and a longer approach into 14 that includes a forced carry. Be ready to play when it’s your turn and use the time while you’re waiting to plan your next shot.
Hole 17
Hole 17 can be another spot where pace slows, particularly from the back tees. If your ball finds the wetlands, remember that the Rules of Golf allow up to three minutes to search before you need to move on. If you can’t find it, take your drop and keep the round moving.
The Halfway Turn
And, of course, we’re all for stopping into the Clubhouse restaurant between nines for a quick drink or bite. Just keep an eye on the clock and aim to keep your break to around eight minutes so you can make a smooth transition to the back nine.
Selecting Your Tee
One of the easiest ways to help keep a round moving is to play from the right tee. Choosing a tee that fits your game and typical driving distance can help you avoid unnecessary extra shots, keep the round on pace, and make the game more enjoyable.
White & Gold Tees
At Golden Eagle, if you hit your 7 iron an average of 138 yards, the White tees, at 6,129 yards, may be your best fit. You can also choose your tee based on your driver distance. If you average 275+ yards off the tee, the Gold tees could be an exciting challenge for your round.
Green & Red Tees
If your average drive is between 150 and 200 yards, consider giving the Green or Red tees a try. Moving up from the White tees to the green tees takes nearly 750 yards off the course, giving you more manageable distances into each hole, helping keep the pace of play moving, and potentially shaving a few strokes off your score, too.
Blue, White, & Combo Tees
If your average drive is between 200 and 275 yards, the Blue, White, or Combo tees may be a great fit for your game. Our scorecard also offers a fun Combo option, giving you the flexibility to play from both the Blue and White tees throughout your round. Just check the COMBO row on the scorecard.
If the box for a hole is blue, tee off from the Blue tees; if it’s white, use the White tees. It’s an easy way to find the right distance for your game and set yourself up for a great round.
Our Best Etiquette Tip?
Be aware of your surroundings. If you notice you can no longer see the group in front of you, that’s your cue to pick up the pace a little. If you spot a rogue divot or ball mark, take a moment to fix it. And if you notice another group waiting behind you, be mindful of keeping play moving.
At the end of the day, golf is about enjoying the time you have on the course. A little awareness, consideration, and courtesy can go a long way toward making sure you, and everyone around you, has a great day on the links.
