Local rules, Etiquette en Dress code

1. Local Rules

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Internal out of bounds (R 18.2): You must apply the out of bounds rule.

• When playing hole 5: Ball on the fairway, the surround or the green of hole 7.

• When playing hole 10: Ball on the fairway of hole 1, or to the right of it.

• When playing holes 10, 11, 14 or 15: If your ball flies over the road and comes to rest on another hole.

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Avoiding abnormal course conditions by taking a free drop (R16.1)

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• Play prohibited: Ball on a winter green or in an area marked by blue stakes or a white line.

• Play or free drop permitted: Ball on a drainage or aeration trench or in an area with lava stones.

The following objects are, by definition, fixed obstructions (R 16.1) and may therefore not be removed. A free drop is permitted if there is interference with the stance or swing.

• Distance markers at 100m (red) and 150m (yellow) from the centre of the green.

• Stakes, whether or not attached to the trees.

Info: Distance markers in the centre of the fairway are located 200m (white), 150m (yellow), 100m (red) and 50m (blue) from the front of the green.​

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E.S.A. Environmentally sensitive areas (protection of wild orchids).

• Marked by blue posts with green tops.

• Entry strictly prohibited.

• Take a free drop (Rule 16.1).

• Apply Rule 17.1 if the E.S.A. is in a penalty area. Drop with a 1-stroke penalty.

• Apply Rule 18.2 (the out-of-bounds rule) if the E.S.A. is in an internal out-of-bounds area. Return to the previous shot with a 1-stroke penalty.

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Temporary local rules: See information board at the practice green.

Penalties for breaching the local rules:

• 2 penalty strokes (stroke play).

• Loss of the hole (match play).

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2. Etiquette

Etiquette covers safety on the course, a reasonable pace of play, care for the golf course and good conduct.

Anyone entering the grounds must ensure they have the following items with them: a sufficient supply of golf balls and tees, a pitchfork, a pencil or ballpoint pen, and the rules of golf.

 

Just like the R&A, ‘ready golf’ applies on the course to avoid slow play. Ready golf means you play as soon as you are ready to play, provided it is safe to do so. It is not about who is furthest from the hole, but about who can play first.

It is intended for stroke play or Stableford, not for match play, and is designed to speed up the game. A round of ready golf is much quicker than a round where players are constantly waiting for a shot from the player furthest from the hole.

 

The club has appointed Marshals who are authorised to take the necessary measures to prevent slow play and other breaches of etiquette. Their instructions in this regard must be followed. This also applies to similar instructions given by the Starters and members of the Sports Committee.

 

Make sure you do not hold up other players (play a provisional ball if your ball may be lost, place your bag on the correct side of the green, etc.).

Repair pitch marks, rake the bunkers, and replace divots, then tamp them down.

Be ready. Don’t waste time between shots; make sure you’re ready to strike. By the time you reach your ball, your preparation should already be largely complete (how far is it, which club am I going to use?).

A short routine. Once at the ball, establish a routine where (a practice swing and) a shot takes no longer than 30 seconds.

Provisional ball. Play a provisional ball if your ball may be lost or out of bounds.

 

Think ahead. Place your golf bag on the right-hand side of the green so that you can quickly move to the next tee after holing out.

Keep up. Keep up with the group in front of you. If you do fall a hole behind the group in front, let the players behind you through. Use a gesture to signal that the group behind you may play.

 

Keep an eye out. Always watch when your fellow players are playing; it saves a lot of time searching.

Clear the green first. Only record your scores at the next tee.

 

No distractions. Put your phone on silent and reply to messages after the round. This is better for your concentration and your game, and you won’t cause any delays.

 

Be ready for your putt. Read the green as you approach it; from a distance, you can often see the slopes clearly. Read your line more accurately whilst others are putting. This saves time.

 

Wait before hitting. Wait to hit until other players are out of the way.

Shout ‘Fore!’ if a ball goes the wrong way; always shout ‘FORE!’ loudly. Even if you can’t see whether there are players in the area where your ball is heading. Shout loudly!

 

Stand safely. Stand in a safe spot when someone else is taking a shot. An advanced player playing with a beginner should not stand too far forward.

 

Right of way. Greenkeepers always have right of way; wait for a signal that you may take your shot.

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3. Dress Code

Standards of decorum

• Polo shirt with a collar. Sleeveless polo shirts are permitted.

• Long trousers or a skirt, Bermuda shorts. No shorts.

• Jeans, tracksuit bottoms and jogging gear are not permitted.

• Socks or tights are compulsory.

• Caps are not permitted in the clubhouse.

Juniors up to the age of 18 may play in smart jeans and a T-shirt.