LOCAL RULES

Revised April 2010

Local Rules, Dress Code and Etiquette

Local rules

Out of bounds (Rules 27-1)

Beyond any fence, or line of white stakes bounding the course.

Beyond any trench, white lines, white posts or marker trees to the left of the 12^th hole. In the clubhouse area, on or beyond the pathways to the rear of the clubhouse or beyond the pathway to the 10^th tee or beyond any line of white posts.

Water Hazards (Rule 26)

Water hazards are identified by yellow lines or stakes.

Lateral water hazards are identified by red lines or stakes, sleepers forming the boundaries of some hazards are to be treated as part of the hazard.

Stones in bunkers.

Stones in bunkers are moveable obstructions.

Fixed sprinkler heads

All fixed sprinkler heads are immovable obstructions and relief from interference by them may be obtained under Rule 24-2. In addition, if such an obstruction on or within two clubs length of the putting green being played intervenes on the line of play between the ball and the hole, the player may obtain relief as follows:

If the ball lies off the putting green but not in a hazard and is within two club lengths of the intervening obstruction, it may be lifted, cleaned and dropped, at the nearest point where the ball lay which ( a ) is not nearer the hole, ( b ) fully avoids such intervention and ( c ) is not in a hazard or on the putting green.

Immovable obstructions

All Astroturf, tarmac, concrete, shale or wooden bridges and pathways are immovable obstructions and interference by them may be taken under Rule 24-2 Steps into bunkers are to be treated as immovable obstructions and relief taken in accordance with Rule 24-2.

Ground under repair

If a players ball lies in an area of ‘Ground under repair’ or such an area of ‘Ground under repair’ interferes with the player’s stance or the area of intended swing the player must take relief under Rule 25-1.

Burrowing Animals

A ball lying in an area affected by a burrowing animal ( including foxes ) or if such an area interferes with the players stance or the area of intended swing, they may take relief in accordance with Rule 25-1.

DRESS CODE

At Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa we wish to preserve a "smart but casual" approach based on clothing that is principally designed for golf. As however dress sense is a highly subjective topic we would appreciate your support in maintaining the following standards of dress:

Trousers

Denim jeans, tracksuits and military style attire [ combats ] are not considered appropriate on the golf course or in the clubhouse.

Shorts

In the summer months Bermuda length tailored shorts, knee length or short white sports socks [ not football socks ] may be worn by male members and guests. Ladies may wear ankle length socks.

Shirts

Only collared shirts / roll neck / turtle neck tops can be worn and must be tucked into trousers or shorts at all times. Football or rugby style shirts and tracksuits and hooded tops are strictly NOT permitted.

Shoes

Golf shoes only are allowed on the Old Course but suitable training shoes may be worn on the PGA Par 3 course.

Caps

Caps should not be worn the wrong way round [ i.e. the peak at the back or side ] and must not be worn in the club house.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones must be switched off or turned to silent / vibrate mode both on the course and in the club house.

Changing Facilities

The club house has every facility required for changing into and from golfing apparel. Changing in the car park is not permitted.

General

It is expected that the implementation of this dress code will be followed with courtesy and common sense - especially as regards to guests and visitors. However, those who knowingly disregard the dress code will be asked by a member of staff to leave the course or club house. Formby Hall Golf Resort is a place to relax with friends and family where people and lifestyle matter and traditions count.

ETIQUETTE

Golf is played, for the most part, without supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.

Pace of play

Things that players can do to help to minimise round times.

Be aware of your position with regard to the group in front.
Do not concern yourself with the group behind; the fact that you are not holding them up is irrelevant as it is your group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front.
If you feel that your group is falling behind, advise the other players in your group.
If your group is falling behind, try to catch up quickly.
If you lose a clear hole and are delaying the group behind, or if there is no group in front of you and you are delaying the group behind, invite the group behind to play through.
Do not wait until it is your turn to play before putting your glove on.
Do not wait until it is your turn to play before calculating your yardage and selecting your club.
Look at your own line of putt while the other players in the group look at theirs [ within the bounds of normal etiquette ].
At the green, position your bags so as to allow quick movement off the green towards the next tee.
Move off the green as soon as all players in your group have holed out; mark score cards at or on the way to the next tee.
Play a provisional ball if your ball may be lost outside a hazard or out of bounds.
If you keep up with the group in front, you cannot be accused of slow play.

Play at a good pace and keep up

Players should play at a good pace. The Committee may establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow. It is a group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If your group loses a clear hole and is delaying the group behind, you should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group. Where a group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can play faster, it should invite the faster moving group to play through.

Be ready to play.

Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green. Members are reminded that the Committee are bound by Rule 6.7 Undue Delay: Slow Play.

Care of the course.

Pitchmarks and divots

It is a condition of play on this course that all players replace their divots. Repair the ball pitchmark and damage by shoes on greens. Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them on the fairway and in the rough and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball [ whether or not made by the player himself ]. On completiion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.

Any player not complying with this condition will be asked to leave the course.

Preventing unnecessary damage.

Players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason.

Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting green when putting down bags or the flagstick.

In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole.

Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.

The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players leave the putting green.

Bunkers.

Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any nearby ones made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.

Buggies and trolleys.

Buggies and trolleys must be kept on pathways where provided and MUST NOT be taken onto a putting green or teeing area. Buggies must be kept at least 8 yards from the edge of all greens and kept away from bunkers and water hazards. Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be strictly observed.

Starting times.

All golfers must arrive on the 1st tee at least 10 minutes before their tee off time. Tee times run at 8 minute intervals. Each group must commence as soon as the group in front are out of hitting range.

The PAR 3 Course tee times can be booked direct with the Golf Shop. Any one turning up when the tee is quiet must still call into the Golf Shop and register their game.

All visitors and guests must be paid for in the Golf Shop before play commences. Play will not be allowed without proof of green fee payment or ticket.

Tenth Tee Starting.

Members must not start on the 10th tee without permission from the Professional's Shop.