How to behave while watching a golf tournament

Watching a golf tournament is different from many other sports – and there is a certain etiquette for supporting your favourite players.

Rory McIlroy asks the crowd to keep quite during the Ryder Cup. David Davies/PA Wire

Attending a major golfing tournament is not like attending other sporting events. For starters the crowd isn’t in a fixed location – it can move from hole to hole. And as golf is a game of concentration and focus, there’s little in the way of loud cheering. It’s a much more sedate affair.

While most people know how to behave during such events, a few incidents at the recent Ryder Cup have led to us consider that maybe a refresher course in the etiquette of being a spectator might not be such a bad idea.

Keep quiet and keep still

There seems to be a correlation between the size of the ball and the noise of the crowd. The bigger the ball, the noisier the crowd. Football, rugby – noisy. Tennis, golf – quiet. This is down to the amount of concentration needed to swing a golf club at high speed and connect with a tiny ball.

Audiences should respect this and keep any cheering to between shots and, even then, at a low level. Remember, other players might be taking a shot nearby. The same applies to movement. Find a spot to watch the shot and stay there. Don’t walk off mid swing as you could put the player off.

It’s also a good idea to turn your phone off while on the course. Even if you think it’s on silent, an ill-timed alarm or call could put someone off their swing.

Bubba Watson embraces the rowdy American supporters. David Davies/PA Archive

Don’t get too close

If the ball – as it often does – heads into the rough, there’s a chance it’ll land pretty close to you. And while it’s great seeing your golfing heroes up close, you should give them plenty of room to line up and take their shot.

Stewards will suggest a distance spectators should stand at. But until they arrive, use your common sense. Professional players, who will have millions of pounds of prize money on the line, won’t want to be put off by a fan taking photos – just ask John Daly.

The same goes if you’re following a player around the course. The group of spectators should remain around 25 yards behind the player, who will often take the same path between courses as the fans. If the player walks onto the fairway, don’t just blindly follow them – stick to the rough or designated paths.

Avoid eye contact

When a golfer approaches a shot their focus will be on two things – where the ball is and where the ball is going. Everything else will cease to exist for that short time.

So while they’re in the zone, don’t try and get their attention or catch their eye. Waving, or simply walking into their eye line, is not recommended and those trying to put off any player could be asked to leave.

Security is on hand for Jimmy Walker. David Davies/PA Wire

Dress appropriately

The days of strict dress codes are almost gone; but there are still a few unwritten rules that spectators should abide. Most are common sense, such as not wearing anything too revealing or eye catching - like fancy dress - that could put the golfer off.

Some clubs still have their own dress codes – along with rules of behaviour – so make sure to read up on them before you visit.

When it comes to shoes, you can always wear you own golf spikes, especially if you’re walking on or near the course, as this will help it stay in good condition. Avoid anything with a large heel that could damage the surface.

Listen to the stewards

When it comes down to it, the stewards are there to keep you in line. So listen to them. If they tell you to keep it quiet, do so. You often won’t get a second warning and might be asked to leave the playing arena.

But they’re also there to help. If you’re lost or unsure how to behave, ask them. This especially relates to taking photos and approaching players – a steward will let you know when either is acceptable.