Honors
Etiquette
Explained Simply
The right to tee off first on a hole, given to the player who had the lowest score on the previous hole.
Example
“You made a 4 and your partner made a 5 on hole 3. You have honors on hole 4's tee box.”
Why it matters
Honors is a traditional courtesy. In casual play or ready golf, it's often set aside, but it's good to know.
Common beginner mistake
Not knowing who has honors on the first tee — often settled by a coin flip or closest to the hole in a short putt game.
Related
beginner
Etiquette
Related
- Ready GolfPlaying your shot when you are ready, rather than waiting strictly for farthest-from-hole to always go first. Encouraged in casual rounds to speed up play.
- Tee BoxThe designated starting area for each hole where you place your tee and hit your first shot.
- Stroke PlayThe most common format — every stroke counts for the entire round. Lowest total score wins.