Ever been on a par 3 where the group ahead, already near the green, turns around and gives you a big wave to hit your tee shot? That polite invitation is the signal for a call-up hole, a simple and brilliant piece of golf etiquette designed to keep the game moving. This article will show you exactly what a call-up hole is, the clear steps to follow for both your group and the group ahead, and how to handle the situation like a seasoned player so you can keep your focus on hitting a great shot.
A call-up hole is almost always a par 3 where the group that has just teed off invites the group behind them to hit their tee shots before the first group begins putting. Think of it as a temporary merging of turns. Your group gets to hit while their group walks to the green, effectively performing two actions in the same time block.
The entire point of this process is to improve the pace of play. On a typical hole, flow breaks down. Group A tees off, walks to the green, putts, and clears the green. Only then can Group B step up to the tee and hit. All that time Group B was just waiting and watching. On a call-up hole, Group B hits while Group A is walking, which can literally shave 5-10 minutes off the waiting time for that single hole. When a course has multiple call-up holes, the time savings add up and contribute to a much faster, more enjoyable round for everyone.
This procedure is reserved for par 3s because the logistics are simple and safe. The group ahead has a clear view of the tee, and a typical par 3 is short enough that they can easily get out of the way. You will almost never see this on a par 4 or par 5 because it’s far too dangerous. Players in the fairway might be out of sight, and it’s just not practical to wait for a group ahead to clear the entire distance of a long hole before they would wave you on.
Even though it saves time, a call-up only works if everyone understands their role. It’s a mini-collaboration between groups, and following the proper etiquette is what makes it all work smoothly. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to do, whether you're initiating the call-up or getting waved on.
If your group has just hit your tee shots on a par 3 and you're thinking about inviting the next group to hit, here’s the process:
Now, let’s flip the scenario. You're waiting on the tee box, and you see the group ahead move to the side and give you the wave. It’s your turn to be efficient.
The basics are simple, but sometimes unique situations pop up. Here’s how to handle some of the most common call-up questions.
You wait. It is always their invitation to make. Hitting into a group that has not explicitly waved you on is a major, and very dangerous, breach of etiquette. There may be a reason they didn't wave_they might not be comfortable with it, or maybe a player needs to play a provisional. Regardless of the reason, you do not hit until you get the signal.
Do your best to hustle without getting flustered. Give them a wave back to acknowledge them, and then prepare to play as quickly as you reasonably can. Everyone knows it takes a moment to get a club and tee up a ball. They don't expect you to be instant, but they do appreciate seeing you move with purpose. The goal isn't to look like a Formula 1 pit crew, just to show you respect the gesture to save time.
Resist the urge. The course etiquette is firm on this: you wait for the group ahead to finish the entire hole before you step onto the green. It is their "possession" until their last putt drops. Walking into their space while they are trying to focus on scoring is disruptive. Your ball mark can wait the extra minute or two.
This is extremely rare and should only be done if there is a sign on the tee box or a starter explicitly gives your group permission. A blind or 'drivable' par 4 sometimes has a bell to ring to signal the fairway is clear, but that is a different procedure. A call-up on a par 4 is risky because a player could be in the fairway looking for a ball, completely hidden from view. As a general rule, limit call-ups to par 3s.
The call-up hole may seem like a small thing, but it’s one of those beautiful, unofficial traditions that greases the wheels of the game. It’s born from a shared understanding among golfers that everyone’s time is valuable and nobody enjoys waiting.
Beyond pace of play, it fosters a sense of on-course community. It’s a non-verbal agreement that says, “We’re all in this together, let’s keep it moving and have fun.” When you see a group call you up confidently, it's often a sign that you're playing behind experienced golfers who respect the game - a very reassuring feeling on a busy day. Being able to participate smoothly shows you're one of them.
A call-up hole is a simple courtesy on par 3s that significantly improves the pace of play. By understanding the etiquette - knowing when to wave, when to wait, and when to hit - you can help make the game more efficient and enjoyable for everyone on the course.
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