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(One or two minor changes have been considered by committee. These changes will appear in red font)

DEFINITIONS of terms used in this article

            MEMBER:                     MALE PLAYING MEMBER aged 18 years and over.

            LADY MEMBER:           LADY PLAYING MEMBER aged 18 years and over.

            JUNIOR:           JUNIOR PLAYING MEMBER aged under 18 years.

            JUNIOR LADY: LADY Junior playing Member aged under 18 yrs

            5-day MEMBERS: MALE playing Members(play restricted to Mon-  Fri)

(note: SENIORS are Male Playing Members aged 60 years and over and are included in the ‘MEMBER’ or ‘5-day MEMBER’ categories above)         

            SOCIAL MEMBERS: Social Members – Non-playing.

Ponteland Golf Club applies the Rules of Golf as approved by The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the CONGU Unified Handicapping System.                                

1. The Spirit of the GAME of GOLF.

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.

2. Courtesy of the Course

2.1 Safety

Players must always give consideration to the safety and schedules of green keepers at work and to other players where in particular the close proximity of tees and greens could lead to the possibility of accidental injury to others by stray golf balls. The matter of holding Insurance is one all members are urged to consider.

Lightning: In the event of lightning occurring in the vicinity of the course it is Club policy that play must be suspended.

Any player continuing to play will do so at their own risk.

2.2 Care of the Course

Each day, before the start of play the green keepers will ensure the course is fit for play. Members and guests are requested to respect and maintain the standards of course preparation so that their pleasure is extended to those who follow them.

2.3 Preventing Damage to the Course

Golf bags must not be placed on putting greens nor should trolleys and buggies be taken on to teeing areas, Players are required to repair pitch marks, replace divots and RAKE BUNKERS, thus leaving the course in the condition you would expect to find it.

DOGS are not permitted on the course, practice ground or on Club premises. (other than those used by green-keepers for pest control etc)

2.4 Practice

The practice ground is that area of ground lying to the right of the first fairway. The practice range is a facility for Members, managed by the Professional. Those using this facility should have mutual respect and consideration for others for the safety of each other.

Practice is strictly forbidden on the golf course. Repeated practice swings on tees are prohibited.

3.  Starting Procedure

The official Starter is the Professional or his assistants. Starting sheets are used every day. The Committee will decide the form of the starting sheets and the arrangements for players to access these sheets. (Such arrangements may vary from time to time)

Starting Conditions

Players must ensure that their names are entered on the starting sheet in the Professional’s shop before commencing play. The rules for doing so are set out at the top of the starting sheet. The Professional (or his assistants) is the Official Starter and is responsible for entering names on the starting sheet.

Reserved times must show clearly the names of all players - otherwise it will indicate that the game is not made up and any Member may add their name to complete it.

3.1 Format of Starting Time Sheets

In general, starting sheets will be printed to show BLACK and RED times. They are available in the Pro's shop each Thursday for the forthcoming week.

BLACK TIMES can be reserved in advance (see notes below)

RED TIMES may only be reserved on the day of play.

Further, a RED TIME can only be reserved personally by a player attending the Club.  The player reserving a RED time may enter the names of playing partner(s)/opponent(s) and MUST remain in the Club environs until play in commenced.

3.2 Saturday (Men’s Competition day)

The Starting sheet is available for advance reservation of BLACK TIMES and is placed in the Bar area at 8.00 p.m. on the FRIDAY of the previous week and is then posted on the notice board in the Entrance Hall until the Saturday of play. Telephone reservations of Saturday BLACK TIMES is not permitted. The club is currently looking into online booking.

3.3 Sundays & Weekdays (Text in blue italics indicates a rule change from 2011)

The Starting Sheets are available in the Professional’s shop and reservation of one BLACK TIME can be made up to Seven days in advance, normally from 8.30am. Telephone reservations of BLACK TIMES are permitted, except on competition days but only after 10am. (see notes 3.2 & 3.3.2)

3, 3.1 Sunday Competition Days

Starting procedure for these days will follow the procedure and use starting sheets that are the same as Saturdays (Men’s competition days) as detailed in 3.2 above.

3.3.2 Wednesday Competition Days

The Starting Sheet for Wednesday Club Competitions is available for advance reservations and is posted on the Notice Board in the Entrance Hall on the preceding SUNDAY.  BLACK TIMES may be reserved in advance. Telephone reservation of these Wednesday BLACK times is not permitted.

3.3.3 Friday Ladies’ Day

The starting sheet posted on the Ladies’ notice board for a Friday Ladies’ Competition will be then posted on the notice board in the Entrance Hall by 1.00 p.m. on the preceding Wednesday. BLACK TIMES can be reserved in advance. Telephone reservation of Friday BLACK times is not permitted.

4. Competitions

4.1 Entry

A player entering a Club competition must be a playing member of the Club on the date when the entry list for the competition is closed, with an active CONGU handicap. Before playing, entrants to competitions must ensure that their names are entered on the Competition Entry Sheet kept in the Professional’s shop. The Entry Fee for a competition must be paid before commencing play.

4.2 Cancellation/Suspension of Play

The Rules of Golf will be interpreted and applied as appropriate by the Committee. (Rule 6-8, Discontinuance of Play, Resumption of Play and Rule 33-2d, Course Unplayable)

4.3 Scores and the Computerised Scoring System

All score cards including nil returns must be returned immediately after finishing play.  All players entering singles competitions must enter their scores in the computer even when the card records a NIL return.  Players failing to enter their scores in the computer without good reason may be subject to disciplinary action by the Committee. 

4.4 Tee to be Used

Competitions, including Knock-out Competitions, must be played from MEDAL TEES (White for men and Red for Ladies) unless the rules of the particular competition state otherwise.

4.5 Competition Starting Times, playing format and priority on the Course.                                                                                                            

4.5.1. On Competition Days other than Wednesdays, the latest time for starting play is 5.30 p.m.

4.5.2, On a Wednesday Competition Day, when a MID-WEEK singles competition is scheduled, the following applies:

(a)  Players in the Competition must play in either two-ball      or three-ball format.

(b)  Three-ball is therefore the declared speed of the day.

Other rules of etiquette apply. 

(c)  Casual play in the format of the day may be allowed at the Professional’s discretion, provided there will be no adverse impact on Competition play.

 

4.5.3 On a Friday Ladies’ Competition Day, ladies playing in competitions have precedence on the course throughout the day and the following applies to the format of play for the day:

(a)      Between the first tee time and 2.30 p.m., Ladies decide the format of the day and record it on the starting sheet. This is binding on all players.  Casual players wishing to play before 2.30 p.m. may do so at the Professional’s discretion.

(b)      Between 2.30 and 4.15 p.m. the format of play is optional, but ladies playing in competitions have precedence.

(c)      Between 4.15 and 5.15 p.m. the format of play returns to that decided by the ladies in(a) above.

(d)      After 5.15 p.m. the format of play is optional, but ladies playing in competitions have precedence.

4.6 Club Stroke Play Competitions (Men) (Text in blue italics indicates a rule change from 2011)

For Club stroke play competitions other than the Club Championship, in the event of a tie in an 18-hole stroke play competition on handicap terms, the result will be decided on the last 9 holes, 6 holes, 3 holes, 2 holes, 1 hole, in that order. If there is still a tie, it shall be decided on the first 6, 3 in that order.

In the event of a competition for a trophy that leads to a play-off, the play-off is to be played without delay and with handicaps applicable to the original day of the competition.

4.7 Club Match Play Competitions (Men)

Players must be available to two weekdays and one weekend in each round.  Competitors have equal responsibility to amicably arrange the date of their match.  The first named player(s) must offer two weekday dates and one weekend date and the second named player(s) must either accept one date or concede the match.

All matches must be played by the stated dates and no extensions will be granted.

(A general extension may be given by the Captain in extenuating circumstances)

Where no result appears on the board at the stipulated time, disqualification of both competitors will be automatic. Halved matches must be settled by arrangement between the competitors. Finals for the Ted Reid, Woolsington and Kirkley Rose Bowl competitions will be played over 36 holes. All other finals are over 18 holes

4.8 Handicap Alteration

4.8.1 Changes in playing handicaps will be made on the day the qualifying score becomes known.  It is the responsibility of each Member to report all qualifying ‘away’ scores to the Secretary as soon as is practiciable. The official register of up-to-date handicaps is available in the Entrance Hall. Handicap Certificates are available from the Secretary. Please note the introduction of the centralised database of handicaps (c.d.h) from 2010.

(Handicap details are also available via the Club’s Web Site - follow the link to ‘How did I do’ )

4.9  Forfeiture of Membership

Article 24 of the Articles of Association deals with forfeiture of membership. 

Pursuant to this, a Member whose subscription in respect of any financial year is not paid before 1st June is not qualified to play at Ponteland or represent Ponteland Golf Club until the matter is resolved.                

5.  Golf Club/Club

5.1 Conduct of Members

Article 25 of the Articles of Association deals with Expulsion or Suspension of Members. Reference copies of the Articles of Association can be found in the Clubhouse or from the Secretary.

5.2 Dress Rules

Smart casual dress is allowed on the course and in the clubhouse, with the exception of denim clothing, tee shirts, football and rugby shirts, track-suits and trainers. (On the course players must wear golf shoes)

Members and visitors may have different interpretations of what constitutes “Smart Casual” dress”.

The following requirements will ensure uniformity.

Tailored shorts may be worn on the course and in the clubhouse bust must have a length just above the knee with button or zip fly and be worn with knee length or ankle length sports socks.

Gents’ and boys’ shirts must have collars and sleeves and be tucked in.

For ladies and girls, shirts with collars may be sleeveless and shirts with round necks must have sleeves. There are appropriate notices displayed in the Clubhouse.

5.3 Clubhouse and Bar Opening Hours

A notice stating the opening and closing hours for the Clubhouse and the bar are displayed in the Entrance Hall. Members are requested to co-operate with staff in observing these times.

5.4 Catering

A notice stating hours of availability and scope of menu is displayed in the entrance hall and in the entrance lobby leading to the ladies’ locker room.

5.5 Membership

Article 23 of the Articles of Association deals with Resignation of Membership.

(Note: The Club year ends on 30th April and annual subscriptions are due on 1st May)

5.6  Visitors

Visitors must pay the appropriate current green fee before commencing play.

When introduced by and playing with a playing member (other than a junior member under the age of 18 – see 7.2.4 below), a visitor may play at a reduced fee up to a maximum of seven times in any club year. A playing member may introduce and play with up to three visitors on any occasion, subject to restrictions on playing format on the day.

Visitors are not permitted to play on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays unless introduced by and playing with a playing member or by having prior approval.

Guests of Members visiting the Club socially, must be ‘signed in’ by the introducing member, in the Visitors Book in the entrance hall of the Clubhouse. (Members must insert their NAME and NUMBER in the appropriate column)

6.  Ladies’ Starting Times

The following rules apply to starting times for ladies:

6.1  Saturdays:

6.1.1  April-September inclusive

a) On Men’s competition days, Ladies may not start before 4.00 pm.  From 4.00 pm. onwards they may reserve in advance BLACK times. Telephone reservation of BLACK times is not permitted.

b) When no Men’s competition is being held, Ladies may start only between 11.00am. and 12.30pm.. and from 4.00 pm. onwards and may reserve in advance BLACK times within these periods.Telephone reservation of BLACK times is not permitted.

6.1.2  October – March inclusive    

a) On Men’s competition days, Ladies may only reserve a time when they arrive to play and only between 11.00 am and 12.00 noon and after 2.00 pm.

b) When no Men’s competition is being held, Ladies may reserve in advance BLACK times only between 11.00 am. and 12.00 noon and after 2.00 pm.

Telephone reservation of BLACK times is not permitted.

6.2  Sundays

Ladies (and Juniors) may start from 10.00 am. onwards from the 1st Tee.  Telephone reservation of BLACK times is permitted, except on Competition days (see 3.3.1 & 3.2 above) and players are requested to play a match format which is in keeping with the apparent ‘speed of the course’.

Play prior to 10.00 am. may be allowed exceptionally at the Professional’s discretion.

7.  Junior Members

The date on which age is taken is 30th April before the financial year that begins on 1st May. In addition to familiarity with the RULES that apply to all categories of Members, Junior Members must be aware of the following:

7.1 Age of 18 up to 22:

7.1.1  Clubhouse  (see rule 5 above)

No special restrictions

7.1.2      Starting Times  (see rules 3 & 6 above)

No special restrictions.

7.1.3      Club Competitions (see rule 4 above)

Provided the player has an official Club handicap there are no special restrictions.

7.2 Under the age of 18

7.2.1  Clubhouse (see rule 5 above)

Junior Members are welcome to use the lounge and bar areas during normal hours. Junior Members have a responsibility to adhere to the required standards of dress, tidiness of the premises and behaviour, necessary to ensure mutual enjoyment of clubhouse facilities by all members and visitors.

7.2.2  Starting Times  (see rules 3 & 6 above)

a) Monday to Friday  -  No special restrictions.

b) Saturday – only after 12.00 noon unless playing in a Club competition with a full playing member( (see 7.2.3 below)

7.2.3  Club Competitions (see note 4. above & definitions)

a)  Junior Male Members with a playing handicap of 8 or less may, upon payment of the entry fee, enter an official Club Competition as determined by the Committee. They must be accompanied by a Male Playing Member and they may not win the Junior prize.

Junior Male Members other than those aforementioned must have an official Club handicap and play with a full Playing Member. They are eligible only for the Best Gross or Best Junior prize voucher in any Club Competition. Juniors may NOT enter the Harry Hill tankards and juniors may ONLY enter the Hobart Tankards with a full playing member partner.

Apart from relevant Junior Competitions, they may only win the Jack Rickleton Trophy, the Club Championship, the Ted Reid Trophy and any other scratch competitions as determined by the Committee.

b) Junior Lady Members must have an official Club handicap and play with a Lady Playing Member..

7.2.4 Visitors  (see rule 5.6 above)

Upon payment of the appropriate current green fee before commencement of play, a Junior Playing Member (under the age of 18 years, as defined in rule 7 above) may introduce one visitor only.  Restrictions on starting times apply (see rule 7.2.2 above)

8.  Practice Area

The practice ground is situated on the right of the first fairway and is for the exclusive use of Club Playing Members. A Part of the ground is now reserved for practice and balls for this facility can be acquired from the Professional. Members are requested to consider the safety of others who may also be using the practice ground.

9.  Use of Buggies (Golf Carts)

A Buggy may be driven only by the person(s) to whom it is allocated, who must be aged 18 and over. No more than 2 persons may use a buggy. (see note in buggies). 

Buggies should be driven with care and consideration for others at all times. Use only designated bridges when crossing the burn etc. In wet weather avoid closely cut areas as much as possible Buggies must be driven well clear of greens and tees at all times. Members (and guests) using their own buggies must inform the Professional before playing, to sign the appropriate waiver declaration.

10.  Mobile Phones

In the interests of all players, the non-emergency use of mobile phones on the golf course is NOT permitted. We encourage members to carry phones FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY.

Members and guests are required to leave the public areas of the Clubhouse should they need to use their phone. Ideally, phones should be switched off in the Clubhouse.

11. Gents Locker Room entrance/exit:

This entrance/exit may be used by members requiring EASY ACCESS (Ladies & Gentlemen) who also require the use of the STAIR LIFT

AN EASY ACCESS Toilet is situated on the landing above the Ladies’ locker room.

12. Car Park:

Members and guests with high sided vehicles should park their vehicles to avoid obscuring views of other parked cars required by our security cameras. Members should take care when parking and driving through the car park.

Ponteland Golf Club Ltd accepts no responsibility for vehicles parked anywhere on Club premises. The car park is not the area to clean golf equipment/shoes etc.

13. Membership Cards (Swipe cards)

Membership cards are issued to all Members.  These cards are to be used to enter the club (main entrance, plus gents’ and ladies’ locker room entrances) The cards are also used for purchases at the bars in accordance with the general instructions and each Member’s number is printed on the card. (Cash may be added to a member’s card by payment at the bar) The cards are also to be used for Golf Competition entry from 2010.

OFFICE HOURS: The office is usually open between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. (Monday – Friday)

Note:

Members are asked to be alert to CHANGES IN RULES that the Committee may adopt from time to time.