United State Golf Association rules apply

Local rules are printed on score cards and individual tournament rule sheets.

Pace of play
In the interest of all, players should play without delay. If a ball may be lost to a water hazard or out of bounds, use a provisional ball. If a ball is not immediately found, signal the players behind to pass and wait until they are out of range before resuming play. When a hole has been completed, immediately leave the putting green. If a match fails to keep its place on the course and loses more than one clear hole on the players in front, players should invite the match following to pass.

Starters and marshals

Starters, marshals and golf shop staff enforce all rules and speed of play when a violation is observed.

Care of the course

  • Before you leave a bunker, carefully rake, fill and smooth over all holes, ball marks and footprints.
  • When taking practice swings, players should avoid causing damage to the course, particularly the tees, by removing divots. Ensure that any divot hole, as well as any damage to the putting surface made by a ball, is carefully repaired. To repair a green, use a tee or divot tool to raise the ball mark, then loosen the soil and grass and carefully press the grass down with putter or foot.
  • Powered cars will be kept at least 30 yards from the greens.
  • Walking players will keep golf bags and pull carts off the greens, no closer than the outer fringe area.
  • When putting, ensure that no damage is done to the putting surface by leaning on the putter.
  • Caddies should not stand too close to the hole when handling the flag stick or removing a ball from the hole.
  • The flag stick should be properly replaced in the hole before leaving the putting surface. 

Courtesy on the course

  • Prior to playing a stroke or making a practice swing, ensure that no one will be hit by a club, ball, etc.
  • The player who has the honor should be allowed to play before his opponent or fellow-competitor tees.
  • No one should move, talk, stand close or directly behind the ball or the hole when a player is addressing the ball or making a stroke.
  • No player should play until the golfers in front are out of range.

Non-golfers

  • Spectators and caddies are welcome at the golf course, with proper respect to golfing etiquette. Runners, joggers, bikers, hunters, fisherman, etc., are not allowed on the golf course.
  • Pets are not permitted on the golf course or in the clubhouse. Exceptions are animals used for the physically challenged, i.e., seeing eye dogs.