Rules

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Speed of Play on the Course

One of the biggest causes of Golf Course problems is slow play!!!

To avoid confrontations, and to show respect for fellow-golfers (which will be acknowledged), please comply with the following:

Look if to see if players are waiting behind you: If so, and there is space ahead, then you should wave them through. If there is clear hole ahead of you then you must let them through. This is a vital courtesy of Golf.

If you are waved through, move quickly, and don’t forget to acknowledge the players who have let you through.

Don’t just stand and watch your ball if it is going safely down the fairway: Repair any damage to the turf and start moving! However, if your ball is heading off the fairway, watch carefully, and try to establish where the ball is, to save wasting time later trying to find it. Ensure your fellow-players also watch for your ball, especially into the sun.

In competition golf, if you think your ball may be lost or out of bounds, play a “provisional” ball (see Rules of Golf) - this saves having to walk back to hit another if the first one is indeed lost.

If you cannot find your ball, you must wave the group behind through while you are searching for it. It is extremely rude to make them wait while you look for a ball.

Ensure you know the make and number of your ball, so you can identify it quickly.

When approaching a green, leave your clubs on the side nearest the next tee box so you can walk straight away after holing out. Do not mark your card on the green, do it on the next tee box.

The first player to hole out should pick up the flag and be ready to put it back when the others have putted out, taking care to place the flag in the hole properly, without damaging the side of the hole.

In social golf, or match play, if you are conceded a putt (a gimme), then pick up the ball. Do not putt the ball in anyway, it wastes time, and is disrespectful to the person who conceded the putt.

In Stableford competitions, when you have hit the number of shots that gives you zero points, pick up and move on!! You will not score any points on that hole, so don‘t waste your (and others) time.

If you have the honour at the tee, play straight away, and mark your fellow-players card after you have played.

Walk briskly between shots, and when it is your turn to play, be ready.