The R&A introduced its most radical changes to the rules of golf in 20 years. Most significantly this includes etiquette as a rule rather than a guide, with appropriate penalties.
The Spirit of the Game
Unlike many sports, golf is played, without the supervision of a referee. The game relies on the integrity on the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the rules.
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 or the like when they make a practice swing. Players should always alert green staff 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 "fore".
Consideration for other Players
Players should always show consideration for other players by avoiding disturbing movement or noise, standing too close or directly behind the ball. Avoid standing on a player's putting line or casting a shadow over his line of putt. Remain on the putting green until all players have putted out and score on the way to the next tee.
Pace of Play
Players should play at a good pace. It is a group's responsibility to keep up with the game 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. Be ready to play as soon as it is your turn. When near the putting green leave bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. Leave the green without delay.
Care of the Course
Before leaving a bunker players should carefully fill and smooth all hole and footprints made by them and any nearby made by others. Repair any divot holes and any damage to the putting green made by the image of a ball or, after completion of the hole by golf shoes.
Sweetwoods Park Golf Club will rigorously enforce all aspects of the Rules of Golf where possible. Further details of the rules may be found on the R&A website, a link to which is on the links page of the site.
Soft spikes only permitted on the course. Spike replacement service is available from the Pro-Shop.
The use of buggies on the course is reviewed on a daily basis. Please contact the Pro-Shop for updates.
Local Rules
1. Enjoy your game
2. Out of bounds: Beyond all boundary fences and hedges. Right of the 2nd, 9th, 13th and 15th holes as staked.
3. Staked trees: If a staked tree or young shrub interferes with a stroke the ball MUST be dropped at the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole, without penalty.
4. Immovable obstructions: All greens, paths, roads, buildings, marker posts, roundabout on 3rd, large rocks on the 2nd fairway and wooden slats in 7th bunkers are immovable obstructions (Rule 24-2). The camera posts and screens on the 4th and 11th. Players may take relief as follows: within one club-length at the nearest point of relief not nearer the hole.
5. 13th fairway: Fairway from ridge to stream is Pick and Place.
6. Drainage: Any unmarked drainage ditches or channels are GUR as is the ditch across the 1st fairway.
7. Stones in bunkers: Are movable obstructions. (Rule 24-1).
8. Lateral water and water hazards: As defined by red and yellow posts. (Rule 26-1)
9. Please repair pitch marks, replace divots and avoid slow play.
Handicaps are issued on the basis of the best of three initial cards. Players who fail to carry out their obligations shall not be entitled to a CONGU handicap. e.g. failure to hand in your competition card or complete it properly. All clubs must adjust a player's handicap using the net differential calculated from a stableford score (eliminating the effect of one or two bad holes). Clubs must provide information as requested by the Home Union in order to establish a National Handicap Database.
Junior Handicaps
A completely new section intended to standardise the way clubs administer their handicaps and to encourage juniors by awarding recognised handicaps of 29-54. Handicaps of 28 or under will be adjusted under CONGU rules.
