PLAYER CONDUCT & SPIRIT OF THE GAME
We want everyone to have an enjoyable experience when visiting and playing at Eastwood.
In the best interest and in respect for all people using the facilities, please ensure you are familiar with both etiquette and appropriate course care.
It is one of the central principles of the game of golf that players play by the Rules and in the spirit of the game. Rule 1.2 in the Rules of Golf details the conduct that is expected of all players and what is meant by spirit of the game, it reads as follows:
All players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by:
- Acting with integrity – e.g. by following the Rules, applying all penalties, and being honest in all aspects of play.
- Showing consideration to others – e.g. by playing at a prompt pace, looking out for the safety of others, and not distracting the play of another player.
- Taking good care of the course – e.g. by replacing divots, smoothing bunkers, repairing ball-marks, and not causing unnecessary damage to the course.
Eastwood Golf Club has a formal Code of Conduct that applies to all members, visitors, and guests. (click here)
Slow play can detract from the enjoyment of the game for many golfers, the following should be considered to help you with your pace of play:
- All players should play at a good pace and ensure their group keeps up with the group in front. In the first instance of delay it is expected that the group will speed up their pace to not delay the rest of the playing field. If your group should fall more than a clear hole behind and/or it is apparent the group behind can play faster, please stand aside and invite the faster group to play through.
- Players should always be ready to play as soon as it is their turn. At Eastwood, in general play we promote ready golf, meaning if your playing partner is delayed and you are in a position to safely play your shot, regardless of distance to hole, then you can do so.
- When playing on or near the putting green, players should leave their bags or carts in a position that will enable quick movement off the green and straight to the next tee.
- If after playing a shot the player is uncertain of their ball location (ie. potentially lost in a hazard, long grass/shrubs, or perhaps out of bounds), to save time a provisional ball should be played.
- In the event of a lost ball, players have THREE minutes to search and locate their ball in accordance with the rules of golf. Any lengthy delay, or where there are multiple lost balls within the group, consider inviting the group behind to play through.
- Minimise the number of practice swings taken to one or none
Before leaving the bunker, a player must take care to rake and smooth over any divots or footprints made by the player from entering and playing their shot. Once complete, the rake should be returned to the flat of the bunker with the handle pointed towards the tee of the hole being played.
Bunker – picture guide (right)
- Always enter the bunker at the lowest point.
- Pull rake toward you as you exit the bunker.
- If required rake other affected areas.
- Do not pile sand at the edge of the bunker. Push back excess sand.
- Always leave rake in the flat of the bunker with the handle pointing toward the tee of the hole being played.
Ball Marks- picture guide (right)
- Always start at the back of the mark and push forward with the repairer.
- Use repairer around all sides and slowly ease turf toward the centre of the mark. Do not lift the soil upwards.
- Lightly tap down with putter.
- Your completed repair should look like this.
Divots – picture guide (right)
- Remove any loose turf from the affected area.
- Knock in all sides of the edge of the divot with your club or your shoe.
- Correctly mended divot.
Flagsticks, Bags etc.
Players should ensure that, when putting down bags, or the flagstick, no damage is done to the putting green, and that neither they nor their caddies damage the hole by standing close to it in handling the flagstick or in removing the ball from the hole. The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players leave the putting green.
Picture guide (right)
- Don’t drop the flagstick on the putting surface as it will cause damage.
- Always lower the flagstick by club
- … or by hand.
- Avoid damage to surrounds by placing the stick in the centre of the cup.
Golf carts can only be driven by those who have been given approval to do so. Users are required to abide by the Rules governing the Use of Golf Carts.
In taking practice swings players should avoid causing damage to the course, particularly the tees by removing divots.
Greens are cut in a predetermined order.
On days on which competitions are programmed, the aim is to cut each green before players on the time sheet are in a position to reach any particular green.
In the event of players in a competition being ready to play a green, the staff are instructed to stand aside and allow the players to proceed.
On other occasions, ie no competition or members playing earlier than times shown on the time sheet, the Greens Staff are instructed to proceed with their programme of work. There are good reasons for this procedure, including the need to complete essential work on the entire course in the time available after allowing for scheduled competitions. On such occasions players must allow work to proceed be it on the fairway, tee, green or practice fairway. Players must not hit if Course Staff or machinery are in range.