GOLF AT MUIRFIELD

General Rules To Be Read In Conjunction With The Above Pricing

• Student 21 years old & under only.
• Members inviting more then 3 guests must have prior permission of the General Manager and Corporate Day Green will apply for all guests.
• 9 Hole Green Fee can not be upgraded to 18 Hole Green Fee after play has commenced.
• Refunds due to inclement weather or other reasons after play has commenced are not given.

Visitors Green Fee in Open Competition

• $25 plus competition fee. Visitors may be invited to the Club & may compete in competitions designated Visitors Day or Sunday Medley events, paying specified fees & bearing in mind each visitor is limited to six visits each year.
• A visitor in a competition must be a member of an affiliated golf course with the AGU / WGA and hold a live handicap and / or registered with Golf Link.
• (Note: Golf League & Golf Access handicaps not permitted).
• Members may play during non-competition times on days other than their membership permits. Please note that the relevant Green Fee will apply.
• Adjustments to this schedule may apply & will be notified when applicable via the relevant time sheet or main notice boards.

Please note that times are subject to change due to special events. Please contact the Proshop re course availability

General Rules

LOCAL RULES

Muirfield Standing Local Rules according to the score card. Temporary Local Rules will be displayed on the notice board outside the Pro Shop.

SAND BUCKETS

You are required to observe the etiquette of the game. CARRY and USE a bucket of soil. Repair all divots. Adhere to all prescribed standards of dress.

PRACTICE

• Practice on course: Subject to individual member's access to the golf course as determined by their category of membership and after checking with the Pro Shop, members may play on the golf course for practice purposes outside of all competition times with no more than two balls. Members who are in the 6 Day category of membership and who are selected in Pennant Teams representing the Club may practice on the golf course on Saturdays following competition times. All divots and pitch marks must be repaired. Players cannot practice to one green; play must be continued throughout the round.
• Putting green: The putting green may be used by all Members at all times. It is preferred that Members use no more than two balls when practicing on competition days. The Public may use the putting green before or after their paid round of golf or with the Professional during a lesson. No chipping of any kind is allowed to the putting green.
• Chipping Green: The chipping green may be used by Members at all times. No more than six balls are allowed to be used and must be played within the defined area. The Public may use the chipping green before or after their paid game of golf or with the Professional during a lesson.
• 19th Green (old 3rd): No more than twelve (12) balls are allowed to be used and must be either coloured or cross out balls; the blue post teeing area must be used. All divots and pitch marks must be repaired.
• 20th Green (dam green): Considering the proximity of this green and bunker area to the 12th tee and the 16th fairway, for the safety of our Members no chipping of any kind is allowed on this green. Bunker practice is allowed outside of competition times with a maximum of 6 balls. Practice is only permissible from within the bunker.
• Driving range 12th fairway: The driving range area may only be used outside of competition times. Only coloured balls or cross out balls may be used; the blue post teeing area must be used and all divots must be repaired. The Professional may give lessons on the practice tee area during competition times, provided the pupils are supervised at all times.
• 17th tee Practice tee: Practice from the tee is allowed outside of all competition times. Coloured balls or cross out balls only are allowed. All practice must be from within the blue post area. All divots must be repaired.
• Practice nets: Practice is allowed for all Members at all times. The public may only use the practice nets before or after their paid game of golf or with the Professional during a lesson.

GENERAL CONDITIONS AND RULES OF PLAY

• No-one should move, talk or stand close to or directly behind the ball or the hole when a player is addressing the ball or making a stroke.
• The player who has the honour should be allowed to play before his opponent or fellow competitor tees his ball. In the interest of speed of play, the shortest hitter is requested to hit off first.
• No player should play until the players in front are out of range. In the interest of all, players should play without delay.
• Players searching for a ball must allow the following group to pass them immediately; they should signal the following players to pass and should not continue their play until those players pass and are out of range.
• Before leaving a bunker, a player should use the rake provided to carefully rake and smooth all depressions. Place all bunker rakes in the centre of the bunker facing the direction of play.
• After the players have holed out, any pitch mark or other damage made by the ball or the player to the putting greens surface should be carefully repaired.
• Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting green when placing the flagstick on the putting green surface. Players should ensure that neither they nor their caddies damage the hole by standing too close to the hole or in handling the flagstick. The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players leave the putting green.
• When called up to a par 3 the called up group should NOT interfere with the players on the green i.e. by not approaching too closely when the players are putting out.
• When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
• All buggies must have wide wheels.
• It is the responsibility of all golfers to play their round of golf as quickly as possible to prevent inconvenience for the groups that follow. Each competitive round of golf will be subjected to time checks. The lowest marker should be the captain and will be responsible for ensuring that the pace of play is optimised and using their best endeavours to encourage the group to keep up. If required, it will be his or her responsibility to record the starting and finishing times for their group.

SPEED OF PLAY

• To speed up play the following points need to be observed:
• Always keep up with the group in front
• If you think a ball may be lost or difficult to find hit a provisional ball
• If it appears that it may be difficult to find a lost ball call up immediately provided it is safe to do so
• Do not stop at the half way mark if the group in front has already cleared the next tee. If the tee is not clear, be ready to move off as soon as they have done so
• The shortest hitters should hit off first
• As soon as shot is played move quickly to your next shot
• When group has holed out move quickly from the green and do not delay to mark your cards
• Call up on Par 3?s where it is safe to do so except when the next tee is vacant
• The pace of play will be monitored and any group of players who demonstrate a tendency for slow play will receive a letter reminding them of their obligations. If any player or group of players receives such a letter and subsequently, within a further three months continues to demonstrate a similar tendency for slow play, they will be required to appear before the Match Committee. The Match Committee will have the authority to impose stroke penalties for further breaches as well as disqualification for continued serious breaches.

RIGHT OF WAY

• In the absence of special rules, two-ball, threesomes or foursomes should have precedence of and be entitled to pass any other kind of match. A single player has no standing and should give way to a match of any kind. Any match playing a whole round is entitled to pass a match playing a shorter round.
• If a match fails to keep its place on the course and loses more than one clear hole on the players in front, it should allow the following match to pass.
• Members are reminded that the President and Captain have priority on the tee and the course at all times.

PRIORITY OF COURSE MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL WORK

• The maintenance of the course will take precedence over all events being held on the course without exception. The course is not available for play until 7:00am Mondays, 8:00am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 7:00am Fridays to allow the Greens Staff to perform maintenance, such as chemical spraying, without affecting golfers.
• If coring of the greens cannot be performed due to wet weather then the coring will take place as soon as possible after that. This will ensure that the course is properly maintained when required and not fitted in around competitions when convenient.
• Greens Staff have right of way at all times and players must refrain from hitting until it is safe to do so or until they are waved through by the staff concerned.

NOTICE BOARDS

Members are requested to take notice of information posted on the notice board and should be conversant with such information before commencing play.

TIME SHEETS

Owing to large fields it is essential that all members book starting times on the sheet provided and report to the Pro Shop fifteen minutes before booked time. Failure to observe this rule leaves the Pro Shop no alternative but to move late arrivals to the end of the field. Time sheets are available in the Main Foyer one week ahead. A Member may only enter their own and three other names on the time sheet.

VISITORS

Members of Affiliated Golf Clubs with current Australian Handicaps may be invited to play in club competitions on any Invitation Day with a men's handicap limit of 27 and ladies handicap limit of 45. When booking in, visitor's name and club must be stated. Members may invite one visitor only.

MEMBER INVITATION INFORMATION

• No one Visitor can play in a club competition more that six (6) times in a calendar year. This will apply to all Invitation events including Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday competitions. This will also apply to Ladies Invitation events.
• In order to participate in a Club Competition, a visitor must be a Member of a recognised golf club affiliated with the NSW Golf Association or equivalent interstate body, WGNSW or another recognised controlling body e.g. an Overseas Association but excludes Golf League and Women in Golf. Visitors must carry proof of their current handicap.
• In all invitation events, the Member (male or female) must partner their guest.
• Apart from specified invitation events, a Member may invite visitors under the following conditions
• On Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays only Members of reciprocal clubs or by special approval by the Captain, President and/or General Manager.
• Visitors cannot team together in Two Ball events.

GRADES

In all events handicaps are divided into the following grades:

• A   Grade + to 12
• B   Grade 13 to 19
• C   Grade 20 to 32

COUNT-BACK SYSTEM

Irrespective of which nine is played last, the count-back will be from the 18th backwards, lowest nett score for the last nine, if still tied, the last six, then last three. If scores are still tied, then hole-by-hole backwards from the 18th. This system will apply to all competitions, unless otherwise stated.

PLAY-OFFS

Unless the course has been declared unplayable by the Match Committee, the dates shown for all play-offs must be strictly adhered to.

Match Committee reserves the right to alter these conditions and consider any request for postponement on its merits.

MEMBERS ON STARTING SHEET NOT SHOWING UP

A Member whose name is recorded on a competition starting sheet is required to report promptly to the Pro Shop when called and be ready to tee off at the allotted tee time.

A Member who does not show up or fails to notify the Pro Shop at least one hour prior to his/her designated starting time of his/her inability to play is deemed to be a "no show".

On the first occasion the Member will be sent a letter setting out the Club's policy and asking for an explanation.

If they subsequently are a "no show" on a second occasion within six months of the prior event, they may be sent a letter notifying them that they must appear before the Match Committee for possible disciplinary action.

Should the Member be deemed a "no show" on a subsequent occasion beyond six months of the first occurrence, then the Member will be sent a letter and the process outlined above recommences.

MOBILE PHONES ON THE GOLF COURSE

Mobile Phones must not be switched on or must be switched to silent mode at all times on the golf course during competitions of any kind. Players and/or their caddies must not use them at any time during competition.

This prohibition commences from the moment that the player or the first player in a group of players tees off until the player or the last player in a group of players completes the final putt of the competition round. Players and/or caddies who need to use a mobile phone can do so but must leave the course at an appropriate break in the round usually at the half way mark.

Any breach of this rule will lead to instant disqualification.

SOCIAL PLAY BY MEMBERS

Subject to the provisions of By Law 3 which outlines members rights, privileges and obligations, Members are allowed to play on the golf course outside of competition times without charge for Green Fee, from the following times:

• Mondays after 7:00am
• Tuesdays after 8:00am
• Thursdays after 8:00am
• Fridays after 7:00am
• Sundays after 8:00am

When playing golf outside of competition times, members do not have priority of any kind over any other person rightfully playing on the course.

Members are not allowed to play on the course when it is closed for whatever reason. The Match Committee will endeavour to provide sufficient notice if the course is to be closed.

It is a requirement that all players, members or social, report to the Pro Shop before teeing off.

GOLF BUGGIES AND GREENS

Players are permitted to use both pull along and battery operated buggies on the course. However any buggy used must have wide non grooved rubber or plastic wheels. No other type of wheel is permitted.

Players are allowed to cross the greens with their buggies but buggies must not sit on the putting surface at any time.

CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL ON GOLF COURSE

No person shall be allowed to have access to the golf course whether to play in a competition, socially or for practice, if in the opinion of the Professional, his or her staff, and/or other Club staff, the person concerned is under the influence of alcohol.

Furthermore the consumption of alcohol on the golf course by any one player will be limited to two 375 mls of full strength beer or the equivalent of other alcoholic drinks.

CHILDREN AND ANIMALS ON THE GOLF COURSE

In keeping with the provisions of By Law 2(c) animals are not allowed on the course at any time.

In keeping with the provisions of By Law 2(d) children under the age of ten years old are not allowed on the course at any time unless they are supervised at all times by an adult who is not playing or caddying.

COURSE SIREN

• The course siren will be sounded to warn players of the imminent danger of lightning strikes and the suspension of play due to adverse weather.
• The use of the siren will be as follows:
• To suspend play - three signals with a three second gap between each signal.
• To restart play - two short signals of three seconds each with a three second gap between each signal..
• To abandon play - one long signal.
• On the suspension of play, players must immediately mark their ball and seek appropriate shelter at the nearest available location, preferably returning to the Clubhouse. Failure to stop play immediately on hearing the suspension of play siren or the abandon play siren will lead to disqualification.
• On the resumption of play, the player will recommence from that point where the ball is marked.
• Players will be advised separately if the competition is to be abandoned due to persistent bad weather or lack of daylight.

HANDICAP RULES

SINGLES MATCH

The handicap will be the full difference between the respective handicaps and the lowest marker to then play from scratch.

TWO-BALL MATCH

Lowest marker to play from scratch, other players apply the difference between the lowest marker's handicap and their handicap.

FOURSOME STROKE

The handicap will be half of the combined handicaps.

HANDICAP CHANGES

Handicaps are recorded on the computer in the Members' locker rooms. Handicap reductions are updated on the day of the competition and should normally be available soon after the close of the day's competition. Handicap increases are updated on the computer on a daily basis.

Note: It is the responsibility of the player to see that the handicap on their card is correct. If they record a handicap higher than the correct one, they will be disqualified from the handicap event. If they record a handicap lower than the correct one, that handicap will stand.

Members should check the handicap computer before hitting off in each competition round. It is the player's responsibility to ensure that the correct handicap is used when playing at either Muirfield or at another course. Playing off a handicap higher than the correct one will lead to disqualification from the nett event of the day. A nett score returned with a handicap lower than the player's actual handicap will stand.

A letter of introduction is available from the general office on which you can have your current handicap recorded; it is advisable to have one of these letters if you wish to play at other courses.

When a member plays a competition round away from home and breaks their handicap they should return as soon as possible all scores, plus the CCR of the day, to the office. Failure to do so may lead to a member playing off the incorrect handicap in subsequent events and possible disqualification.

The CCR is determined with respect to the ACR of a course, not by reference to the par of a course. As such, Members should be aware that a score which is worse than your handicap with respect to par may still lead to a handicap reduction.

GENERAL

Players playing Stableford or Par events must play off their stroke handicap.

Ladies playing in all Mixed 4 Ball events to play off their WGA handicap or Domestic handicap where applicable.

Ladies playing in Individual Medley events are to play off the Full Handicap.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING HANDICAPS

In order to obtain a handicap a player is required to submit five cards (minimum of three cards from Muirfield) each of which is played over eighteen holes and each must be signed by the player and marker. Each card MUST be dated and indicate whether it is the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th handicap card. Failure to annotate the handicap card correctly may result in the card being excluded from being used as one of the cards used to gain a handicap.

The score for each hole should be marked clearly on the card. If, when playing any hole, your score exceeds two over the par of the hole, it is not necessary to complete the hole ? write the score down as two over the par. E.g. if you are playing the first hole (par 5) and you have played seven strokes and still not ?holed out?, it is not necessary to finish the hole out, just write down a score of seven.

The following players are eligible to mark your card for handicap:

Muirfield Life Members, Foundation Life Members, Foundation Members, 7 Day Members, 6 Day Members, 5 Day Members, Juniors. Note: Cadet Members are not eligible to mark a card for handicap.