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Section I
ETIQUETTE; BEHAVIOR ON THE COURSE
Introduction
This Section provides guidelines on
the manner in which the game of golf
should be played. If they are
followed, all players will gain
maximum enjoyment from the game. The
overriding principle is that
consideration should be shown to
others on the course at all times.
The Spirit of the
Game
Golf is
played, for the most part, without
the supervision of a referee or
umpire. The game relies on the
integrity of the individual to show
consideration for other players and
to abide by the Rules. All players
should conduct themselves in a
disciplined manner, demonstrating
courtesy and sportsmanship at all
times, irrespective of how
competitive they may be. This is the
spirit of the game of golf.
Safety
Players should ensure that no one is
standing close by or in a position
to be hit by the club, the ball or
any stones, pebbles, twigs or the
like when they make a stroke or
practice swing.
Players should not play until the
players in front are out of range.
Players should always alert
greenstaff nearby or ahead when they
are about to make a stroke that
might endanger them.
If a player plays a
ball in a direction where there is a
danger of hitting someone, he should
immediately shout a warning. The
traditional word of warning in such
situations is "fore."
Consideration
for Other Players
No Disturbance or
Distraction
Players should always show
consideration for other players on
the course and should not disturb
their play by moving, talking or
making unnecessary noise.
Players should
ensure that any electronic device
taken onto the course does not
distract other players.
On the teeing
ground, a player should not tee his
ball until it is his turn to play.
Players should not
stand close to or directly behind
the ball, or directly behind the
hole, when a player is about to
play.
On the Putting Green
On the putting green, players should
not stand on another player's line
of putt or, when he is making a
stroke, cast a shadow over his line
of putt.
Players should remain on or close to
the putting green until all other
players in the group have holed out.
Scoring
In stroke play, a player who is
acting as a marker should, if
necessary, on the way to the next
tee, check the score with the player
concerned and record it.
Pace
of Play
Play
at Good Pace and Keep Up
Players should play at a good pace.
The Committee may establish pace of
play guidelines that all players
should follow.
It is a 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. Where a group has not lost a
clear hole, but it is apparent that
the group behind can play faster, it
should invite the faster moving
group to play through.
Be Ready to Play
Players should be ready to play as
soon as it is their turn to play.
When playing on or near the putting
green, they should leave their bags
or carts in such a position as will
enable quick movement off the green
and towards the next tee. When the
play of a hole has been completed,
players should immediately leave the
putting green.
Lost Ball
If a player believes his ball may be
lost outside a water hazard or is
out of bounds, to save time, he
should play a provisional ball.
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
easily be found. They should not
search for five minutes before doing
so. Having allowed the group behind
to play through, they should not
continue play until that group has
passed and is out of range.
Priority on the Course
Unless otherwise determined by the
Committee, priority on the course is
determined by a group's pace of
play. Any group playing a whole
round is entitled to pass a group
playing a shorter round. The term
"group" includes a single player.
Care
of the Course
Bunkers
Before leaving a bunker, players
should carefully fill up and smooth
over all holes and footprints made
by them and any nearby made by
others. If a rake is within
reasonable proximity of the bunker,
the rake should be used for this
purpose.
Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks
and Damage by Shoes
Players should carefully repair any
divot holes made by them and any
damage to the putting green made by
the impact of a ball (whether or not
made by the player himself). On
completion of the hole by all
players in the group, damage to the
putting green caused by golf shoes
should be repaired.
Preventing Unnecessary
Damage
Players should avoid causing damage
to the course by removing divots
when taking practice swings or by
hitting the head of a club into the
ground, whether in anger or for any
other reason.
Players should
ensure that no damage is done to the
putting green when putting down bags
or the flagstick.
In order to avoid
damaging the hole, players and
caddies should not stand too close
to the hole and should take care
during the handling of the flagstick
and the removal of a ball from the
hole. The head of a club should not
be used to remove a ball from the
hole.
Players should not
lean on their clubs when on the
putting green, particularly when
removing the ball from the hole.
The flagstick
should be properly replaced in the
hole before the players leave the
putting green.
Local notices
regulating the movement of golf
carts should be strictly observed.
Conclusion;
Penalties for Breach
If players follow
the guidelines in this Section, it
will make the game more enjoyable
for everyone.
If a player
consistently disregards these
guidelines during a round or over a
period of time to the detriment of
others, it is recommended that the
Committee consider taking
appropriate disciplinary action
against the offending player. Such
action may, for example, include
prohibiting play for a limited time
on the course or in a certain number
of competitions. This is considered
to be justifiable in terms of
protecting the interests of the
majority of golfers who wish to play
in accordance with these guidelines.
In the case of a
serious breach of etiquette, the
Committee may disqualify a player
under Rule 33-7.
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