To enjoy the great game of golf we need to be aware of 3 facets of the game:
- RULES
- SHOT MAKING
- ETIQUETTE
A balance of knowledge in all three areas makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.
Pace of Play
Recommendations are outlined below to assist in the prevention of slow play.
Prior to Play
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in with the Golf Shop (starter), pay competition fees and collect cards.
- Playing group limited to 4 players and maximum of 2 motorised carts.
- Be ready to play 5 minutes before allocated tee time with partners and side bets finalised prior to tee off
- Use course scorecard for reference on hole distances and local rules. Also refer to Local Rules Board.
On the Tee
- Mark your ball so that you can identify it.
- Be ready to hit when it is your turn
- Hit ONLY when golfers ahead of you are out of range
- Short hitters or people with physical limitations should always hit off first.
- Watch other golfers hitting off and where the balls go to limit time looking for lost balls. Use fixed object as a reference point.
- Motorised cart users go ahead to search for balls located off the fairway
- Yell the warning "fore" if your ball, or any balls played by your group are heading towards another golfer.
The Fairway
- Walk briskly between shots and directly to your ball making sure that you keep well clear of the line of flight of shots made by other players in your group.
- Plan your shot while travelling to your ball or while others are playing.
- Be ready to play when it is your shot.
- Limit the number of practice swings.
- Motorised cart players should walk short distances to their ball with a selection of clubs.
- Motorised cart users should place clubs in bag at the next stop.
- Keep up with the group in front at all times. Your place in the field is behind the group in front, not in front of the group behind.
- Follow cart directional signs at all times.
On the Green
- Place your bag or buggy between the green and the next tee.
- If near the green, always allow the person in a bunker to play first so they can rake the bunker whilst others are playing their shots.
- Repair your ball / pitch mark and one other.
- Mark your ball promptly.
- Putt out if possible.
- Replace the flagstick carefully in an upright position.
- Exit promptly from the green once everyone has putted out.
- Do not mark cards on or beside the green. Players should only mark their card after they have hit off from the next tee or while waiting for their turn to tee off.
- The Captain of the group (lowest handicap player) is responsible for the speed of play for the playing group and to ensure their group is immediately behind the group in front.
- Garden Room stop after 9 holes should be kept to a minimum. Players are to check the monitor and if the group ahead of you has hit off the next tee, you are obliged to proceed immediately to the tee.
Observance of these simple rules by all players will assist to speed up play and enhance the enjoyment of a round of golf for all Members and Associates.
Powers of the Course Marshal
Role
1. To assist with the pace of play.
2. To ensure all motorised cart users are following all directional signs and adhering to the conditions of use.
Authority
- To follow procedures set out by the Match Committee, control the pace of play during competition rounds.
- Maintain records of any issues, warnings & penalties from all competitions to determine patterns of slow play and recurring offenders. Referral will then be made to the Match Committee.
Penalty Process
- Course Marshal to advise players they are out of position in the field and need to catch up, 15 minutes allowed to comply.
- If no improvement in position, an official warning is given, another 15 minutes is allowed to improve position.
- If still out of position, the group will be given a two shot penalty. If it is decided that one individual in the group has caused the delay, that player, and not the entire group may be given the penalty.
