Dress Code
Members are asked to follow the strict dress code applied by golf clubs and to advise their guests playing the course.
Most golf clubs wish to preserve a "smart but casual" approach based on clothing that is principally designed for golf. Ruby M's have applied the following standards of dress:
Trousers: Any type of colour denim, paramilitary/Cargo style trousers, tracksuits, leggings and shell suits are not permitted.
Shorts: Shorts must be Bermuda length tailored shorts. The colour and length of sock is as stipulated by the particular golf club.
Shirts: It is compulsary that all members wear the new 2009 anerversay shirt which must be tucked into trousers, shorts or skirts, ladies may choose to wear shirts specifically designed as an over shirt.
Shoes: Trainers are not considered appropriate in the Clubhouse.
Caps: Golfing caps must be worn with the peek squarely at the front and must be removed before entering the club house.
Changing Facilities: Changing in the Car park is not permitted
Mobile: Mobile phones may not be used on the course or in the clubhouse.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the clubhouse and is in line with government legislation.
Presentations: A jacket is required for all Ruby M's events when staying at the golf club for dinner. Unless otherwise stipulated. When returning to Ruby M's for dinner and all other times, smart casual attire is appropriate.
The implementation of this dress code is primarily the responsibility of the Committee. It is expected that the implementation of this code will be effected with courtesy and common sense. However, those who knowingly disregard the dress code may be asked by a member of the Committee to leave or refrain from entering certain areas of the clubhouse.
Thank you in advance for your co-operation in adhering to the above.
Etiquette
It is unnecessary to list all the aspects of appropriate behaviour, however, the Committee and members of the Ruby M's expect the highest level of courtesy and good behaviour on and about the course. As a member, you and your guests ought to behave in a thoroughly responsible manner. It is in all our interest to maintain reasonable standards of dress and behaviour in keeping with national golf traditions.
To enjoy the game of golf, we should know and abide by the rules of the game. However, there are also "rules" for behaviour expected before, during and after our round of golf. This guide is to assist you in understanding the unwritten rules of golf etiquette.
General Etiquette
Good golf etiquette should be practiced on the course, in the clubhouse and at all other areas of the facility.
All local rules, as displayed in the clubhouse or on the scorecard must be adhered to without exception.
Appropriate courtesy and demeanour is essential so that players can enjoy their game and compete fairly.
Show respect to fellow golfers and Golf course staff.
Observe and respect our dress code, as above.
Only "soft spiked" shoes are allowed.
Changing in the Car Park is not permitted.
Always stand still and be quiet when another player is ready to hit.
Control your temper! Golf clubs are not helicopter blades.
Before Tee Time
Arriving early will allow plenty of time for changing shoes, changing clothes.
Registration/Breakfast will always be one hour prior to the first tee off, unless otherwise informed.
Allow plenty of time for your warm up and practice on the driving range.
The First Tee
Be on time. Arrive at your starting hole 5 minutes in advance of your scheduled tee time.
Be ready to hit when it is your turn.
Late for your Tee Time
Be on time. Arrive at your starting hole 5 minutes in advance of your scheduled tee time.
Any player not on the first tee and ready to play at his groups allocated time, his partners will tee-off (assuming the group in front are clear) and the guilty party will have to walk the first hole, or as many holes as he/she needs to catch-up to his/her playing partners. Even if a player has just rushed onto the tee, if he is not ready to play after his partners have already teed-off, he/she must walk the hole.
Once his playing partners have left the tee, he/she must not play that particular hole and will therefore receive no points for that hole(s).
Pace of Play
Slow play affects everyone playing behind you. A conscious effort to play in a timely manner will make golf more enjoyable for everyone.
Take your practice swings in advance of your turn to hit the ball.
Be ready to hit when it is your turn.
Proceed to your ball as soon as it is safe to do so.
No player shall play until the group in front are out of range.
Mark your score only after you leave the green.
Be aware that if there is a hole open in front of you, you may be playing too slow.
Players behind must be let through if you are delayed as a consequence of looking for your ball.
In every case, no more than five minutes can be spent searching for your ball.
If a during a match a group fails to keep its place and loses in distance by one clear hole on those in front, then the group should stand aside to allow the following group to play through on request being made.
Marking of Scorecards
Mark Scorecards only after you have left the green
The number of shots must be recorded by the marker of the scorecard
All scorecards must be signed by both player and marker
Competitors are responsible for checking their scorecards are correct, before signing.
Competitors must return their scorecards to the Handicap Secretary or designated score card collector at the end of a round.
Competitors are responsible for ensuring their cards are handed in
If a scorecard is not handed in, then player will be awarded a None Return (e.g. his/her score will not count)
DO NOT mark more than two scores (i.e. only marker and player - not your entire group)
If you are in still in doubt, consult your fellow players or a committee member
The Course
Leave the course as you found it.
Mobile phones may not be used on the course or in the clubhouse
Fairways, Roughs and Fringes
Do not spend an unreasonable amount of time to determine the yardage.
Minimise the damage you do to the course with your practice shots.
Replace any divots you have made and plug marks you see, whether it is yours or not.
Allow any golfer who may have hit into your fairway to take their next shot before you do.
Observe the rules designated for golf carts.
Lost Ball
The rules allow you 5 minutes only to search for a lost ball.
Allow the group behind you to go through if your search for a lost ball is holding them up.
Bunkers
Do not jump into bunkers - enter from the low side.
Take only one club into the bunker and rake your footsteps upon leaving.
Leave the rake behind, in the bunker - never in front of it.
Greens
Do not drag your feet - spike marks can cause damage to the greens.
Do not walk on the line of other players' putts.
Bags should never be placed on the green.
Leave the green once you have holed the putt and mark your score at the next tee.
Without interfering with other players, attempt to align your putt while others are aligning theirs.
Remain as still and quiet as possible while other players are putting.
Golf Carts
Become familiar with the warning and instruction labels on the cart.
No more than two people on any cart at any time.
Never drive a cart on or near a putting green.
Use extreme caution and proceed slowly on severe hills and turns.
Always set the parking brake when leaving the cart.
Course Marshall's
Course Marshall's are there to assure your round of golf is playing safely and in a timely manner.
Respect their decisions.
Don't argue with them.
Register any complaints about groups with the Marshall, not the other players.
R&A Conforming Equipment
From 1 January 2008, a Rule of Golf will be introduced limiting the ’spring-like’ effect of driving clubs for all golfers of all ability. The introduction of this Rule was announced in August 2002 and it has been applied at the elite level, via a Condition of Competition, since 1 January 2003.
This ‘new’ Rule will affect the conformance status of some drivers currently in the marketplace and in players’ bags. ACGA members are, therefore, encouraged to check their own driver, and any driver they may buy in the future, in preparation for 2008. Failure to comply WILL result in instant disqualification at ACGA events for 2008.
To help provide correct information on driver head conformance, two Lists have been compiled and published:
To view or search the List of Conforming Driver Heads, please click on the link below. All of the clubs on this List have been ruled to conform to the Rules of Golf and they will continue to conform after 1 January 2008.
Distance Measuring Devices
(DMD)
Under the Rules of Golf, the Ruby M's Committee confirms that as a Local Rule, in its competitions, which allows players to use devices that measure or gauge distance only as follows:
While competing in any Ruby M's event a player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. However, if, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g. gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional functions are actually used. Ruby M's Committee will monitor the use of these devices and reserves the right to withdraw their use at any time in the future.
Players using a distance measuring devices are reminded that such devices are part of his or her equipment and therefore should not be shared with other players unless in team competition format.
In using a distance measuring device, a player should not give Advice Rule 8-1, other than to his partner in team format, which could influence a player in determining his play, choice of club or method of making a stroke. Breach of Rule 8-1 in Match Play is Loss of Hole. In Stroke Play is 2-stroke penalty.
Information on distance, which is of public information e.g.: distances on course sprinkler heads, distance marker, hazard markings/stakes, is not considered advice.