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Rules and Etiquette

 

 

Check-In and Payment

All golfers must check in at the clubhouse or book and pay online before playing. This is essential for safety, course management, and ensuring everyone is accounted for.

 

General Play Rules

  • The Rules of Golf, as laid down by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, apply unless modified by local rules.

  • In the event of dangerous weather, a klaxon will sound from the clubhouse. Stop play immediately and return to the clubhouse.

 

Pace of Play

  • 18 holes (fourball) should take around 4 hours and 20 minutes. Three- and two-ball groups should play slightly faster.

  • If your group is slow, please allow faster groups to play through.

  • Cutting in is not permitted. If a group ahead is slow, approach them politely to request a play-through.

     

Course Conduct and Procedures

  • Follow all instructions from the golf shop, including temporary rules such as winter tees, winter greens, or wet bunkers.

  • Use only the tees of the day: Yellow (General/Competition), White (Competition/Handicap), and Red (Ladies).

     

Course Care

  • Rake bunkers after use and leave rakes around bunker edges.

  • Repair all pitch marks on greens and replace divots on fairways.

  • Dispose of rubbish in the bins provided—not in bushes.

 

Player Conduct

  • Appropriate golf attire must be worn: collared or roll-neck shirts and golf shoes. No boots or football boots.

  • Dirty shoes must be changed before entering the clubhouse.

  • Metal spikes are not allowed on the course.

  • Each player must have their own set of clubs and bag.

  • Maximum four players per group. Allow faster groups to play through if necessary.

     

Clubhouse Etiquette

Free Wi-Fi is available in the clubhouse. Please ask a member of staff for the password.

 

Mobile Phones

  • Phones must be on silent on the course.

  • Phone use is permitted in emergencies only—notify your group if needed.

 

On-Course Restrictions

  • No trolleys, stand bags, or pencil bags are allowed on tee areas or greens.

  • Harassment or abuse toward other players or staff will not be tolerated.

 

 

Weather and Rain Checks

  • If the course becomes unsafe, the course manager may close it. Rain checks may be issued.

  • In the event of thunder or lightning, all players must return to the clubhouse immediately.

 

Local Rules

  • Winter Rule: Improve lie within 6 inches on fairways, no nearer the hole.

  • Stones may be removed from bunkers.

  • No placing in club competitions unless stated.

  • Free drops from footpaths, tractor ruts, staked trees, tees, and winter greens.

  • No free drops from perimeter fences.

  • Out of Bounds includes:

    • Beyond boundary ditches or perimeter fences

    • Beyond white post lines

    • On holes 9 and 18: over the putting green

 

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, enjoyable, and respectful environment at Pitcheroak Golf Course.