Local Rules

LOCAL RULES

PACE OF PLAY

Pace of Play Policy

  1. A round of golf is meant to be played at a prompt pace. Each player should recognise that his or her pace of play is likely to affect how long it will take other players to play their round, including both those in the player’s own group and those in following groups. This policy has been established in accordance with the rules of Golf (Rule 5.6b) and is underpinned by the following:

    a) All players (not just the lowest marker) are responsible for the pace of play of their group

    b) All players must keep up with the group in front

    c) All players are required to be on the 1st tee 5 minutes prior to your allocated tee time

    d) 2 hours and 10 minutes is the desired maximum time for a group to complete 9 holes
  1. If a group is observed falling behind more than a hole behind the group in front and fails to recover their place in the field, the following consequences may apply as directed by the Match Committee:

    a) On the first occasion each player will be sent an email or letter advising the player of his or her first official warning for slow play and issuing of a yellow card.

    b) On the second occasion in a four-week period the player/s will be issued with a red card and restricted to being able to only book into one of the last two tee times of the afternoon fields for the following month of competition.

    c. Repeated issuing of red cards to the same member may require meeting with the Match Committee.

STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVING A GOOD PACE OF PLAY

Strategies to assist players in achieving a good pace of play include:

  • Check-in at the Pro Shop at least 15 minutes prior to your tee time.
  • KEEP UP WITH THE GROUP IN FRONT OF YOU.
  • The position of the group behind you is irrelevant.
  • Play “Ready Golf” – if it can be done safely, the person who is ready to hit, even if they are further up the fairway, providing it is safe to do so. On the tee, shorter hitters hit first. 
  • Play a provisional ball if there is some doubt to where your ball finished.
  • The maximum time permitted to look for a ball is 3 minutes.
  • Line up your putt and get set to putt while other players are putting without breach of etiquette.
  • Putt out whenever possible instead of marking your ball for short putts (except in matchplay).
  • In other than Stroke Competitions, pick up your ball when you cannot score.
  • If you lose a ball and/or fall behind, play your next few shots as soon as it is safe to do so.
  • If you wish to tee off in the first 6 groups of the morning, you should complete your round in 3 hours and 55 minutes or less.
  • Player finish times and gaps to the group in front will be monitored electronically.
  • Remember to start on time, keep up with the group in front and catch up if your group falls behind.

NEW RELAXED RULES = MORE ENJOYMENT

  • Enjoyment and fun is a big reason why we play golf, and in 2019 the worldwide governing bodies for the game of golf, announced a series of changes to the rules of golf. These adjustments were designed to speed up your rounds, and increase your enjoyment of the game. Rules to be read in conjunction with the 2019 R&A Rules of Golf.

Golf Etiquette

General Conditions of Play

  • All players must carry a sand bucket, fill all divots and repair pitch marks
  • Green staff have the right of way on the course at all times
  • Carts must be kept on paths, where practical, and are not permitted to cross blue lines near green and tee complexes
  • All players must keep up with the group ahead.

PRIOR TO PLAY

  • Arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to your tee time to check in.
  • No more than four players in a group.
  • Be prepared to have others join you if you have less than 4 in your group.
  • Be ready to play when it is your time to tee off.

ON THE TEE

  • At Brighton Lakes we play and recommend ‘Ready Golf’ (who ever is ready plays)
  • 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.

THE FAIRWAY

  • Walk directly to your ball unless you reach someone else’s ball first.
  • 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.
  • 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.

ON THE GREEN

  • Avoid pulling carts or driving 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 one other.
  • 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.
  • Mark your ball if it is in the path of another player’s ball.
  • Record all scores on the next tee.

TIPS TO AVOID SLOW PLAY

The number one problem in golf today, as evidenced by the overwhelming golfer complaint, is Slow Play. The following tips can help you keep pace with the group in front of you at all times. 

  • Be ready to hit when it is your turn.
  • Limit practice swings to one or none.
  • Take plenty of clubs with you to your ball when leaving your bag or riding cart.
  • Consider all options as you approach your ball to make decisions quickly.
  • Watch all balls until they stop rolling to avoid lengthy searches.
  • Use a fixed object as a reference point.
  • All players should go directly to their own ball and play when ready.
  • If you do fall behind, let faster groups play through.
  • Continue putting until holed out unless you would be standing on someone’s putting line.
  • Remember, by keeping pace you make the game more enjoyable for everyone!!