Golf comes with a massive rulebook — and let’s be honest, some of those rules can feel confusing AF for golfers of every skill level. From quirky oddities like the “Water Bottle Rule” to genuinely helpful ones like the “Leaf Rule,” not knowing the ins and outs can cost you penalty strokes and create tension with the people you’re playing with.
And while many rules are enforced strictly, there’s another set of unwritten golf rules that every golfer is expected to follow. So the Rainmakers Golf crew tapped two longtime caddies to find out which ones matter most. Here’s what they said.
The Unwritten Golf Rules You Should Always Follow
Caddies have seen it all — snapped clubs, tossed wedges, chirpy trash-talk, and even the occasional scuffle. If anyone understands the do’s and don’ts of the game’s unwritten etiquette, it’s them. During a recent trip to Florida, our caddies gave us a refresher on the rules players should never break.
1. Keep Your Comments to Yourself
One caddie’s first piece of advice: don’t try to play therapist.
“Too often, we see someone trying to console a partner after a bad shot, when you know they’re already upset,” he said.
Translation: if you’re tempted to say something, don’t.
2. One Golfer, One Ball Search
Another caddie said players should stop recruiting the entire group to hunt for a ball.
“When you’re looking for an errant shot in the rough or woods, stick to a one-man, one-ball mentality,” he explained. “You don’t need three people searching.”
It keeps the round moving — and your friends from silently resenting you.
3. Respect the Course
Etiquette extends beyond people — it includes the turf itself.
“Always replace your divots and repair your ball marks,” one caddie said. “It’s frustrating to see players skip these responsibilities.”
If you make the mess, clean it up.
4. Keep Pace With the Group in Front
Pace of play is always a hot-button issue, and one caddie emphasized that golfers should know their ability and play accordingly.
“Choose the right tees, skip the mulligans and breakfast balls, and don’t be afraid to pick up when you’re out of the hole,” he said.
The goal: stay with the group ahead, not outrun the group behind.
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