Rules and Etiquette

Rules of Golf

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the United States Golf Association, in consultation with other golfing bodies from throughout the world, carry out their review of the Rules of Golf on a four yearly basis. The new edition of the Rules of Golf will be effective 1 January 2008.

The current edition can be downloaded from the Rules section of the websites listed below or complimentary copies are available for collection from Reception or the Golf Shop.

Interactive Rules of Golf information, including the detailed Decisions on the Rules of Golf, are available from:

The R&A Rules Section...

USGA Rules Section...

Etiquette

PRIOR TO PLAY

• Arrive at least fifteen minutes early to check-in at the Golf Shop.
• If you cannot meet your tee-time booking please contact the Golf Shop to cancel.
• Subject to other cancellations, you may be asked to change playing groups.
• Be ready to play when it is your time to tee off.

ON THE TEE

• Mark your ball so that you can identify it.
• Hit ONLY when golfers ahead of you are out of range.
• Stand still and facing other golfers while they are hitting.
• Watch where all balls go to avoid time spent looking for lost balls.
• Yell the warning "FORE!" if your ball is heading toward another golfer.
• Sand your divot.

THE FAIRWAY

• Walk directly to your ball unless you reach someone else's ball first.
• Place your bag or cart near you when hitting.
• Take no more than one practice swing.
• Player furthest from the hole usually plays first, but golfers out of range of the group in front can play first, if ready.
• Sand your divot, and others you may see whilst walking the fairways.
• Walk briskly between shots and be ready to play when it is your turn.
• Keep Pace with the group in front of you at all times.
• Assist playing partners when needed by bringing clubs, finding lost balls, etc.
• Adhere to motorised cart rules at all times.

ON THE GREEN

• Players are encouraged not to wheel buggies across the greens and tees.
• Do not drive carts across the green.
• Place your bag or cart between the green and the next tee.
• Take all clubs that you may need.
• Repair your own ball marks and others.
• Avoid stepping on another player's putting line.
• Players begin putting when all balls are on the green. 
• The person furthest away from the hole putts first.
• On long putts, have another player attend the flagstick.
• Mark your ball if it is in the path of another player's ball.
• Record all scores on the next tee.

KEEP PACE

Keep Pace is an initiative to ensure competition rounds are played in an appropriate length of time to make golf more enjoyable for everyone, by:

Ensuring players Keep Pace with the group ahead;

Establishing 4¼ hours as the Target Time, including an eight minute break at the Halfway House / Cafe, to complete an 18 hole Stableford / Par competition round in a 4 player group;

• Establishing 4½ hours as the Target Time, including an eight minute break at the Halfway House / Cafe, to complete an 18 hole Stroke competition round in a 4 player group;

• Introducing, educating and enforcing Ready Golf standards; 

• Highlighting Timesaver Hints;

• Monitoring pace of play and Enforcing Rule 6-7.

• The lowest marker in the group is responsible for the group's pace of play