Etiquette

Golf Etiquette & Courtesy

ETIQUETTE AND COURTESY FOR COMPETITION PLAY

The lowest handicap marker in any group of players shall be captain of that group and is responsible for the correct etiquette and care of the course by that group, as outlined below:

• Competition players should be prepared to play at least ten minutes before their tee-off time.
• No player should play until the players in front are out of range.
• No one should move, talk, or stand close to or directly behind the ball or the hole when a player is addressing the ball or making a stroke.
• Objectionable or abusive language or behaviour likely to cause offence or injury to any other person will not be tolerated.
• Sand buckets should be carried and used. Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball.
• When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement from the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
• Carts should always use paths where they are provided. Carts must not be driven closer than 20 metres from greens and 10 metres from tees unless a defined cart path provides closer access.
• When competitions are being played, non-competition players may not cut in anywhere on the course.

PACE OF PLAY

Players should play at a good pace.

• It is the 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
• Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not be easily found (3 mins to find ball). Having allowed the group behind to play through, they should not continue play until that group has passed and is out of range.

The Committees has set the following guidelines.

Stableford, Par and Team Events – about 4 hours;

Stroke 4:15 – 4:30 hours.

CONDITIONS OF PLAY FOR COMPETITIONS

All competitions are under control of the relevant Match Committee, whose decision in any dispute shall be final.

Players are responsible for checking the score of each hole on their card (or App), signing the card and ensuring their Marker has also signed the card, and settling any disputes or doubtful point on the rules with a Match Committee member or Professional, prior to submitting the card. Players are requested to confirm their scores into the computer (or App) before leaving the course.

Conditions of Play for all Men’s competitions, including eligibility for Honour Board events, are available here (Conditions of Play). The Conditions of Play for ALL LADIES competitions are posted on the Ladies locker room notice board prior to the event. Ties in Honour Board events will be decided by play-off.

MEDAL ROUNDS: Ties in Men’s Medal Rounds will be decided by countback. Ties in Ladies Medal Rounds will be decided by a play off in the next stroke round. If still tied a countback will apply.

Visitors to our Club, and juniors, who have a Golf Australia handicap are welcome to play in members’ competitions. Visitors are NOT eligible to win Monthly Medals.

PRACTICE ON THE COURSE

A competitor must not practice on the course prior to the commencement of their competition round, except in the designated practice facilities (i.e., practice range, putting green and nets) – exception Match Play competition.  When playing the golf course outside of competitions, members may not play more than two balls.

APPLICATION OF HANDICAPS IN COMPETITION

Stroke/Par/Stableford: Full Handicap.

Match Play: Difference of Stroke Handicaps.

Foursomes: Half of aggregate stroke handicaps. Handicaps of individuals must be recorded as well as half handicaps.

Four Ball Best Ball: (a) Stroke, Par & Stableford – Full Handicap. (b) Match Play – Reduce the stroke play handicap of all players by the handicap of the lowest handicapped player who will then play off scratch.

Four Ball Medley: Both men and ladies play off full handicaps. Ladies use their own index.

Ambrose: Quarter, sixth or eighth of aggregate handicap of teams of 2, 3 or 4 respectively.

NOVELTY COMPETITIONS

American Foursomes: Each player hits their tee shot then hits their second shot on partner’s ball. Select one ball and complete the hole, playing alternate shots. 3/8th of Aggregate Handicaps.

Canadian Foursomes: Each player hits their tee shot. Select one ball and complete the hole, playing alternate shots. 3/8 of Aggregate Handicaps.

Ambrose: Played in teams of 2, 3 or 4. All hit drives then select one ball. Team members may then play in any order, placing their ball within one club length of selected ball through the green (and from the same condition; rough, hazard etc), one card length on the green, until holed out. Original ball does not have to be used.

Irish Fourball: The event is played with a team of four. The score for each hole is the sum of the best two Stableford scores obtained by any 2 of the 4 in the team, or as may be determined by the Match Committee for that day.

Stableford Split Sixes: A Stableford teams’ event where the best single score of the team is recorded for the first 6 holes, the sum of the best two scores is recorded for the next six holes and the sum of the best three scores is recorded for the last 6 holes.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES

1. If further help is required, alert others in the area.

2. If the person is unconscious and breathing, place in the “recovery” position.

3. If the person is unconscious and NOT breathing, perform CPR.

4. If the unconscious person has no heartbeat, a defibrillator should be retrieved by another person and used.

5. Phone 000 for an ambulance, answer questions fully and calmly.

6. Phone the Pro shop on 6495 9068. If the Pro shop is closed, phone the clubhouse on 6495 9002 and ask for the Duty Manager.

7. Provide a verbal report to TBCC management ASAP.