General
All golfers should conduct themselves in a respectable and responsible manner, consistent with the accepted standards for playing golf. They should demonstrate courtesy, sportsmanship and observe the spirit of the game by showing consideration to other players at all times.
Guests are the responsibility of the player whose concession has been used by the guest. The player must accompany the guest round the course. It is the responsibility of the season ticket holder to ensure that all those playing in their group have paid the appropriate fee.
Mobile phones should be switched off or made silent on the courses.
Safety
The Carnoustie Golf Courses are public land and are available for use as such. Please be aware of members of the public such as dog walkers or cyclists who may be endangered by a stray shot.
Player’s should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.
Wait until the players in front are out of range. Players should always alert greenstaff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them.
If your ball is heading in a direction where there is a danger of it hitting someone, shout a warning immediately. The traditional word of warning is “fore!”.
Pace of Play
Players should play “Ready Golf” when appropriate. “Ready Golf” is a term used to indicate that players should play when they are ready to do so, rather than adhering strictly to the “farthest from the hole plays first” stipulation in the rules of golf.
It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If a group loses a clear hole and is delaying a group behind, they should invite the group behind to play through. Where a group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can play faster, they should invite the group behind to play through. The term “group” includes a single player.
If a player believes their ball may be lost or out of bounds, they should play a provisional ball to save time. As soon as it becomes apparent that the ball may be difficult to find, the preceding group should be waived through.
Players may be required, if asked by the Pro Shop staff to carry an electronic Tagmarshal tracking tag to monitor their position on the course.
Care of the Courses
Pitch marks and divots
Greens staff can be greatly assisted in maintaining the excellent condition for which Carnoustie Golf Links is renowned by repairing pitch marks on arriving at a green and replacing divots following a stroke. Please make sure you have a pitch mark tool before you begin your round.
Bunkers
Before leaving a bunker, please smooth over the sand using the rake provided, sweeping the sand towards the face. The rake should be left in the sand with the handle resting on the rim at the side of the bunker.
Greens
In addition to pitch mark repairs, please take care of the greens and holes by not placing bags on the greens, leaning on clubs or taking trollies across the greens. Take care when replacing the flagstick and do not use a club to extricate the ball from the hole as this could cause damage.
Please observe all notices, wherever they are on the course, regulating the movement of traffic and golf trolleys.
Dress code
Golf shirts must be either collared shirts or otherwise recognised golfing attire. T-shirts, football shirts and any shirts carrying slogans, numbers or non-golfing related illustrations, are not permitted.
Trousers and shorts must be tailored. Blue denim, paramilitary, or track suits are not permitted.
All recognised golfing headgear is acceptable.
Dress code does not apply to Juvenile golfers except for no blue denim.
Disciplinary Action
Whilst any breach of the above Code of Conduct may lead to disciplinary action, the following behaviour will be immediately referred for action:
- If a player conducts themselves in a violent, abusive or intimidating manner towards fellow players, members of the public or Carnoustie Golf Links staff
- Violation or blatant disregard of the rules of CGL or any regulations made pursuant to them
- Deliberately causing serious damage to a putting green
- Disagreeing with the course setup and taking it on himself or herself to move tee-markers or boundary stakes
- Any form of vulgar or offensive language
- A player found to be under the influence of drugs on the Carnoustie Golf Links courses
Conclusion
It is our intention that everyone who has the fortune to play any of the Carnoustie Golf Courses, truly enjoys their round, whether it be as a season ticket holder, guest or visitor. This Code of Conduct is intended to ensure that this is the case for both the occasional and regular player.