Club Information
Members, Guests and Visitors – Code of Conduct
The West Lothian Golf club deems that upon payment of membership or green fees, all members, guests and visitors have given their consent to be bound by both the restrictions and penalties imposed by this code of conduct. Members shall be liable for any breach committed whether by themselves or their guests.
The intention of this is to establish clear and acceptable behaviour expectations for The West Lothian Golf Club members, guests and visitors. It is not intended to restrict the rights of anyone but rather to ensure that all members, guests and visitors can expect to be treated with respect while enjoying The West Lothian Golf course and clubhouse.
Dress Code
The West Lothian Golf Club, in keeping with the majority of golf clubs, operates a dress code which must be observed by all Members, Guests and Visitors to the club. These rules apply to the clubhouse and on the course.
Only appropriate attire should be worn on the course. Denims and football tops are prohibited. Soft spiked and all-weather shoes used on the course may be worn in the clubhouse provided they have been cleaned, no hard spiked shoes.
In the clubhouse jackets and ties are not required, the above code applies with the exception that ‘smart’ denim jeans and training shoes will be permitted. Juniors (<13 years) should dress for comfort and the conditions with appropriate footwear (golf shoes or trainers).
Responsibilities
Members must always act within constitution & bye-laws, club policies & procedures. These are available from the secretary’s office. No member shall be absolved from their effect on any allegation of not having received a copy.
Be respectful to all those you come into contact with at The West Lothian Golf Club. Respect diversity, different roles and boundaries, and avoid giving offence. Do not engage in any form of sexual, racial, religious discrimination or harassment. Do not conduct yourself in any rude or immoral manner, including the use of profane language, gestures, insults or other such misbehaviour.
When using social media in connection with the club, its officials or members, do so in a manner which could not be deemed offensive. You are asked to consider the impact of publicly expressive negative issues relating to the Club, its officials or members on social media. Any such issues should be raised in line with the process outlined in this Code of Conduct for dealing with complaints and protests.
In no case shall an employee or volunteer of the club be reprimanded directly by a member, or entitled to enter into discussion with a member on any instructions passed to them by the council.
As well as avoiding actual impropriety, conduct yourself in a manner which does not damage or undermine the reputation of the Club (especially when you are representing the club) and do not take part in any activity which is in conflict with the objects of the Club or which might damage the reputation of the Club.
On the Course
Avoid slow play, apply ready golf principles and allow other golfers to play through as appropriate.
Adhere to the dress code and observe proper golf etiquette as well as R&A and local rules of the course.
Respect the rights of other players and golf course staff. Golf course staff always have right of way when actively engaged in work on the course – do not play your ball if there is any risk to staff or equipment.
Respect the golf course, golf carts and obey all signage on the golf course.
Take pride in the physical appearance of the golf course as it is reflective of you as a member. Replace divots or use seed mix, rake bunkers and fix pitch marks.
Act honestly in all occasions during play. Conduct yourself in a sportsmanlike manner and do not knowingly cheat, throw clubs, disrespect employees, officials or fellow competitors.
Blind Tee Shots
There are a number of blind tee shots on the summer and winter course.
As is engraved in golf etiquette, please always allow the group ahead to move out of range before striking any shot and in the event of a way word shot, a loud shout of FORE must come from the group. In the case of the 17th and you are the group approaching the green or waiting on the 18th tee, consider allowing the group behind to play their tee shots before you go down to the green or hit your tee shot at 18. That way you are fully aware a tee shot has been struck and it will also help speed up play.
The other drive worth noting is the 16th or winter 14th (The Valley). It is recommended that the group ahead leave one person visible at the top of the hill, if possible, so that the group behind are aware of the situation on the fairway. Appreciated this isn’t always possible but will help to reduce the risk.
IN THE CLUBHOUSE
Respect Clubhouse Facilities
The use of foul or abusive language such as swearing has no place in the clubhouse and any member heard using unacceptable or offensive language will be asked to either stop or leave the premises. Where someone is observed consistently using bad language after being warned then their continued membership will be reviewed accordingly. Whilst fully acknowledging that adult banter contributes to increasing a healthy atmosphere amongst members, these rules are to safeguard others who should not have to hear language that they would not personally use or make people feel uncomfortable.
Smoking or the use of e-cigarettes is not permitted within any of the club buildings.
Be considerate towards others when using your Mobile phone in the clubhouse.
Complaints & protests
All complaints must be made in writing addressed to the Secretary and signed by the person complaining. The Secretary shall submit all complaints and protests to the Council for consideration at a properly convened meeting or earlier if required. The decision of the Council shall be final and binding upon all concerned.
Disciplinary procedures
Should the conduct of any Member of the Club either in the Clubhouse or on the Course give concern to the Council, either by observation or intimation and is such that the reputation of the Club may suffer as a result, the Council may take whatever action they deem fit to rectify the situation in terms of suspension or expulsion from the Club. Such member shall have the right of audience before the Council prior to any decision being taken and said decision reported to the Member in writing. In terms of discipline, the decision of the Council shall be final until such time as an Annual General or Special General Meeting of the Club by majority decision homologates the Council decision. Neither the Club nor the Council shall be liable for any claim at the instance of said Member in respect of suspension or expulsion