This section provides guidelines on the manner in which the
game of golf should be played. If they are followed, all players
will gain maximum enjoyment from the game. The overriding
principle is that consideration should be shown to others on
the course at all times.

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.

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.

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.

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 players in the group, damage to
the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.

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 interest of the majority of golfers who wish to
play in accordance with these guidelines.