Course Etiquette

The club’s course etiquette is built around everyone enjoying their golf and maintaining the course’s condition for the next golfer.

All ‘playing groups’ are jointly and severally responsible for the adherence of the club etiquette and pace of play standards. All players, regardless of handicap, must take responsibility for the behaviours and practices of their group. It is acknowledged that in some instances this may be confronting, but poor course practice within one group has the potential to negatively impact the entire field. On-course communication should be limited to one’s own group and where necessary the group immediately in front. In many cases a little feedback or a reminder of the expected behaviour is all that is required. In situations where this is not the case, players are encouraged to refrain from robust on-course discussion and refer the matter to management or the match committee. It is the responsibility of your group, at all times ,to keep up with the group in front.

General Etiquette:

– All golfers, inclusive of members, MUST report to the golf shop before teeing off. All member social rounds must be played off:- Gents – White Ladies- Red

– Ensure you have a sand bucket to fill in your divots and pitch repairer for marks on the greens at all times. (Refill buckets at sand bins located throughout the course).

– Assist other golfers in your group by looking for lost balls, only spend a maximum of 3 minutes looking. Where appropriate play your shot prior to assisting playing partner.

– You must keep up with the group in front.

– Golf Carts MUST remain 10 metres away for teeing areas and greens, outside of roped areas and areas marked with blue lines. Wherever possible please keep golf carts of formalised paths.

– It is Club Policy that only a maximum of 3 balls can be used during a practice round, provided there is no delay to any other players.

On the Tee:

– When group is called to ‘stand by’ move immediately to tee.

– Ensure you have a sand bucket.

– Be ready to hit immediately once the group in front clears the fairway or it is safe to do so.

– Do not talk or make unnecessary noise whilst player is about to tee off.

– Watch where your ball goes and that of your playing partner/s. Reducing time spent looking for balls greatly assists pace of play.

– If you hit your ball and think that it may be either ‘out of bounds’ (white & black stakes) or ‘lost outside of a Penalty Area’, then declare that you will hit a ‘provisional’ ball. A provisional ball cannot be played if the first ball is definitely in the Penalty Area, or the player has gone forward to search for the ball. It is not possible to go back to play a provisional ball. If the original ball is found, it must be played, whether desired or not, and the provisional ball ceases to exist, with no penalty). If the original ball is not found, the provisional ball is the ball in play and results in the player recording three strokes (one for the original ball, penalty for loss of ball, and one for the next stroke). You are allowed only 3 minutes to search for a lost ball.

On the Fairway

– Walk directly and quickly to your ball.

– When playing in a golf cart, consider selecting your club and walking to your ball whilst your playing partner prepares and plays his shot.

– Limit yourself to One practice swing only. (if you feel the need to have more, do so whilst you are waiting your turn to hit)

– Usually the person furthest from the green hits first, however if you get to your ball first and the others are still walking/looking for their ball, providing it is safe, hit your ball and then help look for other balls.

– After you hit, and when safe, start walking to your ball.

– Keep count of your score and the person whose card you are marking.

– Repair and fill divot and those in immediate area if time permits.

– After bunker shots, use your feet/club to smooth out disrupted sand.

– Pick up your ball if you are out of shots e.g. stableford and par competitions, both individual and 4BBB.

On the Green

– Position you buggy/golf cart at the side/back of the green for a quick exit. At no time should your golf clubs be left at the front of a green.

– Once everyone is on the green the person furthest from the hole putts first, person closest to the hole tends the flag. After putting, walk towards your ball immediately, do not stand there and watch your ball.

– Putt out/complete the hole, wherever possible. once hole is completed take the flag so the other plays can putt.

– Replace your marked ball on the green (if it is not interfering with play) and line up your putt prior to it becoming your turn.

– Do not:- talk or make unnecessary noise whilst others are putting/walk across or touch playing partners putting line/stand directly behind or in front of the person who is putting.

– ‘Call up’ the group behind if it is safe to do so.

– Pick up your ball if you are out of shots e.g. stableford and par competitions, both individual and 4BBB.

Exit the Green

– Exit the green quickly and move directly to the next tee.

– As you walk, confirm scores with your playing partner.

– First person arriving at the tee, tees off. ‘hit when ready principle should be adopted’.

– Under no circumstances should the tee-off process be delayed due to card marking activities.