This section provides guidelines on acceptable behaviour on the course and the manner in which the game should be played. An overriding principle is that consideration should be shown to others on the course at all times.
Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or
umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show
consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players
should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy
and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be.
This is the spirit of the game of golf.
No Disturbance or Distraction
Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and
should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary
noise.
Players should not stand close to a player who is about to play. Players
should be aware of the dangers of a shanked ball or a club slipping from
grip on backswing. Players should also be aware of the benefit that can
arise from the helpful additional set of eyes following the struck ball. The
best position for additional eyes is somewhat close to the line of flight as
extended behind the tee. The expressed wishes of players teeing up regarding
the position of other players on the tee should respected without any
qualification.
Players should not stand on another player's line of putt when they are
making a stroke, nor cast a shadow over their line of putt.
Players should not stand behind a player, nor directly in front of the
player on the far side of the hole, when they are making a stroke, unless
they have been asked to attend the flag. Note: There is no penalty at the
time as it is a matter of etiquette. It is up to the player to ask them to
move. If they refuse, the circumstances should be reported to the Committee
to take whatever action they think appropriate.
Note also that when playing doubles, it is a breach of Rule 14–2b for the
player's partner to stand behind the player when they are making a stroke,
and incurs a 2 stroke penalty for both players. However, it is legal for the
player's partner to stand directly opposite on the far side of the hole.
Since we are almost always playing doubles and singles simultaneously, it is
up to the player about to make the stroke to decide whether they want their
partner to move or not from the far side of the hole.
Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and smooth over
all holes and footprints made by them and any nearby made by others. If a
rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used
for this purpose. Rake handles should be left lying in the direction of
play.
Players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing divots when
taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground,
whether in anger or for any other reason.
In order to avoid damaging the hole, players should not stand too close to
the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the
removal of a ball from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to
remove a ball from the hole.
Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green,
particularly when removing the ball from the hole.
The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players
leave the putting green.
Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be strictly
observed.
Justifiable or not, slow play can be a problem. At some clubs the members
are apt to complain to the course professional about slow play from
visitors.
Generally, you can consider your group to be behind play if, when you arrive
at the tee, the group in front of you is already off the green.
It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it
loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it should invite the
group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that
group. Where a group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the
group behind can play faster, it should invite the faster moving group to
play through.
Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When
playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts
in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards
the next tee.
Please do not:
2.
In a group, the shorter distance hitters may tee off first, provided they
can do so safely and without reaching the group in front.
3.
Hit a provisional ball if you are not sure if your first ball is in play.
4. The normal etiquette as to order of play is that, after your tee shots, the
player to play next is the one whose ball comes to rest the furthest
distance from the flag. This protocol is modified for our group, such that,
if that player is toward the side of the fairway and not ready, a player
from the same group whose ball is closer to the flag may hit out of turn
provided they are on the other side of the fairway and it is safe for them
to do so.
5.
Players in carts can be used as forward scouts to look for balls.
6.
While walking to your ball, use the travel time to begin thinking over your
next shot – the distance to the hole, which club you'll use, and so on.
7.
Begin your preparation before you get to your ball.
8.
Call up players, wherever possible, provided it’s safe to do so.
When arriving at the green, leave buggies on the side of the green nearest
the access to the next tee. If your ball has actually gone through the
green, choose the club(s) you may need and take them to the ball, not your
buggy. Never leave your buggy in front of the green.
9.
When on the greens, try to line up your putts while awaiting your turn, if
you're able to do so without distracting a player whose turn to putt is
before yours.
10.
To gain speed in a group of four, when the first two players finish putting,
they may go straight to the next tee and hit off. The second two follow
after they have putted out. You may only pick up three or four minutes, but
the average time for a hole should be about 15 minutes (4½ hours divided by
18). Doing this, over three holes you should be able to pick up close to a
full hole.
11.
Move off the green as soon as possible after putting out and walk smartly to
the next tee. Wait till you get there before updating your scorecard. If you
have been sent to the next tee to speed up play, tee off first and then mark
your card.