Local Rules and Dress

Muirfield Golf Club is a friendly and relaxed club that understands dress sense and that standards vary according to each and every individual. The minimum dress standard is clean, neat and tidy at all times

As you would expect we like to see an appropriate standard of dress on the course and in the clubhouse. For example, for the men we suggest collared shirts with walk shorts and golf socks, or long trousers (not denim or track pants, please). The following outline provides an indicative understanding of the dress standard we consider desirable and acceptable.

On the Course

MEN

FOR ALL MEMBERS, GUESTS AND CASUAL PATRONS
The minimum required dress standard is clean, neat and tidy at all times. 
 
ACCEPTABLE DRESS INCLUDES: 
Tailored slacks, knee or 3/4 length tailored or cargo style shorts with a belt or braces. Collared shirts or polo with turtle neck. Note: Waist length shirts may be worn outside slacks or shorts providing they have been tailored to do so.
Long socks (pulled up at all times), white/black or fashion golf socks or anklets.
Fully enclosed soft spiked golf shoes or flat soled sports shoes. All clothing worn on the Course must be appropriate for golf.
 
NOT ACCEPTABLE DRESS INCLUDES:
Elastic or drawstring shorts/trousers. Denim, tracksuits, board shorts or sports shorts. No low slung pants/shorts are to be worn. Hawaiian style shirts or t-shirts. Shirts with extensive advertising or offensive motifs.  Football wear (jumpers, shorts or socks).  No short black business socks with shorts (must be specific sport socks to be black)
  

WOMEN

FOR ALL MEMBERS, GUESTS AND CASUAL PATRONS
The minimum required dress standard is clean, neat and tidy at all times. 
 
ACCEPTABLE DRESS INCLUDES: 
 
Tailored shorts/slacks/skirts, 3/4 length slacks, skirts. Blouses/shirts must have collars or be specifically designed as golf attire.
Shirts with small side splits or short basque may be worn outside shorts, slacks or skirts.
White/black or fashion golf socks or anklets. Fully enclosed soft spiked golf shoes or flat soled sports shoes. All clothing worn on the Course must be appropriate for golf.
 
NOT ACCEPTABLE DRESS INCLUDES:
Tights style or 2 way stretch pants/shorts. Denim, tracksuits, board shorts or sports shorts.
No low slung pants/shorts are to be worn.  Sun tops, singlet tops or any top that has a bare midriff. Shirts with extensive advertising or offensive motifs. Football wear (jumpers, shorts or socks) 

 In the Clubhouse

MEN

FOR ALL MEMBERS, GUESTS AND CASUAL PATRONS
The minimum required dress standard is clean, neat and tidy at all times. 
 
ACCEPTABLE  DRESS INCLUDES:
Dress as worn on course acceptable.  Enclosed shoes or boat shoes may be worn without socks. Leather sandals with a full heel strap.
 
NOT ACCEPTABLE DRESS INCLUDES:
Board shorts, sports shorts, drawstring or elastic waist shorts or trousers. Steel spiked shoes. T-shirts or shirts with extensive advertising or offensive motifs. Any style of thongs/masseurs/ugg boots or scuffs. Casual beachwear, hats, caps or hoods. Football wear (jumpers, shorts or socks)

WOMEN

FOR ALL MEMBERS, GUESTS AND CASUAL PATRONS
The minimum required dress standard is clean, neat and tidy at all times. 
 
ACCEPTABLE  DRESS INCLUDES:
Dress as worn on course is acceptable.  Leather sandals permitted as footwear.
 
NOT ACCEPTABLE DRESS INCLUDES:
As per the golf course. Steel spiked shoes. Shirts with extensive advertising or offensive motifs. Any style of thongs/masseurs/ugg boots or scuffs. Casual beachwear.  Hats caps or hoods.

Local Rules

Muirfield’s 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. 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 (par 3 between the 13th & 5th holes): 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. No more than two Members may practice here at any one time.
  • 20th Green (dam green near the 12th): 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.
  • Practice range 12th fairway: The practice 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. No more than two Members may practice here at any one time. 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: Members only may practice from this tee and only between the hours of 6.30am and 8.00am on any day excluding days when a shotgun start is scheduled within those times. No more than one Member at a time may practice on this tee, with a limit of 12 golf balls. 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.
  • “Ready Golf” should be obeyed at all times – e.g. if a player is ready to hit off the tee while the other players are marking cards, then they should tee-off.  In the interest of speed of play and safety, 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, or while players are waiting to putt, 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.
PACE 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 3s 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 at kiosks in the clubhouse or online.

A competition is scheduled for every day.  Social play is available ever day are varied times.  Social play within the competition times is not allowable during Wednesday and Saturday competitions.  

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 36 and ladies handicap limit of 45. When booking in, visitor’s name and club must be stated. Members may invite up to three guests, depending on the day of play.

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 Golf Australia 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.
MEN’S GRADES

The Men’s Handicaps are divided into the following grades.
The daily handicaps alter depending on the use of a White or a Blue Markers, but the grades remain as below.
* Championship Grades are in 4 grades and are listed on the Conditions of Play attached to the respective timesheets.

  • Handicaps when playing in competitions with 3 Grades
    • A Grade     + to 12
    • B Grade     13 to 20
    • C Grade     21 to 36
    		  
COUNT-BACK SYSTEM

Irrespective of which nine is played last, the count-back will be from the 18th backwards, lowest net 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 10:00am
  • Tuesdays after 10:00am
  • Thursdays after 10:00am
  • Fridays after 10:00am
  • Sundays after 11:00am

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 x 375 mls of full strength beer or the equivalent of other alcoholic drinks, per 9 holes of golf.

CHILDREN AND ANIMALS ON THE GOLF COURSE

In keeping with the provisions of By Law 2.3 animals are not allowed on the course at any time.

In keeping with the provisions of By Law 2.4 children under the age of eight years old are not allowed on the course without the approval of the General Manager or a member of the Match Committee.

COURSE SIREN
  • It is the player’s responsibility for their own safety on the golf course.  The course siren may 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 maintained by Golflink and may be reviewed on a computer with internet access. Handicap alterations are updated on the day of the competition and should normally be available soon after the close of the day’s competition.

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.

 

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

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 GA 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 three cards (minimum of two 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 or 3rd 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 simply 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, Full Playing or Weekday Members and Colts. Note: Cadet, Tyro and Junior Members are not eligible to mark a card for handicap.