The Broome Manor Easy Guide to Golf Course Etiquette.

With golf becoming such a popular sport, we thought we would produce an information leaflet to help some of our new players find out more about course care, etiquette, dress and behaviour on the course.

On The Course

One major issue that will guarantee to make you the public enemy number one is 'slow play'. When you start playing, it may be surprising to find how quickly you have to walk around the course. One slow match can ruin the enjoyment of 100 golfers (no exaggeration). It is best for all concerned if you can keep pace with golfers in front. If you cannot and you loose one clear hole to the players in front, you must wave the match behind through.

Course Care

The Green Staff at Broome Manor take great pride in the maintenance of the course and want golfers to enjoy their game. There are few ‘golden rules’ to follow, and by doing so you will be noticed as a knowledgeable golfer.

• No trolleys on greens, green approaches, bunkers and tees.
• Replace all divots (turf cut or displaced) while playing.
• Smooth over all club and footprint marks made in a bunker.
• Repair ball pitch marks and spike marks on greens.
• No practice swings on tees.
• Take care not to damage the hole cup when handling the flag stick.
• Do not leave golf bags on the green.
• Always follow the Starter/Ranger’s instructions.

There you are, quite easy really, but it is amazing how many golfers who have been playing for a few years have yet to become knowledgeable.

Dress

At Broome Manor we have no specific dress rules, most golfers prefer smart/casual wear. Players must not dress in a manner which would cause an offence to others. Shoes should be suitable for the course (i.e., no stilettos or football boots); naturally, no golf shoes or dirty shoes should be worn in the Clubhouse.

At private golf clubs, the dress code is generally much more strict. No jeans, shorts, trainers, round neck or sleeveless T-shirts are permitted on most courses and Clubhouses. The tucking of trousers into socks in the winter is always frowned upon.

In the Clubhouse, some clubs still insist on jacket and tie for the men (best to take one with you if you are unsure).

Etiquette and Behaviour

Here are a few simple rules to follow:-
Players must not behave in a manner which would cause an offence to others.

• Four players is the maximum allowed in one match.
• Players are not allowed to share a bag of clubs.
• Dogs are not allowed on the course or range.
• Wait until the players in front are out of range before hitting.
• Do not distract your partner by either talking, moving or standing too near when he plays.
• Play without delay; 12 practice swings before each shot and a five minute putting routine infuriates everyone.
• Five minutes is the maximum permitted time searching for a lost ball. Wave the match behind through if it is apparent that you cannot find your ball quickly.
• Shout ‘FORE’ if you miss-hit a shot and it looks like it might hit other players.
• Golf balls and clubs can cause some dreadful injuries, make sure when you practice swing that you do not endangers one of your partners or caddies and spectators.
• Do not shout, swear, throw your clubs, bag, trolley or partner if the shot you hit is not absolute perfection. Golf is meant to be a relaxing sport, at times it can be infuriating, but that is what makes it good. Just think how boring it would be if every shot went ‘straight down the middle’ and every putt was holed – nobody would wish to play.
• Please enjoy your golf; many great friendships have been formed on the golf course, always remember that you are part of a great tradition going back nearly 600 years. Keep up that sportsmanship and goodwill.