Golf is played the same way everywhere under one set of rules, but the culture around it varies enormously. In Scotland, golfers walk briskly and play foursomes; in the USA, carts and beverage carts are standard; in Japan, there's a lunch break after nine holes; in much of Asia, caddies are part of every round. Understanding these differences makes travelling golf more enjoyable.
Britain and Ireland
- Walking is the norm, often with trolleys.
- Fast play and two-ball formats at some clubs.
- Foursomes (alternate shot) are traditional.
- Clubhouse dress codes at traditional clubs. Read clubhouse etiquette.
- Links golf in the wind. Read ireland vs scotland.
USA
- Carts are standard at many courses. Read golf cart etiquette.
- Beverage carts and halfway houses.
- Tipping for staff is common. Read tipping in golf.
- Public and resort golf widely available.
Japan and South Korea
- Lunch after nine holes in Japan, and bathing afterwards.
- Caddies and screen golf in South Korea.
- Read golf in Japan and South Korea.
Southeast Asia
- A caddie for every golfer at many courses. Read golf in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
- Early tee times to beat the heat.
Continental Europe
- Handicap certificates or proficiency often required.
- Long lunches in France, Spain and Italy. Read golf in France and golf in Italy.
Australia and New Zealand
- Club golf with welcoming visitor policies.
- Country courses with simple facilities.
- Wildlife on the fairways. Read golf in Australia.
Africa and the Middle East
- Caddies common in many countries. Read golf in South Africa and golf in Morocco.
- Floodlit golf in the Gulf. Read golf in Dubai and the Middle East.
Comparing golf around the world
| Region | Typical transport | Pace of play | Cost | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Britain and Ireland | Walking, trolleys | Brisk | Moderate | Traditional, members' clubs, matchplay culture |
| USA | Carts common | Varies | Wide range | Public and private, practice-focused, resort golf |
| Japan and South Korea | Carts with caddies | Structured, often with lunch at the turn | Often high | Formal, social, indoor driving ranges |
| Southeast Asia | Caddies, carts | Relaxed | Good value | Service-focused, early starts in heat |
| Continental Europe | Walking and buggies | Moderate | Moderate | Growing, often family-friendly clubs |
| Australia and New Zealand | Walking, carts in heat | Brisk | Good value | Sociable, strong public golf |
| Middle East | Carts | Moderate | High | Resort and desert golf |
| Africa | Walking with caddies | Moderate | Good value | Historic clubs, wildlife on courses |
Different ways of playing
- Matchplay culture: in Britain and Ireland, many club games are matches, often foursomes. Read match play rules and strategy.
- Stroke play and handicaps: stroke play and medal competitions are common in many countries.
- Lunch at the turn: in Japan and South Korea, it's common to stop for a meal between nines.
- Ready golf: encouraged in many countries to keep play moving. Read pace of play.
Etiquette differences
- Dress codes vary from formal to relaxed. Read what to wear on the golf course.
- Tipping: customary for caddies in many countries, less so for staff in others. Read tipping in golf.
- Clubhouse culture: some clubs require jackets in certain rooms; others are very casual. Read clubhouse etiquette.
- Handicap requirements are common in Europe but rare at many US public courses.
Unique golf experiences
- Midnight-sun golf in Scandinavia and Alaska. Read golf in Scandinavia.
- Multi-level driving ranges in East Asian cities.
- Desert golf in the Middle East and the American Southwest.
- Wildlife golf in Africa.
Read unusual golf experiences.
Tips for golfing abroad
- Research local customs before you go.
- Watch and follow what local golfers do.
- Be patient with different pace and formats.
- Be a good guest: respect the course, staff and other players.
Read your first overseas golf trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do golf rules differ by country?
No, the Rules of Golf are the same, but local rules and customs vary.
Why do Japanese golfers stop for lunch?
It's a long-standing tradition at many Japanese courses.
Are carts common outside the USA?
Less so in Britain and Ireland, where walking is traditional.
Do I need a caddie in Asia?
At many courses, yes.
Why is golf so expensive in Japan?
Land is scarce and expensive, and many courses are some distance from cities, so costs are high.
Where is golf most popular?
The USA, Britain and Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia and parts of Europe have the most golfers and courses.
The bottom line
Golf's rules are universal, but its culture is local. Learn the customs before you travel and enjoy the differences. For more, read golf traditions and customs.