14 Do’s and Don’ts for Letting People Play Through in Golf

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, these 14 essential tips will help you navigate this important aspect of golf etiquette with confidence and ease.

The Do’s

1. Do: Assess the Situation Honestly

Before deciding to let a group play through, evaluate your pace.

Are you consistently slower than the group behind you? Is there a significant gap between your group and the one ahead?

If so, it’s time to let them play through.

2. Do: Choose a Safe and Convenient Spot

The best place to let a group play through is usually at the tee box or a par 3, where it’s easy for them to pass without confusion or delays.

Ensure you choose a spot where everyone can see clearly and avoid any potential hazards.

3. Do: Signal Clearly

When you’re ready to let a group play through, be sure to signal them clearly.

A simple wave or nod is usually enough to communicate your intentions.

Clear communication ensures that everyone understands what’s happening.

4. Do: Offer a Friendly Gesture

A friendly gesture, such as a wave or smile, can make the play-through a pleasant experience for everyone.

It shows that you’re considerate and respectful of the other players’ time.

5. Do: Keep the Momentum Going

Once the group has played through, don’t waste time getting back into your game.

As soon as they’re out of range, continue playing without unnecessary delays.

This helps maintain the overall pace of play.

6. Do: Use the Time Wisely

While waiting for the group to play through, take advantage of the downtime.

Use this opportunity to plan your next shot, enjoy the scenery, or have a quick chat with your group. Staying engaged keeps you in the rhythm of the game.

7. Do: Consider the Course Layout

On some courses, the layout might not always allow for an easy play-through.

If the holes are tightly packed or visibility is low, use your best judgment to determine if it’s safe to let a group pass.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t: Wait Until They’re Breathing Down Your Neck

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is waiting too long to let a group play through.

If they’re consistently catching up to you, don’t wait until they’re right behind you. Being proactive shows respect for their pace of play.

2. Don’t: Rush the Process

Once you’ve decided to let a group play through, don’t feel pressured to rush.

Take your time to ensure everyone in your group is out of the way and that the path is clear.

A hurried play-through can lead to mistakes or accidents.

3. Don’t: Abandon Etiquette

Even when letting others play through, maintain the same level of respect and courtesy that you would expect.

For instance, keep quiet while the other group is playing, and avoid causing unnecessary distractions.

4. Don’t: Create Bottlenecks

If there’s another group behind the one you’re letting through, consider whether it’s worth letting them all pass at once.

Creating a bottleneck by allowing multiple groups to pass can actually slow things down more.

5. Don’t: Get Discouraged

Letting a group play through doesn’t mean you’re a bad golfer.

Sometimes it’s just about the pace or the number of players in your group. Stay focused on your own game and enjoy your round.

6. Don’t: Forget to Thank Them

Once the group has played through, a simple “thank you” as they pass by is a nice touch.

It acknowledges that you’ve taken the time to accommodate their pace, and it fosters a positive atmosphere on the course.

7. Don’t: Assume They Want to Play Through

Not every group is in a rush. Sometimes, the group behind you might be perfectly content with the pace of play.

If they don’t seem eager to pass, there’s no need to insist.