On Course Guidance & Enjoyment of Play

SLOW PLAY INITIATIVE

It has become clear that slow play was becoming more and more an issue at our golf days, however last year the committee successfully implemented a new systems which improved the enjoyment of our days.  This year (2013) we will continue with their initiative whereby at an ACGA event, each group is allotted four hours and thirty minutes to complete a round of eighteen holes. Thereafter a penalty of one stableford point or one stroke (depending on the type of event) for each fifteen minutes in excess of the four hours and thirty minutes will be levied on the Group.

LATE ON THE TEE

If any player is not on the first tee and ready to play at his groups allotted tee-time, his partners will tee-off (assuming the group in front is clear) and the guilty party will have to walk the first hole, or as many holes as he needs to catch-up his 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 must walk the hole. Once his playing partners have left the tee, he must not play that particular hole and will therefore receive no points for that hole.

CALLING GROUPS THROUGH

It is always advisable to play a provisional ball, if you are unsure where your ball has landed.  If you decide not to play a provisional ball and wish to return the tee, then it is an ACGA rule that if the group behind are waiting to play their shot, that they should be allowed to play though.

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.

HANDICAPS

It is the responsibility of all ACGA members to ensure that they are playing to the most recently published handicaps.  If members are in any doubt or have queries on their ACGA handicap they should contact the handicap secretary (preferably in writing).

Members who are members of golf clubs must declare any handicap changes to the ACGA handicap secretary. If your club handicap is lower than your society handicap you will be required to play off your club handicap irrespective of what your ACGA handicap may have been. Any member known to have played off a society handicap that is higher than their official one, will be disqualified from that tournament and will be subject to disciplinary action. The handicap secretary might contact your golf club to verify your handicap at his discretion.