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Golf - Local Rules

Local Rules

  • RULE 1 – OUT OF BOUNDS

    Out of bounds: The road and verge within two club lengths of the bitumen seal of the South Coast Highway, through all fences bordering the course, the car park and trotting track.

  • Rule 2 – Preferred Lies

    On the fairway being played, the ball may be lifted, cleaned, and placed within one card width (150mm) -not nearer the hole. After placing the ball, it is in play.

  • Rule 3 – Drains

    A free drop of the ball may be taken within two club lengths of the centre of the drain -not nearer to the hole, either side of the drain. The ball is deemed in a drain if it lies within one club length of the centre (deepest point) of the drain.

  • Rule 4 – Distance measuring devices.

    Devices approved in accordance with the Rules of Golf may be used – Ref Rule 4.3a(1).

  • Rule 5 – Distance Markers

    Are immovable obstructions – Ref Rule 16-1

  • Rule 6 – Embedded Ball

    Abnormal Course conditions includes areas of water saturated peat or mud found in the General Area – Ref Rule 16.

  • Rule 7 – Cart Paths

    All roads and paths on the general area constructed of introduced materials (bitumen, blue metal, gravel, wood chips, etc) are treated as immovable obstructions from which free relief is allowed – Rules of Golf 16.1.

  • Rule 8 – Fairway Boundaries

    The line between fairway cut and first cut is fairway boundary.

Golf Cart on Course etiquette Guidelines

  1.  Always be courteous towards the course and other players.
  2. Be aware that the rules and requirements about using golf carts on the course may vary depending on the conditions on the course in different seasons.
  3. Obey all signs regarding use of carts.
  4. Use cart paths provided whenever practical.
  5. Avoid parking in front of the green.
  6. Never drive onto or close to tee boxes, unless on the cart path
  7. Never drive or park the cart in/through a:
    – Hazard
    – Fescue
    – 10 m of greens (unless on a designated cart path) or behind the blue lines
    – into the bush
    – mud or casual water on or off the fairway.
  8. Keep at a pace with your playing partners until you go to play your next shot, if driving a shared cart drop your partner at their ball and then drive to yours.
  • Please remember to take a sand bucket to repair divots. Owners and operators should be of responsible age (18 years). Presentation, maintenance and insurance are the owner's responsibility.
    Any damage to the club property or to the course will be the responsibility of the owner and/or operator of the cart at the time.
    (Version – 12-2-2017)

Responsibilities of a Member

General

  • Respect your golf course and your fellow members and guests.
  • Read, understand, and apply the rules and courtesies of golf.
  • Fair play and good humour are appreciated both on the course and in the clubhouse.

Etiquette

To maintain the course players are asked to observe the following:

  • Do not pull your buggy over greens or tees.
  • Motorised carts are to be used responsibly reflecting the conditions of the course. Cart paths are to be used when provided.
  • Motorised carts must not be driven across or within 15 metres of the greens or parked in front of the greens.
  • Repair Pug marks before leaving the green.
  • Repair divots on fairways or tee boxes by cutting in the edges with a club or shoe and then top dressing with sand.
  • Replace the flagstick correctly in the cup.

Pace of Play

Players may be penalised for slow play.

  • Report to the office at least 10 minutes before hit off time and be ready to hit off when called.
  • Players looking for a lost ball should call through following players. The time limit for looking for a lost ball is 3 minutes.
  • When it appears that a ball will be difficult to find, always hit a “provisional” ball.
  • Walk briskly at all times, particularly when leaving the green. Be ready to play your shot as soon as it is your turn.
  • The player with the honour should play their ball before marking the card.
  • In competitions, the lowest handicapper is responsible for maintaining the group’s position as close to the group in front as is possible.
  • “Ready golf” is encouraged. Ready golf is a method for golfers to speed up play. It means that each golfer within a group may hit when ready.
    The Rules of Golf and golf etiquette prescribe the proper way to determine hitting order on a golf course.

Penalties for slow play can be loss of points or being placed at the end of the field.