Golf course etiquette ranges from dress, to respect for the course, to the way in which you position yourself respective to the other players. Golfers who adhere to rules for replacing divots, driving golf cars and repairing ball marks make the game safe and enjoyable for other participants. When patrons repair marks and replace divots, the result is a better-conditioned golf course. Poor attention to etiquette, such as failure to replace ball marks, can prevent a golfer’s ability to play a shot. If you are unsure about a course’s golf rules or procedures regarding treatment of the golf course, ask the superintendent for specific instructions. However, here are general rules of thumb for golf patrons:

Ball Mark Repair
Indentations created by the ball landing on the green obscures the putting line. No matter the facility or level of play, every golfer is responsible for mending their marks. This process takes only a moment, but it provides for fair play and preserves the quality of the putting surface. The process is as follows:

• Use a prolonged ball mark repair tool, knife, key or tee.
• Insert at the edges of the mark—not the middle of the depression.
• Bring the edges together with a gentle twisting motion, but don’t lift the center. Try not to tear the grass.
• Smooth the surface with a club or foot. You’re done when it’s a surface that you would putt over.

Divots
Taking a divot is a common occurrence when striking the ball with a club other than a wood or putter. A divot is a piece of turf that becomes torn away from the surface. Divots should be replaced promptly. Replacing the divot provides the next golfer with the same conditions and playability with which you were provided. Divot repair depends on the course policy. Some courses ask that you replace the divot in the same direction it came out and firmly tamp it down. Other courses request that you replace the divot with a sand/seed mixture or sand only provided by the course and simply tamp it down. The specific procedure actually depends on the type of grass on the course. To inquire about the standard divot repair practice, inquire about the repair policy before teeing off.

Bunkers
Bunkers pose enough trouble themselves. Imagine playing from them when they are left unraked. To avoid complications, take note of these tips:

• Rake the bunker after your sand shot.
• Enter and exit the bunker at the point closest to your ball. This will ensure you do not displace too much sand.
• Alternate between pulling the sand toward and pushing it away from you to make the surface even. This will make the bunker surface even without sand displacement.
• All holes and footprints should be smoothed over upon exiting the bunker.
• Be sure there are no indentations in the previously disturbed sand.
• After rake completion, the USGA recommends that the bunker rake should be placed outside the bunker laying flat and facing the direction of play.
• USGA reminds golfers that the proper term is "bunker," and never "trap."