Getting out on the course can be a fun, rewarding experience, especially when everything goes well.  But when there are novices who know nothing about the game, it can be a day of frustration and disappointment for everyone.  You owe it to yourself and for everyone else you meet, to know the common do's and don'ts of golf.

On the tee:  You can choose which tees to hit from.  Most beginners use the forward tees, usually colored red (but they can be any color).  You may tee your ball anywhere in the rectangular area bounded between the tees and as far back as 2 club lengths from the tees. You are allowed to stand outside the tees as long as your ball is within the proper teeing area.

Stand away and out of the line of sight of anyone who's teeing off.  Do not make any sounds while he/she is teeing off.  Being silent also applies while out on the fairways and greens when anyone is ready to hit the ball.  Be aware of others on the course who are not even part of your group.  Being courteous goes a long way in golf!

Who should tee off first?  On the first hole, the person who has the honor is the one with the lowest handicap.  After that, the person who made the lowest score on a hole tees off first on the next hole.  If you are playing for fun and don't care who goes first, anyone can tee off in any order.

On the fairway: While walking on the fairway, keep behind all the golf balls. The person who comes upon her ball first, hits, while everyone else stays behind. If you must venture in front of everyone to look for a ball that was a stray hit, let everyone know. And keep your eye on who's hitting the ball, just in case it flies your way. If you are the one hitting the ball and it heads toward someone, you must yell "FORE!". This is a warning to let others know a ball can hit someone.  Try not to hit into the group in front of you.  Allow enough room so that everyone is out of range when you hit your ball.

As you continue down the fairway, be aware of where you leave your bag or golf cart.  Be sure it is not interfering with another golfer.  As you get to the green, leave your bag or cart nearer to the next tee box you're going to.  Again, be aware that it does not interfere with anyone else.

On the green:  Once you've reached the green, mark your ball with a ball marker.  The person farthest from the hole putts first.  Proceed with the farthest person out until everyone holes out.  If your marker is in direct line between the hole and someone else's ball, you can move your marker to the left or right of where your ball is, using the putter head as a measure.  Be sure to return your marker to the ball's original lie before putting.  And after everyone has putted, be sure the flagstick is replaced properly and is standing upright in the hole.

If your ball landed on the green, repair any divot marks it may have made.  Use a divot repair tool or, if you have none, a tee.  Carefully lift the grass that was smashed down and gently tamp it down with your putter.  If you see other divots made by other golfers that were not repaired by them, try and repair them if time allows.  You'll be doing a good deed and others will appreciate it.

What if your ball lands on the wrong putting green?  It must be removed and dropped within 1 club length from the nearest point of relief no nearer the hole.  No penalty is incurred.

Do not set your bag on the putting service as it can leave marks on the green.  Also, golf carts are usually not allowed close to the green and must be driven to the cart path.

Keep an eye on the group in front of you and the group behind you as you play.  Make it a point to always keep up with the group ahead.  If you find your group is slowing play, encourage the people who take too many strokes to pick up the ball and move on.  Or try a game of best ball where you choose who's ball to play for every stroke (see golf games).  If you find that your group is holding up people behind you, let the next group play through by letting them tee off before you on the next hole.  Usually, a par 3 is a good time to let another group play through but it can be done at any time.

Play "ready golf" while golfing.  This means to prepare how you want to play your next shot and to have your club in hand as soon as it's your turn to hit.  Being prepared beforehand is a good habit to form and keeps up the pace of play for everyone on the course.

Rake the bunker if you had to go in one.  Smooth out the sand as much as possible.  If there is no rake to use, carefully work your club across the sand so no footprints remain.  Should the rake be left outside or inside the bunker?  There is no rule to follow but you can ask the course managers what their policy is.  Usually the rakes are left outside the bunker, parallel to the fairway.

After your round of golf, it's customary to shake hands with others who were in your group.

Never give golfing advice to anyone unless you are asked.