Don’t do this

Oh my goodness, I totally get the frustration of having a perfect moment ruined on the golf course! It happened to me just the other day – finally found my rhythm, hit what felt like the best swing of the season, and then someone just wandered right into my line of sight! It makes you want to shout, 'Don't do this!' It really feels like someone is trying to make drama out of your game sometimes, even if they don't mean to. This experience got me thinking about golf etiquette, especially when you're trying to capture those memorable moments or you're out with friends. It's surprisingly easy to accidentally mess up someone else's shot or even their concentration. For instance, always be mindful of where people are setting up for their shots. Walking ahead, talking loudly, or standing directly in someone's peripheral vision can really break their focus. And if someone's trying to get a video of their swing or a group picture, it’s super important to double-check the background. You wouldn't want to be the person who accidentally blocks the camera right at the moment of impact! I’ve learned a few things to avoid creating these awkward "drama" moments. First, always wait until everyone in your group has hit their shot before moving too far forward. Second, if you see someone setting up to film their swing, give them plenty of space and make eye contact to ensure you're not in the frame. A quick thumbs-up or nod can go a long way. Third, always be aware of the groups ahead and behind you. Don't play too slowly, causing backups, but also don't rush the group in front if they're still in range. Another big one for me is cart etiquette. Parking your cart correctly – usually behind the green or to the side of the next tee box – seems minor, but it keeps paths clear and prevents interruptions. And speaking of keeping clear, always make sure your shadow isn't falling directly into someone's putting line on the green. It’s the little things that can really add up to a frustrating round for someone. What I find helps is to communicate with your playing partners. A simple, "Hey, I'm going to grab a video of this swing, mind if you stand over there for a sec?" can prevent a lot of headaches. And if you're the one who got blocked, like I did, it's tough, but try to take a deep breath. It's often not malicious, just a lack of awareness. Sometimes, you just have to laugh it off, even if it feels like your perfect picture or video is completely ruined. Remember, golf is supposed to be fun, even when unexpected things happen! Let's all try to keep the golf course free of unnecessary drama and full of good vibes. What are your top golf etiquette tips?