To enjoy the game of golf, we should know and abide by the rules of the game. However, there are also “rules” for behaviour expected before, during and after our round of golf. This guide is to assist you in understanding the unwritten rules of golf etiquette.

In the Club House:

Members and guests are reminded that:

  • In Club House or on the grounds of the visiting club, members/guests are reminded that taking of illegal substances will not be tolerated and such conduct will be addressed by the committee and a decision made on whether that person is a suitable representation for the CGS at future events. 
  • The use of foul or abusive language such as swearing has no place in the clubhouse.
  • Any form of discrimination, harassment or intimidation is regarded as unacceptable behaviour.

 

On the Course:

All golfers must:

  • Dress Code:
    • Adhere to the dress code and the rules of the course.
      Click here for example of dress code.
  • Before tee time:
    • Arrive early to allow plenty of time for changing shoes, changing clothes and checking in with registration.
    • Allow plenty of time for your warm up and practice on the driving range.
    • Be aware of the order of play and the group in which they will be playing.
  • First tee:
    • Be on time. Be aware which groups are teeing off and allow time to get to the tee in advance of your group going out.
    • Be ready to hit when it is your turn.
  • Pace of Play:
    • Minimise your practice swings.
    • Take your practice swings in advance of your turn to hit the ball.
    • Be ready to hit when it is your turn.
    • Proceed to your ball as soon as it is safe to do so.
    • Study the line of your putt while others are putting.
    • Mark your score after arriving at the next tee.
    • Be aware that if there is a hole open in front of you, you may be playing too slow.
      Penalties for Slow Play (CGS Rule)If groups follow these guidelines, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone. If a group consistently disregards these guidelines during their round resulting in major delays to groups behind the Committee will take appropriate action in the form of a 3 point penalty to all players in the offending group. That is, 3 stableford points will be deducted from every player in the group at the end of their round.
  • The Course:
    • Leave the course as you found it..
    • Minimise the damage you do to the course with your practice shots.
    • Replace any divots you have made.
    • Respect the property of others. Balls hit out of bounds and landing on someone else’s property should stay there.
    • Report any damage that you may have caused.
    • Allow any golfer who may have hit into your fairway to take their next shot before you do.
    • Observe the rules designated for golf carts.
    • Do not jump into bunkers – enter from the low side.
    • Take only one club into the bunker and rake your footsteps upon leaving.
    • Leave the rake behind, beside or in the bunker – but never in front of it.
  • Lost Ball:
    • If a player hits’ a good tee shot and then is unable to find the ball after looking for a total time of three minutes, he can deem the ball lost and incur a 2 shot penalty and drop
      another ball, nearest point of relief to the area where the ball was deemed lost, as agreed by playing partners but no nearer the hole.
    • If player decides not to deem the ball lost he should signal the players in the group behind to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not be easily found within the three minutes allowed, if they continue to search whilst waiting for group behind to play through, it must be noted that the total time allowed to look for the ball must not exceed three minutes.  Having allowed the group behind to play through, they should not continue play until that group has passed and is out of range.
  • Course Marshals: (N.B Course Marshall’s are there to assure your round of golf is playing safely and in a timely manner.)
    • Respect their decisions.
    • Don’t argue with them.
    • Register any complaints about groups with the Marshall, not the other players.