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Rules & Etiquette
The Ramada Hotel & Resort Gloucester have put together a few points to assist golfers in having an enjoyable game.
Most should be a matter of habit - but it's surprising how many golfers forget!
General Rules
White tees
Competition play only
Yellow tees
General play
Red tees
Ladies
Maintenance
Players are reminded that they must replace divots, smooth out bunkers and repair pitchmarks on the greens.
Priorities
Leading matches have a responsibility to set the pace for the rest of the field.
Single players should give way to matches of any kind, both 2 ball and 4 ball.
2 balls DO NOT have priority at weekends.
If a match fails to keep its place on the course and loses more than one clear hole on the players in front, it must allow the match following to pass if requested.
Do not take trolleys on to tees or greens, to include immediate surroundings.
On the tee
The player with the honour should be ready to play without delay.
Take a close line on wayward balls. If clearly in trouble, play a provisional.
Try to avoid damage to tees with practice swings.
Looking for a ball
Walk directly to YOUR wayward ball before assisting others.
The time allowed to search for a wayward ball is 5 minutes, after which it should be deemed 'Lost'.
If, during the search, the match behind is seen to be waiting, invite them to play through. Do not wait 5 minutes before you do this.
Tee to green
Try not to damage tees and fairways with practice swings.
Where ball positions permit, do not wait at the shortest ball but continue to your own, provided it does not impede others.
Try to leave your bag or trolley on the EXIT side of the green so that you can leave promptly.
The green
Judge the line of your own putt at the same time as other players.
In MEDAL play, if you are just off the green but nearer the hole, play on to the green, with your opponent's permission.
Similarly, if your putt/chip finishes very close to the hole, finish off, with your opponent's permission.
Mark your card when you have left the green.
Local Rules
'Call Hole'
The 12th hole is deemed a 'Call Hole'. When you reach the green, mark your ball and invite the game behind to drive, making sure that the flag is in position and that you are off the green.
Out of bounds
In or over boundary fences and hedges, over the line of white posts to the right of the 1st and 2nd, to the left of the 4th and 10th and to the right of the 12th and 13th holes. The quarry to the left of the 17th.
Water hazards
All areas defined by yellow posts.
Lateral water hazards
All areas defined by red posts.
Immovable obstructions
Shale/concrete paths/protection fences/road to the rear of the 10th hole. Seats, bridges, supports, outside the hazard marker and stones, where situated.
Ground under repair
Areas defined by 'GUR' stakes and/or white lines.
Young trees
A ball lying within one club length of a staked tree, or a young tree less than one club length in height, may be lifted, cleaned and dropped within one club length without penalty. New tree plantations ringed with a creosote line are 'GUR'.
Integral parts of the course
All bridges and dirt paths. A ball lying on a bridge must be played as it lies or relief taken under penalty of 1 shot.
Tractor ruts
A ball lying on a tractor rut through the green may be lifted, cleaned and dropped within one club length, not nearer the hole, without penalty.
Bunkers
Stones may be removed. If the ball should move whilst the stones are being moved, it must be replaced in its original position without penalty.
Dress Code
Clean, smart dress suitable for the Course and Clubhouse, must be worn.
Gentlemen, when representing the Club at social or dining functions, unless otherwise stated, must wear jackets and ties, bows or cravats.
Ladies on such occasions are expected to be suitably attired.
Changing in the car park is not allowed.
The list below defines dress which is permitted (indicated by 'yes') and dress which is not permitted (indicated by 'no').
| Course | Clubhouse | |||
| DESCRIPTION OF DRESS | GENTS | LADIES | GENTS | LADIES |
| Denim jeans, trousers tucked into socks, track suits, printed T shirts | No | No | No | No |
| Plimsolls, training shoes | No | No | No | No |
| Spiked or rubber soled golf shoes | Essential | Essential | No | No |
| Leisure suits, collarless or sleeveless tops | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Brief or strapless suntops | n/a | No | n/a | No |
| Tailored shorts with knee length or sports socks | Yes | Yes | Until 7pm | Until 7pm |
| Culottes | n/a | Yes | n/a | Yes |
| Suitable headgear | Yes | Yes | No | No |
