Golf Rules

 

I. Dress Code Policy


Proper golf attire is required on the golf course and practice areas at all times.

Men’s and Junior’s shirts must have collars. Mock turtle neck collared shirts are permissible with a minimum 1” collar height. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Men’s and Junior’s shorts must be no shorter than Bermuda length (just above the knee). Blue jeans, short shorts, cutoffs and swimwear are not allowed on the golf course. Hats/caps must be worn with the rim facing forward.

Women may wear slacks, cropped pants, skirts, culottes or shorts. Skirts and shorts must be longer than mid-thigh. Shirts/blouses must have either a collar or sleeves. Shirts/blouses need not be tucked in if they have a straight, finished bottom and are not longer than the hip bone. Jogging shorts, halter tops, tank tops, swimwear, bare midriffs, cut-offs, jeans or denim in any style or color are not permitted.

Metal spikes are prohibited on the golf course.

The Golf Professional and his staff have authority to monitor and enforce this dress code policy.


II. Tee-Off Procedure:


All players must register at the Golf Center before playing regardless of the number of holes to be played. A Play Sheet will be maintained recording all play.

Do not proceed to the first or tenth tee without the Starter’s approval.

  • The order of play at the first tee, as well as the start of play on any other hole, shall be determined by the Starter or, in his absence, by the Pro staff. All members of a group must be present and announce themselves to the Starter prior to requesting their names be entered into the Starter’s play sheet which will determine the order of play. During peak periods on weekends and holidays, twosomes will not be recognized by the Starter.
  • Cutting-in is not permitted. Players wishing to start on any hole other than the first hole must receive prior permission from the Starter. Members who are directed to the tenth tee must proceed there immediately if the Starter directs a match to the tenth tee. If a match, already on the course, completes the ninth hole and arrives at the tenth tee before the interceding match has left the tenth tee, the interceding match must immediately allow the other match to play through.
  • Groups that have played the back nine first, coming off the18th green, shall have preference on the first tee as follows: The group clearing the 18th green must report to the Starter who will then alternate those foursomes that are beginning the first hole with those that are coming off the 18th green based on two (2) groups from the 18th green to one (1) new group beginning on tee #1. Tournament matches coming off the 18th green have priority when playing extra holes to complete their match.
  • “Between Nines” Rules: A match stopping at the clubhouse between nines, for any reason, must occupy the next tee before the following match arrives at the tee, or lose their position. Those foursomes stopping for lunch between nines, or otherwise spending a considerable time between nines, must report to the Starter before resuming play.
  • Golfers may carry their own bags any day the course is open after 1:00 p.m. if no caddies are available.
  • Golfers may use their own pull carts during off peak season (November 1 - March 31) when golf course conditions do not permit the use of electric carts.


III. Golf Play


The USGA Rules of Golf govern all play unless modified by local rules, which are posted at the Pro Shop. Each Member is responsible for his/her knowledge of the rules. Requests for any rules interpretation should be referred to the Golf Professional. Local rules are posted in the golf center, locker rooms and on the back of the scorecards.

Breach of a Local Rule results in:
  • Match play - loss of hole
  • Stroke play - two stroke penalty

Winter Rules: When posted at the Pro Shop, winter rules, while not officially recognized by the USGA, will allow the player to mark, lift, clean and place his ball provided it lies in the fairway on the hole being played.

Tournament Play: Please do not sign-up for tournaments if you can not commit to the entire tournament.

Tournament Withdrawal: Failure to call the Club, Pro Shop or otherwise notify the Tournament Committee as to why you must withdraw from a Tournament may result in suspension of tournament playing privileges.

IV. Conduct on the Golf Course
  1. Please avoid slow play. An 18-hole round of golf should be completed in four hours or less and within fifteen minutes of the group in front of you. Any group playing slowly must give way to faster groups allowing them to play through. Chronic slow play is a problem for everyone and all Members and guests should make every effort to keep play moving.
  2. The use of cell phones is prohibited on the golf course, the golf pro shop, midway house, putting green and driving range.
  3. Please observe posted restrictions on all practice areas and the golf course.
  4. Replace all divots in fairways, on tees, and in the rough.
  5. Repair pitch marks (yours and others) on the greens.
  6. Use cart paths whenever possible. Keep carts no closer than 30 feet from greenside bunkers, tees and greens and other sensitive areas. Obey the green stakes.
  7. Do not drive carts over cart path curbs. 
  8. Pick up broken tees and other debris and deposit them in the proper receptacles. 
  9. Report any infractions or violations to the Golf Professional or his staff. 
  10. A single player has no standing and should give way to matches of any kind (USGA Rules, Sect. 1, Etiquette)
V. Lightning Warning System

Immediately following the 15 second blast, all golfers are required to leave the course. Safety protocol dictates that there will be no exceptions to this rule. Violations of this rule may be followed by suspension of Club privileges. Sporting activities may resume immediately after the "all clear" has been sounded: Three 5 second blasts.

VI. Golf Course Playability and Availability

 

 1. Weather permitting, the golf course is open throughout the year unless subject to closure postings for maintenance and or spraying. The course may be closed at the discretion of the Greens Chairman or Course Superintendent (in their absence, the Assistant Course Superintendent or the Club President, or in their absence, the Golf Professional or the Golf Committee Chairperson) at any time when in their judgment conditions are not suitable for play.

The Golf Center schedule including opening and closing times of the golf course are established by the Golf Committee on a season to season basis. Please refer to the February Newsletter and/or to the Shorehaven website, www/shorehavengc.org for further details and information.

2. Restricted Play Times:

Mondays:
(and days following holidays) The golf course is closed until 3:00 p.m. with availability subject to outings and course maintenance. Call (203) 866-5528 select option 2 for a recorded message indicating golf course availability on Mondays.
Wednesdays:
Reserved for men’s play until 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays:
Reserved for women’s play until 1:30 p.m. with priority being given to the Ladies 18 hole and 9 hole events. The Starter shall have the discretion to allow play by others if the course is open.
Fridays:
The first tee is reserved for the Junior Golf Program, when in session, during July and August, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays:
The restricted period for play will be until 11:30 a.m. on these days. Equal access to the golf course is allowed to the following Members and spouses: 
  • Regular Golf Members
  • Senior Golf Members
  • Honorary Members
  • Junior Members (may not tee off prior to 8:30 a.m.)

 
In addition to the above, the following may play after 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays: 

  • Members' families with golf privileges
  • Limited Golf Members
  • Super Senior Members (After 1:00 p.m.)
  • Twosomes, not permitted to tee off during peak hours, may tee off after 1 p.m. or earlier at the Starter’s discretion.
  • It is requested that twosomes make threesomes or foursomes prior to teeing off in order to avoid unnecessary congestion.
  • Fivesomes and greater can only play as a group after October 31 and prior to April 1.
  • Fivesomes may play during the period April 1 to October 1, after peak play, at the discretion of the golf professional with the intent that no member is sent home without a game.

 
Children of Regular Golf Members

  • Children of Golf Members under the age of 18 are not allowed to play golf except in the company of a Member or upon authorization of the Golf Committee Chairman or the Golf Professional.
  • Children of Golf Members between the ages of 18 and 22 may play, unaccompanied by an adult member, after 11:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays provided they hire a caddy or a cart. They may play on weekends and holidays after 1:00 p.m. without a caddy or a cart. All Shorehaven Rules must be adhered to.

3. Scheduled tournament events take precedent over non-tournament play.

4. Practice is limited to the practice range and the practice putting green.

Practice Range Hours:

The Golf Center schedule including opening and closing times of the driving range are established by the Golf Committee on a season to season basis. Please refer to the February Newsletter and/or to the Shorehaven website, www.shorehavengc.org for further details and information.

VII. Guests

A Regular Golf Member may introduce up to three (3) guests for golf at any time if it does not conflict with scheduled activities. The introduction of more than three (3) guests constitutes an outside party and requires the approval of the Men's Golf Committee. Each Member is responsible for the registration of their guests and is also responsible for their guest’s conduct, attire and expenditures.

Outside parties consisting of more than four (4) foursomes require a written request 45 days prior to the scheduled date. Major outings (100 or more) are limited to Mondays.

A golfing guest is limited to a maximum of seven (7) rounds of golf per year regardless of which Member hosts the individual. A guest may not be introduced more than two times in any given calendar month.

All guests must be registered at the Golf Center and their names entered into the Guest Book prior to play.

Guest Times:

Guest play on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays will be as follows:

  • No guests prior to 10 a.m.
  • One (1) guest allowed after 10 a.m.
  • More than one (1) guest allowed after 1 p.m.
  • July 4th holiday weekend - one guest per day only

Any exceptions must be approved by the Men's Golf Committee Chairman


VIII. Golf Carts:

Carts will be leased on a first come first served basis. NO RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED. Each Member is responsible to sign for the golf cart. If two Members share a cart, it will not be released until both parties have signed for the cart. If the cart includes a guest, the Member must drive and is responsible for any damage which the guest may cause to the cart or the golf course. Absolutely no one under the age of 16 is permitted to drive a cart. Golfers are required to take either a cart or a caddy before 1 p.m.

  • Handicapped golfers may drive anywhere on the golf course, within reason, except wet areas, and within 20 feet of greens by way of the fairway and must exit the greens complexes by the same route.
  • Handicapped golfers must exit and re-enter the Belgian Block cart paths from the designated access areas only. Flags identifying handicapped golfers will be attached to golf carts by the Golf Center staff at the time of play.
  • Carts must be returned to the Golf Center by 8:30 p.m. or other such time as posted by the Golf Professional.
  • Members MUST utilize a caddy or a cart at all times during the months of April through October with the following exceptions:
  • Members may walk after 1 p.m. without using a caddy or cart if no caddies are available.
  • Members may play and carry their own bag prior to 1 p.m., providing there are no caddies available with the payment of a “trail fee” equal to the cart fee.

IX. Caddies:

Caddies are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. At certain times advance reservations are possible and Members should discuss reserva¬tions with the golf staff. The membership is encouraged to support the caddy program. A foursome comprising three (3) or more guests is required to take a forecaddie, if available.

X. Golf Prize Fund:

The prize fund is mandatory for all golfers (except Super Seniors) with a handicap.

XI. “Hole-In-One” Fund

All Golf Members are required to contribute as needed to a “Hole-in-One” Fund. The player making the “Hole-in-One” will be awarded a plaque in commemoration of the event. Members and guests who are present in the clubhouse on the day the “Hole-in-One” is scored will be given one free beverage to celebrate the event which shall not be served until the Member scoring the “Hole-in-One” returns to the clubhouse after completion of play.

XII. Golf Center Hours:

From April 1 to October 31, the Golf Center will be open weekdays at 8 a.m. and Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 7 a.m., except on Mondays when it will be closed. Golf Center closing hours will be at the discretion of the Golf Professional.


XIII. Club Storage:

 
Club storage is mandatory for the Member at an annual fee per bag. Bags, clubs, umbrellas, etc. should be clearly marked with the owner's name for ease of identification. If identification is needed, personalized name tags will be furnished at no charge upon request to the Golf Staff. The bag room closes for the season on December 31.

Members must retrieve their bags prior to that date if they need them over the winter. The Golf Professional will be liable for the loss of, or damage to, clubs stored and has insurance to cover such a loss.

Guest bags should be checked at the Golf Center upon completion of play and picked up on the same day of play or completion of tournament. The Club and the golf staff is not responsible for golf equipment left unattended by visiting players.

XIV. Handicaps:

There is a yearly fee to support the Connecticut State Golf Association and the Metropolitan Golf Association in their computation of the handicap system. Posting of scores begins during the month of April and closes during the month of October.

  1. As in all tournaments, the gross score, not net, is to be recorded on scorecards. Players are responsible for promptly posting their own score after each round in the computer in the Pro Shop or ensuring that someone else has done the posting.
  2. The Men's and Ladies’ Golf Committee will check periodically to determine if all scores are being recorded.
    1. Penalties for failure to post scores will be imposed by the Club Handicap Committee in accordance with the USGA Rules and Regulations.
  3. Scores must be posted, not only for all rounds played at Shorehaven, but also for all rounds played at away courses during the golf season in that state. All tournament scores and qualifying scores must be entered in the computer with the “T”, to signify tournament play. Scores may also be posted via the internet by accessing the GHIN website. 
  4. A player has only one official USGA GHIN handicap and only by posting all scores, both home and away, can this one official handicap be considered accurate. Members who belong to more than one club and have more than one handicap, must play at the lower of these two handicaps! 
  5. When scores are posted with the official scorer for all ABCD Shotguns, Governors' Cup, President's Cup, Championship, Senior Championship, Weekend Tournaments, etc., attested score cards are to be turned in at the official score table.

Handicap Policy: The following table will set the maximum hole score for “Equitable Scoring Control” (ESC) purposes: 

Course Handicap   Max. Score Posted on Any Hole
9 or less   Double Bogie 
10 through 19     7 
20 through 29    8
30 through 39    9 
40 and above    10
 
Example: A player whose handicap Index is 21.6 plays a course with a Slope Rating of 120, which gives the player a Course Handicap of 23. Under the new ESC procedure, the maximum score that the player is allowed to post on any hole is 8. There is no limit to the number of holes on which the player may have to reduce his/her score to 8 during the round.

If you have any questions, ask one of the assistant pros in the Golf Center.

Handicap System: A United States Golf Association Handicap is mandatory for each golfing Member. At two week intervals during the season an updated handicap will be posted from scores submitted by Members on GHIN computers located in the Golf Center and Clubhouse. GHIN USGA Handicap System allows Members to enter their gross scores at any club on the system and have their handicap automatically updated in the system.

Mixed Foursomes and Twilights: Participants are asked to keep their handicaps current. To be eligible for 18 hole mixed tournaments, an established 18 hole handicap is required (5 rounds of 18 holes is required to establish an 18-hole handicap). For Twilight Events, either an 18 hole course handicap is allowed or 9 holers may play to a maximum 36 nine hole course handicap.