THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME

Unlike many sports 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 (www.golfcanada.ca/play/getting-started/etiquette/)

 

THE BASICS OF GOLF

Golf is a game of ‘little courtesies” ...  here are a few that you might find useful as you make your way on and around the course:

• Arrive on time – Dunany is one of the few courses that doesn’t necessarily require a tee-off time; but it’s polite to arrive when you said you would!

• It’s a good idea to mark your ball, or let your fellow players know what ball you are playing with

• Avoid slow play – keep up to the team in front of you.  If the course is busy, you should see one other foursome on a par 4 and two on a par 5.  Having said that, never hit if there is a chance that you will hit the group ahead of you.  If you are having a terrible day – pick up your ball and head to the next hole!  Scores can still be entered even if a hole is not finished, or you don’t complete the full nine holes.  Ask your Club or Ladies’ Captain how to calculate this.

• Let faster players through – if there is a free hole in front of you let the group behind play through, this applies even in tournament play.  Single players don’t have the right to play through although, if the hole ahead is clear, you may offer them to.

• Stay out of the hitter’s line of sight – don’t stand behind the person shooting or put your cart/bag in their view

• Take a reasonable amount of time to look for lost balls – there is a “RCGA” limit of  5  minutes, but if you are not in a tournament, play another one if there is a group behind you;  play a provisional (second ball), if you think your ball might be lost when you hit it

• The person furthest away from the hole goes first; that is also true on the putting green; however, continuous putting in stroke and casual play is encouraged to speed up the game (in match play it’s the furthest from the hole that goes first).

• Replace your divots – if you hit the ground and take some grass with your swing – no problem – but replace the grace in the hole so it can regenerate more quickly

• You can’t ‘ground your club’ (touch the ground) when playing out of a sand trap or a hazard; always rake after your shot

• On the putting green, the person who ‘putts out’ first replaces the flag; don’t step on your fellow players’ putting lines and mark your ball if it’s in the way!  Repairing ball marks is also important and allows holes to repair more quickly.

• If your ball goes in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, immediately shout “FORE” as the warning.  In Dunany, this is particularly important on holes 1, 7 and 9!

• Entering Scores – RCGA’s Handicap System, under which Dunany abides, requires players to post every round.  The Handicap System is designed to make the game of golf more enjoyable by enabling players of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis.  And we love this about Dunany...the ability to play equally in every competition!  Please post your scores every time you play and if you don’t know how, our Starters and Club Captains can assist.

 

Familiarize yourself with the rules – The RCGA rules are updated every four years and cover pretty well every situation you will encounter on the course.  Take time to get familiar with what to do for lost balls, relief from different lies, etc.  A quick reference “Common Rules and Procedures” ‘cheat sheet’ was recently updated and is available from the Club, Ladies’ or Junior Captains.  As well, there are ‘Local Dunany Rules” on the back of our DCC Scorecard.