Learn essential golf etiquette for new players at Burlingame Country Club. Our guide covers dress code, pace of play, course care, and proper behavior for an enjoyable experience.
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Golf Etiquette for New Players: Burlingame Country Club Standards

Welcome to Burlingame Country Club, where we believe that understanding proper golf etiquette is just as important as mastering your swing. For over 40 years, our club has maintained a tradition of excellence and respect on our courses throughout Western North Carolina. This guide will help new players navigate the unwritten rules that make golf such a special sport while ensuring everyone enjoys their time on our beautiful courses.

Why Golf Etiquette Matters at Burlingame

Golf etiquette isn’t just about tradition—it’s about respect for fellow players, the course, and the game itself. At Burlingame Country Club, we value the experience of all our members and guests. Good etiquette creates a pleasant atmosphere where everyone can enjoy their round regardless of skill level. Remember, even professional golfers were beginners once, and learning proper etiquette is part of your journey as a golfer.

Dress Code Essentials

First impressions matter, and proper attire shows respect for our club’s standards. While we aim to be welcoming rather than restrictive, certain dress code guidelines help maintain the atmosphere our community values:

For Men

Collared shirts are required on the course and in the clubhouse. Golf slacks or tailored shorts that reach near the knee are appropriate. Please avoid gym shorts, cutoffs, cargo shorts, and t-shirts. Golf shoes with soft spikes or appropriate athletic shoes are required—no metal spikes, please.

For Women

Golf dresses, skirts, slacks, or tailored shorts are welcome, along with appropriate golf tops. Sports attire designed specifically for golf is ideal. As with men’s attire, proper golf shoes with soft spikes are required on the course.

When in doubt about appropriate attire, our pro shop staff is always happy to offer guidance before you head to the first tee.

Pace of Play: Keeping Things Moving

Nothing impacts other golfers’ enjoyment more than pace of play. At Burlingame, we ask all players to be mindful of their pace:

Be Ready When It’s Your Turn

While others are hitting, plan your shot, select your club, and be ready to play when it’s your turn. This simple practice can save significant time over 18 holes.

Keep Up With the Group Ahead

Your group should maintain a position on the course that’s close to the group ahead of you. If you notice a gap forming and players waiting behind you, consider allowing faster players to play through.

Limit Practice Swings

One or two practice swings are sufficient before taking your shot. Too many practice swings slow down play for everyone.

Respecting the Course

Our grounds crew works tirelessly to maintain our beautiful course. Show your appreciation by:

Repairing Divots

When you take a divot from the fairway, replace it and press down firmly. On the green, fix ball marks by pushing the edges toward the center, not by lifting up (which can damage roots).

Raking Bunkers

After playing from a sand trap, use the rake to smooth the area, leaving it as you would like to find it. Place the rake outside the bunker when finished.

Cart Etiquette

Follow cart path rules carefully. Keep carts on paths near greens and tees, observe the 90-degree rule when in effect, and never drive carts between bunkers and greens or on wet areas of the course.

Behavior on the Course

Golf has long been known as a gentleman’s game, with expectations for behavior that enhance everyone’s experience:

Quiet Please

Maintain silence when others are preparing to hit. Stand still and avoid moving or making noise that might distract a player addressing the ball.

Shadows and Positioning

Be aware of your shadow on the green, especially during early morning or evening rounds. Don’t stand in a position that might distract another player, such as directly behind them or in their line of sight.

Scoring and Tempo

Mark your scorecard at the next tee, not on the green you just completed. This simple courtesy keeps play moving for groups behind you.

Playing Through and Group Awareness

If your group is playing slower than the group behind, invite them to play through. This is typically done at the tee box—wave them up after your group has hit, then stand aside safely while they play through.

Remember that awareness of other players extends beyond your immediate group. Keep voices down when other groups are nearby, and be mindful of your actions on adjacent holes.

Start Your Burlingame Journey on the Right Foot

We’re here to support your development as a golfer. Our professional staff offers etiquette guidance as part of our new member orientation and beginner lessons. We believe that learning the customs of golf enhances your enjoyment and confidence on the course.

At Burlingame Country Club, we’re committed to creating a welcoming environment where you can grow your skills while enjoying the game we all love. Our community values compassion and respect—principles that extend from our broader mission to how we conduct ourselves on the golf course.

Ready to Experience Burlingame’s Tradition of Excellence?

Contact our club office at 828.682.9675 to schedule a tour, book a tee time, or learn more about our membership opportunities. We look forward to welcoming you to our community of passionate golfers.