1. Safety: Prior to a stroke or making a practice swing, the player should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball, or any stones, pebbles, twigs, or the like which may be moved by the stroke or swing. Before playing a stroke, the player must ensure that the group ahead is not in range of the shot.
2. Standing still: No one should move, talk, or stand close to or directly behind the ball or the hole when the player is addressing the ball or making a stroke.
3. Keep up with the group in front of you: To be in proper position, your foursome must be in position relative to the group in front of you, not just ahead of the group following you. If there is more than one clear hole between your group and the group ahead of you, let the group behind you pass through. New players to the game should set a maximum score for each hole, and pick up on a hole when your group is out of pace.
4. Paying attention: Watch the tee shots of the other players in your foursome to save having to look for balls.
5. Play ready golf: Carry an extra golf ball in your pocket to be ready to hit a provisional ball if your original ball may be lost. As you approach your ball, be prepared for your next shot by bringing a few clubs with you.
6. Placing down bags and parking carts: Be sure to place your golf bags well off the teeing ground, out of the way of other players. Park carts in the designated area near the tee. When you get to the green, put your bag or cart near where you will exit the green so you do not delay the group behind you.
7. Replace your divots, fix all marks, and rake bunkers: Be sure to replace divots. When a ball lands on the green, it will leave a small indentation. Be sure to repair the ball mark. Before leaving a bunker, the player should carefully fill up and smooth over all the holes and footprints made by the player or other players.
8. Your ball is in the way: When your golf ball is on the green, if it is in the way of another golfer, mark its position with a coin or ball marker, placed directly behind the ball. Never walk on the intended line of putt of any golfer in your foursome.
9. Recording Scores: When a hole has been completed, immediately pick up your equipment and leave the green. Record the scores on the next tee so you do not delay play.