Official Golf Club Rules & Restrictions

All golf clubs obey the official rules and regulations of the USGA (United States Golf Association) in regards to playing the game. These rules outline the general game, etiquette between players, and situations regarding ball placement and scoring. Many clubs are members of the PGA Tour (Professional Golf Association) which also follows USGA rules.

Tee times are set by the club staff; changes to tee times usually must be made twenty-four hours in advance or the time is forfeited. You usually must check in with the Pro Shop or Main Office to announce that you are arriving for your tee time. Try to check in within 10 -- 30 minutes of your tee time. Time limits to the length of a match are usually set between 3 ½ to five hours depending on the golf club. Slow groups are those which fall a full hole behind the preceding group; slow groups should wave the groups behind them to play through so as not to slow everyone down. Players searching for lost balls should signal to groups following theirs that they are searching for a ball and to play ahead if the ball is missing for over five minutes.

Players requesting club carts must have a legal driver's license to operate a cart. Players operating a cart must obey driving restrictions as to where to park, staying off of greens and hazards, or damaging the golf course. Most courses require a player to be 18 years old to operate a cart. Player owned carts may or may not be allowed depending on the club rules and restrictions.

Improper dress such as jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, and shorts are restricted. Sweat suits or Rugby style clothing is usually not allowed. Proper dress usually includes a collared shirt, tailored shorts with sport socks and golf shoes.

Guests are under the supervision of the player/member and are subject to the same rules as members. Both guests and members can be restricted or barred from the golf club for serious or continued violations of the rules.