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, regardless of how competitive they maybe.
Consideration for Other Players
- Don’t step on your fellow players putting lines -- the imaginary line that connects the ball to the hole
- If your ball is on a player’s line, volunteer to mark the ball
- Do not stand where you might distract a fellow player
- Don’t make any noise when your fellow player putting
- Finally, at the end of the round, shake hands with your fellow players, congratulate the winners and thank them for their company.
Pace of Play (Ready Golf)
- Avoid Slow play: when your group is not keeping up with the pace of play of the group in front of you
- Walk at a reasonable speed between shots
- Begin planning your next shot as you approach the ball by studying the strength and direction of the wind
- From the time you select your club until you actually hit your shot, you should take no more than 30 to 45 seconds
- If you aren’t ready to play when it is your turn, encourage one of your fellow players to play.
Lost Ball
- If you hit a tee shot into the woods and suspect that it might be either lost or out-of-bounds, the Rules of Golf allow you to play a second or provisional ball
- You then have five minutes from the time you reach the spot where you suspect the ball landed to find the ball. If it is not found within that five-minute period, you must declare it lost and play your provisional ball with a one-stroke penalty
Course Care & Maintenance
- Replace your divots
- After hitting a shot from the sand, rake the area you played from, as well as all your footprints and any others within reach
- When repairing a ball mark, using a tee, knife, key or repair tool, repair the mark by working the edges towards the center, without lifting the center of the mark. Don’t tear the grass. Finish by smoothing the area with a club or your foot. Try to get the area smooth enough to putt over.
Safety
- For safety’s sake, never hit when there’s a chance you might be able to reach the group ahead of you, and anytime you hit a shot that you think even has remote chance of hitting any other players, yell "fore" immediately, and make a point of apologizing to any players your ball lands near