Rules & Etiquette

 

LOCAL RULES

See the local rules card below.

Conduct expected of all members
There are three basic principles players are expected to adopt -

  • Act with integrity - follow the rules, apply the penalties and be honest in all aspects of play
  • Show consideration to others - pace of play, safety of others, (shout ‘fore’) and don’t distract other players
  • Take good care of the course - replace divots (but not on tee boxes), smooth bunkers, including your own footprints, repair ball marks and don’t cause unnecessary damage.

B&MGC operate a Disciplinary Procedure, should the need arise.

 

DRESS CODE

As Blackwood Golf Centre is a pay and play facility there is no formal dress code, however, as B&MGC is affiliated to Golf Ireland it is expected that members and guests adhere to its dress code.

Golf clubs in Ireland generally require smart golf attire on the course and in the clubhouse, mirroring the standards set by Golf Ireland. This typically includes collared shirts, or golf shirts, tailored shorts or pants, and appropriate footwear. Denim wear, track suits, and sports or beachwear are generally not permitted.

On the Course:

      • Smart golf attire: This usually means collared shirts, polo shirts, or similar
      • Tailored shorts: While shorts are often allowed, they should be tailored and not sports shorts
      • Socks: sports socks are acceptable
      • No denim: Jeans are typically not allowed on the course
      • No sports or beach wear: Items like football jerseys, tracksuits, or beachwear are generally not permitted.

 

CONDUCT

Golf is about trust and self assessment, but don’t get caught out.

The rules of golf are available as an app to download to your mobile.

R&A Download via Google Play or the Apple App Store. 

 

 

PENALTY AREAS AND OUT OF BOUNDS

Option

Penalty Area - Red Stakes

Penalty Area - Yellow Stakes

Out of Bounds - White Stakes
Play the ball as it lies –
0 penalty		 ✓ ✓ ⛌
Stroke and Distance relief –
1 penalty		 ✓ ✓ ✓
Back on the line –
1 penalty		 ✓ ✓ ⛌
Lateral relief (2 club lengths from where the ball entered the penalty area) –
1 penalty		 ✓ ⛌ ⛌
Any part of the ball touching the line, ball is considered to be in the penalty area Any part of the ball touching the line, ball is considered to be in the penalty area If any part of the ball on the boundary line is course side, the ball is considered not out of bounds.
Red stake can be removed if it impedes your swing, stance or ball. Relace stake when done Yellow stake can be removed if it impedes your swing, stance or ball. Relace stake when done White stake cannot be removed.

 

RELIEF FROM RED PENALTY AREA

When it is known or virtually certain that a ball is in a red penalty area and the player wishes to take relief, the player has three options, each for one penalty stroke. The player may:

  1. Take stroke-and-distance relief by playing a ball from a relief area based on where the previous stroke was made.
  2. Take back-on-the-line relief by dropping a ball outside the penalty area, keeping point X between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped.
  3. Take lateral relief (red penalty area only). The reference point for taking relief is point X, and a ball must be dropped in and played from the two club-length relief area, which is no nearer the hole than point X.

 

RELIEF FROM YELLOW PENALTY AREA

When it is known or virtually certain that a ball is in a yellow penalty area and the player wishes to take relief, the player has two options, each for one penalty stroke. The player may:

  1. Take stroke-and-distance relief by playing a ball from a relief area based on where the previous stroke was made.
  2. Take back-on-the-line relief by dropping a ball outside the penalty area, keeping point X between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped.

 

BALL IN BOUNDS OR OUT OF BOUNDS

A ball is out of bounds only when all of it is outside the boundary edge of the course. The diagram above provides an example of when a ball is in bounds and out of bounds.:

150 Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor, BT19 1GB

blackwoodmaheegc@gmail.com