The putting green is delicate, busy, and full of golfers trying not to look nervous. Most green etiquette comes down to one idea: leave the surface as good for the next player as it was for you.
Repair your pitch mark
When your ball lands on the green, it can leave a small indentation. Find it and repair it with a pitch-mark tool or tee. Lift the edges towards the centre rather than levering the middle upwards. It takes seconds and gives the grass a chance to recover.
Watch the putting line
Do not walk across another player’s line if you can avoid it. The line is the route their ball is expected to take to the hole. Even if your shoes do not leave a visible mark, your footsteps can affect the surface.
Stand in the right place
When someone is putting, stand still and outside their eyeline. Do not hover directly behind the hole or stand where your shadow crosses the line. The golfer may not say anything. They will notice.
The flag and the hole
Know whether the flag should be in or out, and handle it carefully when you remove or replace it. Avoid leaning on the putter or resting the flagstick against the edge of the hole. The hole is a surprisingly small piece of architecture. Treat it accordingly.
Finish and move on
When the group has finished, collect your ball, replace the flag, and move towards the next tee. Admire a good putt while walking. Golf allows for both efficiency and joy.
The green is only one chapter
Explore the full etiquette system in Nobody Told Me Either, a practical guide to the parts of golf nobody explains out loud.