Rules of Golf
Full details of the rules of the game of golf can be found within the Rules section of the R & A web site. Please pick up your complimentary copy of the Rules of Golf from the Pro-Shop.
Conduct and Etiquette on the Course
Unlike most ball games a golf course permits many matches to take place at the same time and because of this it is essential that golfers should at all times play with due thought and consideration for all other players of the course. Selfishness or ignorance on the part of other players can seriously impair the enjoyment of others.
Bearing this in mind please observe the following whilst on the course.
Care of the Course
Holes in bunkers
Before leaving a bunker, a player should carefully fill in and smooth over all holes and footprints made.
Restore divots and plug marks
Through the green, a player should ensure that any turf cut or displaced is replaced at once and pressed down, and that any damage to the putting green made by the ball or the player is carefully repaired. See the section on repairing pitchmarks for more information.
Damage to green
Flagsticks, Bags etc. Players should ensure that when putting down bags, or the flagstick, no damage is done to the putting green and that neither they nor their caddies damage the hole by standing close to it, handling the flagstick or in removing the ball from the hole. The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players leave the putting green.
Damage through practice swings
In taking practice swings players should avoid causing damage to the course, particularly the tees, by removing divots.
Consideration For Other Players
Players in range
No player should play until the players in front are out of range.
Undue delay
In the interest of all, players should play without delay. If a match fails to keep its place on the course, and lose in distance more than one clear hole from those in front, it MUST invite those playing behind to come through.
Searching for a ball
Players searching for a ball should signal the players behind them to pass as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not be easily found; they should not search for five minutes before doing so. They should not continue play until the players following have passed and are out of range.
Marking of cards
When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green. Players in competitions should not mark cards until they have left the green.