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GIG HARBOR GOLF CLUB
COURSE RULES
The following course rules have been adopted by your Board of Trustees and endorsed by the various standing committees of Gig Harbor Golf Club. This publication is meant to inform the membership of these rules in order to ensure that a quality golfing experience may be enjoyed by all of our members. Each member is encouraged to read and comply with these rules, as well as the rules of golf etiquette outlined in the Rules of Golf published by the United States Golf Association. The following may also be contained in other Club publications, the Bylaws and Policies.
GENERAL COURSE RULES
Golf is most enjoyable when the courtesies of the game are observed by all and when play progresses without undue delay. The rules of golf etiquette, as shown in the Rules of Golf published by the United States Golf Association, shall be observed. Each member is encouraged to study and strictly comply with the established rules and etiquette of the game.
COURSE RULES, SAFETY AND CARE OF THE COURSE
· Tee time reservations are strongly encouraged. A tee time will be the only guarantee of course access. Walk on players will be allowed course access on a first come first served basis.
· All players must register with the Pro Shop before playing golf.
· No groups of more than four players are permitted without permission of the Pro Shop.
· All play will start on #1 tee unless otherwise directed by the Pro Shop.
· Golf Cart operators must be at least 16 years of age.
· The 90 degree rule for golf carts shall be observed at all times. Be aware of posted seasonal cart restrictions, whether on the whole course or certain holes.
· Pets / Domesticated animals, except seeing-eye dogs that accompany members or properly introduced guests, are not allowed on the Club grounds nor in the Clubhouse. Motor vehicles containing animals are not allowed to remain on Club premises.
· No practicing will be permitted on the golf course.
· All players must use sand and seed to fill divots or replace them.
· All ball marks must be carefully repaired.
· All players must carefully smooth out bunkers after hitting the sand.
· Players shall not remove the ball from the hole with a putter. Please use your hand or suction grip.
· During the winter months, the course is subject to frost delays or closures. Frost can be very damaging to the course if not handled properly. Be aware of the frost policy and support it.
· Be safe! Make sure you have a clear shot before striking the ball. Allow all players to leave a green when approaching. Protect yourself by paying attention.
· The club does not have a current policy as it relates to use of cell phones on the course. For the sake of courtesy on the course, please leave your cell phone off – however, it is recommended that you carry one with you in the “off” position for use in the case of an emergency
LOCAL RULES REVIEW
This is a handy list of USGA and local rules that all of our Members should be aware of.
Please read them and keep them for later review.
USGA rules apply to play at the Gig Harbor Golf Club. Players should become familiar with the rules in order to provide for consistent and fair scoring.
The rules allow for relief when there is interference by an immovable obstruction. On our course, cart paths (also see Local Rules) and drainage ditches are the two most common causes of potential interference.
Interference occurs when “… a ball lies in or on the obstruction, or so close to the obstruction that the obstruction interferes with the player’s stance or intended swing.” Most of us know that if such interference occurs, we are allowed one club length from the nearest point of relief. But what does that really mean?
The nearest point of relief is defined as “… the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies …” and which “… (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids interference (as defined) and (c) is not in a hazard or on a putting green.” The player then shall drop the ball within one club-length of this point. The ball is to be re-dropped if: it rolls or comes to rest more than two club lengths of where it hit/first struck the ground; or if it comes to rest closer to the hole than its original position. If after re-dropping, the ball again rolls into a position as described above, it may be placed as near as possible to the spot where it first struck the ground.
To determine the “nearest point of relief,” it is necessary to pace the distances from where the ball lies to the possible points of relief.
The driving range fence along #7 fairway, the safety screen by #4 tee box, and the pump house on #9 also are obstructions. The point of relief is made so the obstruction does not interfere with the swing. This does not mean you get a clear line of flight, only that you can swing your club.
Out-of-bounds stakes are not obstructions. Stakes defining hazards, 150 yard markers, telephone poles, and guy wires are obstructions. You may take relief by moving away from them, or by removing them.
The question of one or two club lengths for relief comes up quite regularly. Relief taken under circumstances where there is no penalty, eg. Obstructions, calls for a one club length relief. If there is a penalty involved, eg. Water hazards or unplayable lies, then take two clubs lengths relief.
There are several areas which require definition by local rules.
Hole #1: Any ball between the cart path and the right side out-of-bounds markers, and between the tee and the orange stake may be moved to the left side of the cart path. The ball should be dropped within one club length of the point of relief. The left side of #1 fairway, beginning approximately 110 yards from the green and continuing past the green, is designated a lateral hazard and is to be played accordingly. The entire length of the left side of #1 fairway is out of bounds up to that point.
Hole #2: The upper cart path on Hole #2 shall be considered “paved,” and any ball coming to rest on the path shall be dropped under the “Obstruction Rules.” Balls landing or coming to rest on or to the right of the cart path, but in bounds, are to be dropped at the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole.
Hole #5: The sand pit is considered part of the golf course. No relief. (Also applies to Hole #3)
Hole #6: The “French drain” on the upper side of the #6 fairway represents a drainage ditch (see Obstruction Rules). The open ditch above the green, however, is to be considered part of the golf course.
Hole #7: If the ball ends up in the driving range area it is out-of-bounds. The unmowed area between the 7th and 9th fairways is part of the golf course. Balls landing or coming to rest next to the driving range net or next to trees or poles to which the net is attached shall be dropped within an area determined by relief plus one club length, but no closer to the hole. There is no relief from other trees in the area.
All areas of beautification (beauty barked areas) are played as ground under repair. Players get a free lift and one club length no nearer the hole.
Areas immediately next to the cart path (within one foot) typically contains considerable amounts of rocks and gravel. If the ball comes to rest within such distance of any cart path, the ball may be dropped under the “Obstruction Rules.”