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Rules and Etiquette

Rules And Etiquette

Golf Tradition
Membership at Rockrimmon Country Club is a privilege to be enjoyed by all of us. The purpose of this booklet is to provide all members of Rockrimmon with a guide to the traditions, etiquettes & rules of our club pertaining to the golf course and its facilities. Rockrimmon is primarily a golf club, having these basic tenets, which have evolved over half a century; this is the essence of our club and what makes it so unique. The continued adherence to these ideas by all members and their guests will ensure the continued enjoyment and pride we all share at Rockrimmon. These rules are subject to change by the Golf Committee and Board of Governors.

Golf Certification
Every person who wishes to play on the golf course must be certified by the head golf professional. This will insure that every member playing the golf course will have a basic knowledge of golf etiquette, a clear understanding of “pace of play” and general care of the course. The establishment of a uniform certification system insures that: - golfers know the importance of speed of play, how to maintain it and when to allow faster groups to play through - golfers know their responsibility in the maintenance of the course (this includes the proper way to repair divots on the fairways and ball marks on the greens, the safe, proper use and position of golf carts, and how to enter bunkers and rake them) - golfers know proper golf etiquette on the golf course as well as in all other areas of the golf facility; and - golfers are aware of rules, all of which are designed to enhance the enjoyment of the golf facilities for everyone. The golf committee, along with our head golf professional, has established a certification process designed to achieve the above goals. The head golf professional will maintain a certification list of all members, including spouses and children. This list will note each person’s certification status and will be available to the starter for monitoring golf play. The list will be continuously updated. All existing members who have a current USGA handicap will automatically be certified. Any new members and existing members who are new to golf will be required to go through the certification program with the head golf professional.

Starting Times
At Rockrimmon there are no reserved tee times. This tradition fosters an environment in which: - Members may come to the golf course and be assured of playing within a reasonable period of time; - Members may play in groups that they may not have played in before; - Members may have a more relaxed expectation of getting into games. So there is order on the first tee, the following applies: - On weekends and holidays, the starting time procedure is as follows: Times will be assigned on the day of play by the pro shop staff. One member of the foursome will go, in person, to the pro shop to arrange for a time. No telephone requests will be accepted for these times. It is the responsibility of the member arranging the time to notify all members of the foursome of the time assigned. At least three members of the foursome must be ready to tee off at their designated time. - A group may not reserve a time more than one hour in advance of registration unless no earlier time is available. - All players of the group must be at the tee 10 minutes prior to their starting time. The speed of play begins at the first tee. If a group tees off behind schedule, the speed of play on the golf course suffers. If the entire group is not ready to tee off at its designated time, the players shall forfeit their spot and be reassigned to the next available time. - On weekends and holidays, all play should be in foursomes subject to discretion of the starter. - On weekends and holidays, the first tee is open from 7:15 AM - 9:30 AM and is closed until 11:30 AM. The tenth tee is open from 7:45 AM until 8:45 AM and will be open only at the starter’s discretion. - No one may tee off on the tenth tee more than 1½ hours after the first group has gone off the first tee. - “Starting time” is defined as the time that the first player in the group must hit his or her drive. - No mulligan is permitted. Warm up accordingly and play your first shot. - During the golf season, starting times are available from 7:15 AM as conditions permit. Members are encouraged to utilize early times so as to optimize utilization of the golf course. - At all times, it is advisable and recommended to contact the Starter as to the upcoming calendar and any golf plans you may have-both short term and long-term. The Starter is not authorized to make advance tee times, but can be a primary resource to assist members in navigating the tournament, outing and course schedules for dates and/or times of availability. Non-Primary Golf Member Weekend/Holiday Reservation Procedure Beginning at 8:00 AM on the Thursday prior to the weekend, non-primary golf members may either present themselves in person or via phone to register a tee time for their group beginning in the first slot available for non-primary play (generally 11:30 AM and after, as determined by the member’s category.) Registration requests made prior to 8:00 AM will not be honored. The group represented in the registration must be a threesome or foursome. The registration may only be requested by a member playing in the group Remember! Each individual shares a responsibility for the entire group.

Speed Of Play
The USGA has determined that a round of golf at Rockrimmon (18 holes) should be completed in a maximum of 4 hours. This has added to the enjoyment of the golfing experience for most, while creating a tradition for the club. In order to insure the proper speed of play, the golf committee has established the following guidelines: - A foursome is required to maintain contact with the foursome immediately ahead. - If a foursome or group has a foursome or group behind them, and there is a hole open in front of them, and they are slower than the minimum pace of play, then the slow group will have two holes to catch up to their proper pace of play. - Should they fail to regain pace, they will be required to pick up their golf balls and play their next shot behind the group in front of them. In consideration of those who play at a faster pace than the USGA pace of play, as a matter of golf etiquette, those groups should be invited, or may request, to “play through,” if there is an open hole, regardless of your speed of play. Maintaining the proper pace of play is an important basic tenet of proper golf etiquette. A round of golf can be competitive, social and enjoyable while played in the established time.

Tips For Maintaining Speed Of Play
- Do not waste time. Anticipate the club you may need and go directly to your ball. Always be near your ball to play promptly when it is your turn. If not playing a tournament, play “ready golf” within reason and safety. - Be ready to putt when it’s your turn. The time required to “hole out” on and around the green is a chief cause of slow play. Study and read your putt while others are doing the same. - As soon as the last person has holed out, leave the green promptly. Mark your scorecard for the completed hole while waiting for a player in your group to tee off on the next tee. The place for scoring is not on the green, especially when others are waiting. - When approaching a green, park your golf cart on a direct line to the next tee. This can save significant time. Never leave the golf cart in front of the green where you will have to go back and get it while the following players wait for you to get out of the way. - No fishing! - Coordinate food and restroom needs when making the turn. Have one person in your group order the food. It is very important to maintain your pace at this time. - Hit a provisional ball in any “potential” lost ball scenario. When you avoid having to return to the original spot after spending time looking for your lost ball, much time is clearly saved.

General Tournament Rules
Golf tournaments are created for the competition of the sport and the enjoyment of the members. All participants should be aware of sportsman-like conduct and behave accordingly. If a player signs up for a tournament and does not play, that person will be barred from playing in the next tournament of the same category. There are three major categories: breakfast events, mixed tournaments / events and all others. A member who signs up for a multi-day tournament must be available to play on all the scheduled dates. Extenuating circumstances, described in a written letter, will be reviewed by the golf chair and the golf professional. Much time is spent on planning a tournament. When a player does not show up, it creates great confusion and disruption when the field has to be reorganized at the last minute. U.S.G.A. rules will govern all play except those modified by local rules. The golf chair or golf professional may call, postpone, delay or modify the rules and/or format of any tournament. In case of inclement weather, the club will be notified as to cancellation or delay. If play has already started, players on the course will be notified as to the cancellation or delay of play. The tournament chair or golf professional shall resolve all disputes and make all rulings during a tournament. Infraction of any tournament rule will mean automatic disqualification of both or all participants of a team or foursome. A player’s “class” eligibility for admission into a tournament shall depend on his handicap in effect on the date his entry is filed. When competing in a multi-day tournament, a player must use the handicap in effect on the date the match or round is played. Only members with current handicaps are eligible for tournament play. The golf chair or the golf professional shall determine the eligibility of members who have not posted a sufficient number of recent scores to maintain a current handicap. Those eligible to participate in tournaments are listed below: Primary, Intermediate, Senior Associate, Associate and Junior Members Unrestricted golf tournament privileges. Spouses Unrestricted golf tournament privileges. Divorced Spouses Unrestricted golf tournament privileges except club championship. Seniors Eligible to play in all tournaments except club championship. Minors No tournament privileges except club championship (must be 17). Golf Members-in-Waiting Men are eligible to play in all breakfast events. Women are eligible to play in monthly ABCD tournaments. Eligible to play in member-guest and twilight tournaments if a full field of 28 foursomes has not signed up 10 days prior to the tournament. Members-in-Waiting (MIW), House, Senior House and Retired Golf No tournament privileges.

Women's Tournament Rules
All general tournament rules apply On Tuesdays, the golf course is open to only women until 1:00PM. The Starter will have the discretion to allow men to tee off at 12 noon on Tuesdays, as course conditions permit. Non-participants in tournaments shall be accommodated by the starter or the golf professional so as not to interfere in the play of the tournament. Golfers may not play with the same partner in more than one partnership event per season, except for teams drawn at random. In weekly tournaments, any one player or team may win only one of either low-net or low-gross prizes. In special events, such as member-guest day, a player or team is eligible for a team prize as well as an individual prize. Both Ringer and Birdie tournaments are gross tournaments and run from the date of the opening tournament through the date of the closing tournament. All scores must be holed-out and attested. A mulligan score may not be entered. Women “golf members in waiting” are eligible to play in all ABCD tournaments and evening events, subject to having a U.S.G.A. handicap.

Handicaps
Handicaps are electronically computed under the supervision of the golf staff in accordance with the USGA Handicap System and the Metropolitan Golf Association. In order to have an equitable and accurate handicap recorded, all members are responsible for posting their score each time they play. The computer will accept both 9 and 18 hole score. In play where a hole is not completed for any valid reason or the maximum allowable score (see chart below) has been exceeded, a score, for handicap purposes only, must be posted as follows: Player’s Handicap Maximum Allowable Score 9 or less- Double Bogey 10 to 19- 7 20 to 29- 8 30 to 39- 9 40 and over- 10 The head golf professional and the golf committee may review any handicap submitted and determine if any violations have been committed. Members who violate these standards may be barred from participating in tournaments, at the discretion of the chair or golf professional. Handicaps must be established to participate in any tournament. This can be established by posting a minimum of five 18-hole scores. An 18-hole score may consist of two consecutive 9-hole rounds. Maximum handicaps in any event for men and women will be 36, unless otherwise indicated by the tournament committee. All members and their guests who are eligible to play in tournaments must have a USGA handicap.

Guest Policy
A member is responsible for his or her guests. This includes adherence to our standards of conduct, rules of play, individual behavior, rules of attire and respect for our golf course. All guests must be accompanied by the sponsoring member. The member will be required to pay the appropriate guest fee. Guests will be allowed on the golf course in accordance with the following guidelines: General Rules 1. A person may be a guest not more than twice per month. Special requests may be made to the Golf Committee, in writing, concerning out of town visitors. 2. There may be only one guest per group during prime time on weekends and holidays. 3. If a member has more than 3 guests, it is considered an “outing” and outing guest and cart fees apply. - Guests will be allowed on the golf course based on the privileges of the member. - Guest fees for golf are $50.00 on weekdays and $75.00 on weekends and holidays. Outing greens fees are $110.00 per person. These fees shall include the use of the pool and tennis facilities. - Guest fees for golf for family members (children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, fathers-in-law, mothers-in-law) is $25.00 on weekdays and $37.50 on weekends and holidays. Primary, Intermediate, Senior Associate and Associate Members any time, subject to the general rules. Grandchildren (under 20 years of age) may play golf on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after 3:00PM when accompanied by the member grandparent. . Grandchildren may play with their member grandparent, guest fees to be applied, on weekends and holidays as follows; Ages 13 to 20, after 3:00 PM Ages 12 and under, after 4:00 PM At all other times, the twice a month guest policy is in effect. Guest fees of $25.00 weekdays and $37.50 weekends and holidays will apply. Spouses any time, according to regular golfing privileges. Divorced Spouses any time Tuesday through Thursday and once per month Friday through Sunday, including holidays, subject to general rules. Seniors weekdays and weekends when eligible to play. Golf Members-in-Waiting any time on weekdays when eligible to play, subject to general rules. may be a guest of a member any weekend time once per month. Members-in-Waiting no guest privileges. Junior Members unrestricted weekday guest privileges except holidays. One guest per group after 2:00 PM on weekends and holidays. Minor 17 – 20 years - unrestricted weekday guest privileges; weekends and holidays after 3:00 PM. 13 - 16 years – weekday guest privileges limited to one guest. No weekend guest privileges. 12 and under – no guest privileges. Note : Members who have resigned in good standing and have moved from this area may, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, have the use of all club facilities for a period of not more than two consecutive weeks during any one year, subject to the payment of all fees and charges incurred by them. This privilege may not be granted to former members who reside in this area during the golfing season.

Caddies
It is required that caddies be used when they are available, either as a carry caddie or fore caddie. The caddie master will be responsible for assigning caddies. Minors are not required to take a caddie. It is not permitted for any member to request any particular caddie. All members should be considerate to their caddies. Caddies will be properly trained by the caddy master. Any disputes or problems arising from an incident on the golf course should be brought to the attention of the caddy master. He will then have the authority, along with the golf committee, to review and resolve it. A caddy’s status may be determined by the color of the bib: White bib= Master, Green bib= “A” and Yellow bib= “B”. At the start of each season, all caddy trainees will wear yellow bibs. Caddy Fees See the starter for suggested rates. Caddies must be paid in cash. Fees are based on the level of experience and expertise of each caddy.

Golf Carts
Carts shall be operated by members only. Minors under 16 years old and caddies are not permitted to operate carts. Children 4 years of age and under are not permitted to ride in carts. Members will be responsible for the operation and condition of the cart while in their possession. Carts must be signed for and will be charged and billed by the club. Use and fees are established by the Golf and Green Committee. The fee for nine holes is $12.00 and for eighteen holes $22.00. Carts must stay off tees and approaches to and including greens. Use blacktop areas where provided and follow signs wherever indicated. Avoid newly seeded areas and grounds under repair. Carts may be used for tournament play.

Pull Carts
Pull carts will be available in-season only when course conditions do not allow for the use of electric carts and when a caddy is not available. Carts will be assigned by the starter on a first-come, first-served basis. Once electric carts have been put in winter storage, pull carts will be available each day the club is operating. Before removing a pull cart from the storage area, the member should sign a daily log sheet. At the end of the round, the cart should be returned to the same location. The pull cart fee will be $10.00 per round. Minors under the age of 16 may only use a pull cart when accompanied by a member. Members will be responsible for the operation and condition of pull carts in their possession or the possession of accompanied minors. No privately-owned pull carts are permitted for use on club grounds. Pull carts should not be rolled onto greens, tees, bunkers, and areas roped-off by the grounds staff, or near approaches to the same area.

Carrying Your Bag
Permitted at all times prior to the Opening Men’s Breakfast Event and after the Closing Men’s Breakfast Event. After 3:00 PM on any day (at the discretion of the starter). Note : Members may not carry their own bags during any official tournament or event, whether or not caddies are available.

Attire
It is the responsibility of all members, their families and their guests to be dressed in proper golf attire on the golf course as well as at all practice areas. Proper golf attire shall mean the following: Men Shirts with collars and sleeves (all shirts tucked in), pants and shorts not shorter than mid-thigh length are considered appropriate attire. Tank tops, tee shirts, mesh shirts, cut-offs, sweat pants, jeans, swim wear, gym shorts or any other athletic shorts are not permitted. Caps may not be worn backwards. Women Skirts, slacks, shorts not shorter than mid-thigh, shirts and blouses are considered appropriate attire. Halter-tops, cut offs, sweat pants, jeans, swimwear, short shorts or any other athletic shorts are not permitted. Caps may not be worn backwards. Shoes Appropriate golf shoes are required. Use of soft spikes or spikeless alternative shoes is mandatory. NO METAL SPIKES ARE PERMITTED. Tennis shoes or soft-soled shoes are acceptable but not suggested. Football, soccer or other large knobby spike shoes are not allowed. The dress code is mandatory. Improperly dressed players shall be requested to change before playing.

Practice Areas

Range

The practice range is open 15 minutes prior to the first tee time until dark except for Sundays and holidays that fall on a Monday. On those days the range will close at 5:00 PM. Balls may be hit from only the designated areas. When the range is crowded, limit your time to 10 minutes. Please be aware of your fellow golfers and their needs to practice as well.

Minors under 13 years of age shall not be permitted on the range without adult supervision. They should be made aware of all the rules of attire and consideration of others waiting for their turn to practice.

Putting Green, Sand and Chipping Areas

1. When these areas are crowded, please limit your time so that all members will have their turn.

2. Minors under 13 years of age are not permitted in these areas without adult supervision.

3. All rules of golf attire apply.

In all of the above areas, please play safely and be considerate of all players.

Equipment And Storage
All golf equipment used must be in compliance with USGA regulations. All golf playing members are provided bins for storage and cleaning of clubs. Children between the ages of 16-20 shall be charged one half of the regular fees for storage of clubs. Golf bags and clubs may not be stored in the Locker Room or any other undesignated area of the club. It is recommended that members remove their clubs from the bag room prior to December 1, as access to the bag room will not be available during the winter months.

Cell Phones
We discourage the use of cell phones on the golf course. If it is necessary to have a cell phone, please turn your ring to silent mode. When speaking on your phone, please use discretion. Go to a private area, and, above all, speak softly.

Smoking
Smoking is permitted on the golf course. However, butts and ashes from cigarettes and cigars are unsightly and compromise the beauty of the course. Please dispose of them in garbage receptacles around the golf course.

Etiquette And Care Of The Golf Course
- Repair ball marks – yours and others. Spike marks may not be tamped down until all in your group have finished putting. - Replace all divots. - Rake traps. Leave rakes outside the trap. Walk in and out of all traps on the low side. - Remove and replace flagstick carefully so as not to damage the hole. - Please do not lean on your club when you are on the putting green. We have a beautiful golf course. If you see any trash, etc. on the golf course, please pick it up and dispose of it. This will help us all become conscious as well as protective of the beauty that surrounds us!