What Makes a Great Golfer? Golf Etiquette Non-Negotiables
This week, we're excited to welcome back one of our favorite guests, Aaron DeCorte (A.D.), whose energy, passion, and insight always make for a great conversation. If you listened to last week's episode, we talked about respect, safety, and some of the unfortunate incidents happening on golf courses today. But this episode isn't about those stories. It's about something bigger. What actually makes a great golfer? Some people may wonder if golf is broken. We don't think the game itself is broken. In fact, golf is healthier than it's been in decades. Courses are full, women are entering the game in record numbers, families are playing together, and younger generations are discovering this incredible sport. That's something worth celebrating. What concerns us isn't the game—it's that somewhere along the way we're beginning to lose some of the traditions that have made golf unlike any other sport. I've been playing golf for 48 years. Equipment has changed. Fashion has changed. Technology has changed. Instruction has changed. Those changes have been wonderful. But one thing should never change: How we treat one another. Respect. Integrity. Sportsmanship. Taking care of the golf course. Remembering that we're sharing it with everyone else. Those aren't old-fashioned ideas. They're the foundation of golf. At Golf Party Live, our mission has always been to grow the game. We want every woman who's ever been curious about golf to feel welcome. We want beginners to know they absolutely belong on the golf course. But we also believe that as we welcome thousands of new golfers into this amazing sport, we have a responsibility to teach not only how to play—but how to be a great golfer. Because after nearly five decades in this game, I've learned one important truth: People won't remember what you shot. They'll remember how you made them feel. In this episode, Boo, A.D., and I discuss what we believe are Golf Etiquette Non-Negotiables. What Makes a Great Golfer? Golf is one of the few sports where your character matters just as much as your score. Then we dive into our etiquette non-negotiables: 1. Be Quiet When Someone Is Hitting Giving someone your full attention for 20 seconds is one of the greatest signs of respect you can show on a golf course. 2. Respect the Golf Course Replace or fill your divots, repair your ball marks, rake your bunkers, obey golf cart rules, and leave the course in better condition than you found it. We're only borrowing the golf course for a few hours—let's take care of it. 3. Play Ready Golf Think ahead. Read your putts while others are preparing. Bring multiple clubs when appropriate, and keep the pace moving so everyone enjoys their round. 4. Shake Hands After the Round Whether you win or lose, look your playing partners in the eye, thank them for the round, and show appreciation. This tradition has lasted for generations for a reason. 5. Stop Giving Unsolicited Advice Unless someone asks for your help, don't coach, critique, or offer swing tips—especially to beginners and especially to women. Sometimes the best support is simply encouragement. 6. Celebrate Respectfully We love excitement! Celebrate great shots, laugh, high-five your friends, and take photos. Just remember to protect the golf course, avoid damaging the greens, and keep your celebrations from slowing down play. At Golf Party Live, we'll continue introducing thousands of women to this incredible game. We'll also continue teaching the traditions that have made golf unlike any other sport. Because growing the game and protecting its heritage can—and should—happen together. We'd love to hear from you! What's one golf etiquette rule you believe should always be non-negotiable? Send us a message or email us at [email protected]. Thank you so much for listening! If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another golfer—especially someone who's new to the game. Together, let's leave this game—and every golf course—a little better than we found it. Until next time… Have fun and go low!
