"Competitive golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course, the space between your ears." - Bobby Jones
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Guidelines for Golfers The Spirit of the Game Unlike many sports, golf is played, for the most part, without the 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 disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf. Golf is essentially a self-regulating game and each golfer should have a good understanding of the fundamental Rules. Every golfer is advised to carry a copy of the Rules of Golf in his golf bag and the Rules should be consulted where any doubt arises. Consideration for Other Players No Disturbance or Distraction Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise. Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players. On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play. Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play. On the Putting Green On the putting green, players should not stand on another player’s line of putt or when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt. Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out. Scoring In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the player concerned and record it. Penalties for Breach If players follow the guidelines in this Section, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone. If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the Committee consider taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player. Such action may, for example, include prohibiting play for a limited time on the course or in a certain number of competitions. This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interest of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines. In the case of a serious breach of Etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player under Rule 33-7. Where an answer cannot be found solely by reference to the Rule book a player should consult Decisions on the Rules of Golf. The Decisions book contains over 1100 decisions that clarify the Rules themselves and provide examples of the Rules in operation. It is essential reading for Committee members, Rules Officials, and for all golfers who want to expand their knowledge of the Rules. Handicapping Handicapping is at the very core of equitable competition in amateur golf and few sports enable players to compete as equitably as golf. Handicapping is one of the GAO’s principal and most valued member services since the inception of our association back in 1923. All golfers who belong to the GAO through one of our member clubs or Public Player Program are eligible to receive an "Official" GAO/RCGA Handicap Factor. RCGA HANDICAP SYSTEM The RCGA is the authoritative body for the purposes of establishing and maintaining a uniform handicap system for golf clubs in Canada in co-operation with the provincial golf associations. The purpose of the RCGA Handicap System is to make the game of golf more enjoyable for golfers by providing a means of measuring one's performance and progress and to enable golfers of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis. Through this system, each golfer establishes an "RCGA Handicap Factor" which is a numerical measurement of a player's potential (not actual) scoring ability on a course of standard difficulty. The Handicap Factor is calculated using the best 10 of the player's last 20 rounds and updated with each new round played. The Handicap Factor travels with the golfer from course to course and is adjusted up or down depending on the length and difficulty of the course played, resulting in a "Course Handicap". The Course Handicap is the number of strokes a golfer receives from a specific set of tees at the course played and represents the number of strokes he would require to play equitably against a "scratch" golfer (a golfer with a Handicap Factor of "0.0'). The more difficult the golf course, the more strokes the golfer receives and vice versa. The relative difficulty of a golf course is determined jointly by the RCGA and the provincial golf association using the RCGA Course and Slope Rating System. Specially trained Course Rating Teams evaluate the difficulty of a golf course based on such variables as length and a number of obstacle factors (e.g. topography, bunkers, water hazards, severity of rough, etc…). Only RCGA Member golf clubs are permitted to use the RCGA Handicap System and RCGA Course Rating System and related trademarks and service marks and must do so in a manner that preserves the integrity and reliability of these systems. All rights to use these systems and related trademarks and service marks terminate should the golf club cease to be a member in good standing of the RCGA. If you would like more information on the RCGA Handicap System and Course Rating System. You can order the RCGA Handicap Manual by calling 1-800-263-0009 x283. |
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