Playing Etiquette

Enjoy your round of golf. But please be aware that any poor behaviour or lack of golf playing knowledge may impact the enjoyment of others. Please note the following:

1. Be at the first Tee Box ready and prepared to tee off at your scheduled time. Players are not to tee off before their scheduled slot on the timesheet (Rule 5.3a). However, an earlier slot may be availed of with the consent of the players scheduled for that slot, or if no player(s) has turned up for that tee time.
2. If playing in a group, tee off in quick succession and play ready golf where permitted.
3. If possible, locate your ball first before assisting a playing partner. If a ball is not found within Three Minutes of commencing a search, then it must be declared lost.
4. When at the greens, leave your trolly/buggy at the side nearest the next tee box before putting.
5. When you have holed out, leave the green swiftly and ensure that the flagpole is properly replaced.
6. En route to the next tee box, calculate your score and mark scorecards promptly on arrival.
7. Restrict the use of mobile phones and excessively loud chatter.
8. Greenkeepers always have the right of way on the course. Respect these workers, course officials and other players.
9. Be conscious of players behind you and do not cause undue delay. If their pace of play is faster, move to the side with your trolly/buggy and wave them through if it is safe to do so.
   Your position on the course is behind the group in front, not in front of the group behind.
10. Safety on the course is paramount. Check that there is nobody within range before you take your shot. If your ball accidently veers off course in the direction of others, then you must shout "FORE" to warn them of the possible danger.
11. The club's dress code should be respected at all times. Players are requested not to wear:
    
    • sleeveless shirts/t-shirts
    • denim clothing
    • sport shorts
    • tracksuits
    while playing on the course.
    
    Heavy boots are not permitted on the course or in the clubhouse. Any footwear that has been worn on the course, including soft spikes is not permitted in the committee room or in the lounge/reception area of the clubhouse.
12. Be aware that Fourballs are not permitted to tee off before 10.30am on weekends. Also, Fourballs cannot be configured later by players who have tee'd off before 10.30am.
13. Repair divots and pitch marks. Rake bunkers. Dispose of all litter appropriately
14. When in club competitions, scores entered on the computer must match those on your card. All scorecards and legibly written fee envelopes must be deposited in the correct box to avoid penalties.

The above will be monitored carefully and any infraction will be dealt with accordingly.

SMGC Committee July 2025