The Spirit of the Game
Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire.The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.| SAFETY | CONSIDERATION FOR OTHER PLAYERS | PACE OF PLAY |
| PRIORITY ON THE COURSE | CARE OF THE COURSE | CONCLUSION; PENALTIES FOR BREACH |
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, pebbles,
twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.
Players should not play until the players in front are out of
range.
Players should always alert greenstaff 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 a warning.The
traditional word of warning in such situations is "fore".
CONSIDERATION FOR OTHER PLAYERS
No Disturbance or Distraction.
Players should always show consideration for other players on
the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking
or making unnecessary noise.
Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the
course does not distract other players.
On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it
is his turn to play.
Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball,
or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.
On the Putting Green..
On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's
line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over
his line of putt.
Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all
other players in the group have holed out.
Scoring.
In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if
necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the
player concerned and record it.
Pace of Play
Play at Good Pace and Keep Up
Players should play at a good pace.The Committee may establish
pace of play guidelines that all players should follow.
It is a group's responsibility to keep up with the group 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. Where a group has not
lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can
play faster, it should invite the faster moving group to play
through.
Be Ready to Play
Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to
play.When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave
their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement
off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole
has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting
green.
Lost Ball
If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a water hazard
or is out of bounds, to save time, he should play a provisional
ball. Players searching for a ball should signal the players in
the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent
that the ball will not easily be found.They should not search
for five minutes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind
to play through, they should not continue play until that group
has passed and is out of range.
Priority on the Course
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, priority on the
course is determined by a group's pace of play. Any group playing
a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round.The
term "group" includes a single player.
Care of the Course
Bunkers.
Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and
smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any nearby
made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the
bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.
Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Shoes.
Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them and
any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball (whether
or not made by the player himself). On completion of the hole
by all 28 Etiquette players in the group, damage to the putting
green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.
Preventing Unnecessary Damage.
Players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing
divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a
club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason.
Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting green
when putting down bags or the flagstick.
In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies should
not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the
handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole.The
head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole.
Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green,
particularly when removing the ball from the hole.
The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the
players leave the putting green.
Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be
strictly observed.
Conclusion; Penalties for Breach
If players follow the guidelines in this section, it will make
the game more enjoyable for everyone. If a player consistently
disregards these guidelines during a round or over a period of
time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the Committee
considers taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending
player. Such action may, for example, include prohibiting play
for a limited time on the course or in a certain number of competitions.This
is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interests
of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with
these guidelines.
In the case of a serious breach of etiquette, the Committee may
disqualify a player under Rule 33-7..