Care of the Course policies are a fundamental aspect of golf etiquette, focusing on leaving the course in the same, or better, condition than you found it.

Key Course Care Policies

• Repairing Greens (Pitch Marks): Always use a pitch mark repair tool to fix any indentation made by a ball landing on the green. Push the displaced turf in from the sides, never lift the centre, and lightly tap with your putter. It is courteous to repair your own mark and any others you see.
• Maintaining Bunkers: Before leaving a bunker, use the provided rake to smooth over all footprints and club marks. Enter and exit the bunker from the lowest point to avoid damaging the edges. Rakes should be left inside the bunker.
• Addressing Divots: After hitting a shot that takes a chunk of turf (a divot) in fairways, tees, or general areas, you must replace the divot immediately.  When in the teeing area, if boxes of sand/seed mix are provided, please fill in any holes. Avoid taking divots during practice swings.
• Managing Traffic (Buggies & Trolleys):
• Do not take trolleys (pull carts) or buggies (motorised carts) onto greens, green approaches, bunkers, or tee boxes.
• Follow designated cart paths and any posted signs or ropes.
• If the "90-degree rule" is in effect, stay on the path until you are even with your ball, then turn at a 90-degree angle to drive to it, returning to the path on a similar angle.
• Place golf bags/trolleys off the green and on the path toward the next tee to facilitate quicker movement after putting out.
• Handling Equipment on Greens: Exercise care when handling the flagstick to avoid damaging the hole cup or the surrounding green. Ensure that neither you nor your caddie damage the hole by standing too close to it and always replace the flagstick properly in the hole before leaving the green.
• General Tidiness: Pick up broken tees on the teeing ground and dispose of all litter, in the appropriate bins. 

Adhering to these policies ensures a well-maintained and enjoyable experience for all golfers. Failure to comply with the club's rules may result in disciplinary action or a ban on future play. 

Jack Ransome

January 2026