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Smoking—especially cigar smoking—on the golf course is a long-standing tradition for some players, but it can also create tension within a group when not everyone enjoys or tolerates smoke. Addressing smokers in your group the right way requires a balance of respect, tact, and awareness of both etiquette and course policies. Smoking on the Golf Course.
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1. Know the Course Rules First
Before you speak up, check whether the course has a designated smoking policy. Many clubs now have rules limiting smoking to certain areas for health, comfort, or wildfire prevention reasons. If smoking is prohibited altogether, you can simply refer to the posted rules instead of making it a personal confrontation.
2. Consider Timing and Tone
If you decide to raise the issue, do it privately rather than embarrassing the smoker in front of others. A discreet moment between holes or while walking to the next tee is best. Use a calm, friendly tone that focuses on your experience rather than judging their habit—for example:
“Hey, I’m sensitive to smoke, would you mind keeping it downwind or taking it a bit further away during my shots?”
This approach is less likely to create defensiveness.
3. Offer Practical Solutions
Sometimes smokers don’t realize how their habit affects those around them. You can suggest:
- Stepping a few yards downwind during a smoke break.
- Saving cigars for the back nine or after the round.
- Using only designated smoking areas if available.
This keeps the tone solution-oriented rather than confrontational.
Medical research has shown that even outdoor exposure to secondhand smoke—such as from cigars or cigarettes on a golf course—can elevate risks for heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory irritation. This is because cigar and cigarette smoke contain fine particulate matter and toxic chemicals that can be harmful even during short-term exposure, particularly for individuals with asthma or cardiovascular conditions
4. Use Humor and Golf Etiquette as a Bridge
Golf etiquette emphasizes maintaining a pleasant experience for everyone in the group. You might lightly frame the request within that context:
“You know how we all stay quiet over putts? I also need a ‘no smoke zone’ when I’m lining up my shot.”
This keeps the interaction light while clearly stating your needs.
5. Respect Traditions but Protect Comfort
For many golfers, smoking a cigar is part of their on-course ritual. Acknowledging this tradition can help keep the conversation respectful:
“I know cigars are part of your round, but the smoke can really affect me—can we find a spot that works for both of us?”
By validating their viewpoint first, you improve the odds of cooperation.
6. Speak on Behalf of the Group if Needed
If multiple players are bothered, it may be best for one designated person—preferably the group leader or the person who booked the tee time—to address the smoker. Framing it as “a group comfort” issue rather than an individual complaint helps avoid singling someone out.
7. Be Prepared for Mixed Reactions
Even if you approach it politely, not everyone will take the request well. If you face resistance, keep your composure and focus on your own enjoyment of the game. If the smoking persists and it truly impacts your experience, you can calmly ask to be moved to another group (if possible) or make a note to avoid pairing with them in future rounds.
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8. When You’re the Smoker—Self-Regulate
If you are the smoker in the group, good etiquette means:
- Asking your playing partners if they’re okay with it before lighting up.
- Standing downwind and away from tee boxes and greens.
- Extinguishing and disposing of cigars/cigarettes responsibly. ” Leaving cigarette butts by the tie blocks is not considered responsible. “
- Avoiding any habit that impacts pace of play.
How can golf course management proactively address smoking issues to prevent conflicts between players?
Golf course management can proactively address smoking issues by clearly establishing and communicating a smoking policy—such as designated smoking areas or complete bans in high-traffic or enclosed spaces—to all players before they tee off. Posting visible signage at the clubhouse, first tee, and throughout the course helps reinforce expectations. Staff should be trained to handle complaints discreetly, offering polite reminders of the rules rather than leaving it to players to confront each other. Additionally, including smoking guidelines in booking confirmations, scorecards, or starter announcements ensures consistency and minimizes misunderstandings, creating a respectful environment for both smokers and non-smokers.
Final Thought
The “right way” to address smokers in your group is really about mutual respect. Golf is as much a social sport as it is a competitive one, and maintaining a positive atmosphere will make for a better experience for everyone involved. By balancing politeness, clarity, and consideration, you can navigate the subject without unnecessary friction—whether you’re speaking as a non-smoker, a smoker, or a course manager.
