In the golf-obsessed country of South Korea, golf etiquette is different from what you’ll experience in the US
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In the South Korean capital, you can barely walk a block without running into a neon-lit driving range or a jam-packed simulator joint. Golf etiquette, too, is different than what you’ll experience in the U.S. Below are eight big differences.
Label: South Korea Edition
No. 1: At the country’s top golf courses, the caddies are strict and, generally, female. Four bags are strapped along the back of a large cart, which holds all four golfers and usually rests on the cart path. Your caddy runs back and forth to get whatever clubs you and your playing partners need.
No. 2: In most cases, it is mandatory to book a foursome, and if you can only get three players, you still pay for four.
No. 3: The caddies are often quite animated, and they really cheer you on. They celebrate birds, sometimes by putting a gold star on your scorecard, sometimes by attaching cheap little charms—a butterfly, maybe, or a heart—to your driver’s hood.
No. 4: Betting is standard – sometimes just for caddy fees, but not many matches are played just for pride or to score.
No. 5: Between nine, there is a usual 20-30-minute break for a light sit-down lunch and (usually) a beer. It’s not the extended medium meal you find in Japan, but it’s not a quick turnaround either.
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No. 6: Jumping ahead of a group is pretty much a no-go, even if they’re late in the turn.
No. 7: On a high-end course, eagles are commemorated with a personalized certificate, which is presented just minutes after the 18th is awarded.
No. 8: While birdies and eagles are rightly celebrated, holes in one will cost you. More than drinks after the round are on the line; processed foods and maybe even a night on the town are too.
