ICLGS members Golf and Course Etiquette 2023
Introduction
As a new Captain’s year starts we as a committee thought this would be an ideal opportunity to address one or two matters that have been brought to our attention during the last golfing year. Moreover, we have a number of new members which is wonderful to see and we welcome them all. This is also an opportunity for them to understand what we as a society expect in terms of golf etiquette from our members and to use this as a resource, from time to time, to remind ourselves of our obligations as golfers to our fellow players.
Speed of Play
One of the most common complaints we receive is regarding the length of time it takes to get round the course in competitions. Naturally, we want you all to take time over your shots and do your best but there are a number of ways we can speed up the play. We have set out below a number of points for you to try to comply with. This is not an exhaustive list and often common sense will tell you when your group is moving slowly. But hopefully this will serve as an aide memoir:
1. Keep up with the group in front.
Simply put if the group in front of you is made up of the same number of players you shouldn’t be losing sight of them. It’s not always easy but be aware and do your best to keep up with them.
2. Lost balls
Remember the new rule changes (2019) give you three minutes to look for a ball otherwise it is lost. Please don’t extend this and if common sense tells you it is gone for good don’t wait for the three minutes. A lot of the course has red stakes so remember if you agree where the ball went in you can play from there subject to the rules of golf. You shouldn’t be playing a provisional in those circumstances as it wastes time. If the ball has gone out in an area not marked – for example out of bounds- white stakes (or an area like the large mound on the left on the 18th tee where there are no red stakes) you should play a provisional. You cannot drop a ball where the ball exited in those circumstances. By all means call the second ball a provisional but remember you have 3 minutes from when you arrive at the place your first ball was lost to search for it. Afterwards move on with your game.
3. Pick up when you can’t score
If you are playing a comp and can’t score, please just pick up. This will improve the pace of play greatly. Playing on and putting out when you are unable to get a point delays the game for all those behind you.
4. Approaching the ball.
Please approach the ball with your buggy, trolley or bag and have them at the side of you. Please do not leave them behind you as going back to retrieve them after you’ve played is a little maddening for those waiting behind you to play.
5. The Green
Please take your trollies, bags and buggies to the exit side of the green to prepare for the next hole rather than leaving them at the front of the green and having to walk back and retrieve them. Please make sure you exit the green as soon as you have putted out and mark your scorecard when you arrive at the next tee. This clears the green at the earliest opportunity for those waiting behind you. Again, if you can’t score don’t bother to putt out, please just pick up.
Rules
We will offer a rules evening at some point during the year which will include a bit of a fun quiz. But in the meantime, please acquaint yourselves with the relevant rules especially regarding lost balls, out of bounds etc. This will help to maintain a decent speed of play throughout the round. If you have any queries on the rules you can address them to the committee. If there is a question about a ruling during a game that cannot be resolved during play then the game should continue and the point should be reserved for decision by the committee immediately after the game and before the card is signed and submitted.
Behaviour
It should be self-evident what is expected of you in terms of behaviour on a golf course and thankfully our members are a very polite bunch. However, we would remind you of one or two points:
1. To the more garrulous amongst you it is unacceptable to carry on talking when someone is playing their shot. Please be aware of your surroundings and be quiet and keep still when someone else is playing. Keep out of the players eyeline also.
2. On the green, please keep out of the eyeline of the putter.
3. On the course please do not run off ahead of the player playing his shot. Not only is this off putting – it is dangerous
4. For you big hitters please make sure the area where you expect to land with your best shot is clear before you play. Golf is a dangerous game, and you wouldn’t forgive yourself if you hit another player
5. If there is a danger of a ball heading toward a player or group please be ready to call it in the usual manner
6. Please keep bad language to a minimum
7. Repair pitch marks on the greens and replace divots on the fairways
8. Please, please, please rake the bunkers after playing from them
9. Please do not make practice swings when another player is about to hit their ball
10. Be helpful to your other players. If they lose their ball please, try to help them but bear in mind the three-minute rule must apply
11. If the group behind you is much faster and there is room in front of you -let them through
12. Turn off your mobile ‘phone when playing
13. If your group is seemingly slow use ready golf rules i.e. whoever is ready plays first rather than waiting for whoever scored best on the last hole.
So, this is not an exhaustive list but it is a reminder to our members what we expect in our comps to keep everyone happy and so we can all enjoy our golf without moaning- well without moaning at each other anyway. Please also bear in mind we often have guests play with us which is wonderful to see. Please would the members ensure that their guests are aware of the etiquette of golf and these guidelines when playing in our comps.
Enjoy your golf and see you on the course
The 2023 Committee