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.

Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing. Players should not play until the players in front are out of range.

Players should always alert green staff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them.

If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, he or she should immediately shout a warning. The traditional word of warning in such situations is “fore”.

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 mobile phones and any other electronic device taken onto the course are switched to silent or off at all times on the course. 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, players should not stand either in front or behind another player’s line of putt when the player is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt, or distract the player by talking or moving. Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

Marking of cards should be done after players have proceeded to the next tee. A player who is acting as a marker should, check the score with the player concerned and record it on the way to the next tee.

Players should play at a good pace. The Match 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 it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it 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.

Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, bags or carts should be left to the side of the green ready to proceed to the next tee. Carried bags should be placed to the side of the green not on the green. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.

If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a penalty area or is out of bounds, to save time, they should play a provisional ball. Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found. They should not search for more than three minutes. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they should not continue play until that group has passed and is out of range.

Unless otherwise determined by the Match Committee, priority on the course is determined by a group’s pace of play. Any group playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round. The term “group” includes a single player.

All players should be at the course at least 10 minutes before the allocated tee time to enable the player to be ready to play at their allocated time. The Match Committee may impose a penalty for persistent late arrival. The lowest marker should take responsibility for the conduct of other players in the group.

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

Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Shoes: Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball (whether or not made by the player himself). On completion of the hole by all payers in the group, damage to the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.

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 flag stick.

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 flag stick 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.

Motorised carts should be kept to paths where appropriate and at least 10 metres from greens, and 5 metres from tees and bunkers.

If players follow these guidelines, 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, the Match Committee may considers 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; or disqualification if there has been a serious breach of etiquette.

This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interests of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines.