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The Lora Bay Golf Club Information, Policies, Procedures, Rules of Play and Etiquette

Play of Golf is governed by the RCGA Rules of Golf and the Lora Bay Golf Club
(the “Club”) Information, Policies, Procedures, Rules of Play and Etiquette
(as may be amended from time to time). To ensure excellent playing conditions for all golfers, each player/guest is respectfully requested to repair ball marks, replace or fill divots, and rake bunkers.

The Golf Shop

The Golf Shop, an integral part of the Club’s services, provides guests with a complete and competitive range of golf services. The Head Golf Professional, Assistant Golf Professionals, and Golf Shop staff are available to assist with golf events, administer clinics and lessons, transport and clean clubs and provide advice about the game of golf.

Starter and Marshal Duties

The Starter is responsible for greeting guests as they arrive at the first tee. The Starter will explain any special circumstances the golfers may encounter on the golf course, the pin placements and cart rules for the day, pace of play expectations, and any other course and Club information. The Starter will instruct golfers when it is time to tee off and may hold groups back until the group ahead is well on their way. Players shall observe and abide by the Starter’s direction.


The Marshal is responsible for maintaining the appropriate pace of play on the golf course. The Marshal is charged with a clear and specific duty and we require that players/guests always follow and respect their instructions. Players shall observe and abide by the Marshal’s direction.


When the Marshal is concerned with the pace of play of a group, a verbal warning will be given to remind them of the pace of play parameters. Should the group not make up time within the next 30 minutes, the group will be reminded and followed by the Marshal for the next 15 minutes. Should the group still not make up time, the Marshal has the authority to escort the group to the spot on the Golf Course where they should be in line with the Club’s suggested pace of play.


Questions regarding the duties and authority of Marshal shall be directed to the Head Golf Professional or management.

Practicing


  • Players must refrain from practicing on the golf course. Practice facilities are available at the Club for all aspects of your game, and these are the only areas to be used for practice.
  • The practice facility may be closed for general maintenance at the Club’s discretion.
  • Practice balls are for use on the practice facility only and shall not be removed from the practice facility or used on the golf course.
  • Golf carts are not permitted on practice tee decks. Parking of golf carts is allowed in designated areas.
  • Balls must be hit from designated areas only. No hitting is permitted from the rough or sides of the practice range.
  • Proper golf attire is required at all times on the practice range.
  • Lessons by unauthorized professionals are strictly prohibited.

Power Carts

At the discretion of Management of the Club power carts are permitted to travel preferably on the fairway and avoid the rough when possible. This is known as a “scatter” cart rule. Players/guests are required to stay on the paths on all par 3’s, when at tee decks and at the greens. Signage in front of the greens in the fairway indicate the point at which carts are required to return to the cart path. On wet condition days (cart path rule), power carts shall be driven on the cart path only.


  • Power carts shall be kept in proper distance from greens, tees and traps. Players/guests are expected to exercise common sense at all times when using golf carts.
  • Golf carts shall not be used by a member or guest on the golf course or club facilities without proper assignment and registration in the Golf Shop.
  • Golf carts may only be used on the golf course when the course is open for play.
  • Golf carts may only be operated by persons of at least sixteen (16) years of age having a valid automobile driver’s license.
  • Only two persons and two sets of golf clubs are permitted per golf cart.
  • The Club is not liable for property damage or bodily injury sustained by the occupants.
  • Operation of a golf cart is at the risk of the operator. Persons who are or appear to be legally intoxicated shall not operate a golf cart. Cost of repair to a golf cart which is damaged by a guest/player shall be charged to the guest/player. Each guest of the Club shall be held fully responsible for any and all damages, including damages to the golf cart, that are caused by the misuse of the golf cart by the member, his or her family members or guests of the Club, and shall reimburse the Club and/or any operator of the Club for any and all damages the Club may sustain by reason of misuse.
  • Each guest accepts and assumes all responsibility for liability connected with operation of the golf cart. The guest also expressly indemnifies and agrees to hold harmless the indemnified parties from any and all damages, whether direct or consequential, arising from or related to the guest, a family member of the guests’ use and operation of the golf cart. Any damage to any power cart however caused shall be reported to the Golf Shop immediately.
  • “Course closed” or “hole closed” signs shall be adhered to without exception.
  • Violations of the golf cart rules may result in immediate loss of golf cart privileges and/or playing privileges.
  • Please use extreme caution at all times, especially on steep hills, sharp turns, crossing bridges, high traffic areas and wet conditions.
  • The Management of the Club have sole discretion and authority regarding the use of golf carts during adverse weather or course conditions. The Starter will indicate the golf cart rules for the day.
  • Do not drive golf carts through long grass or ungroomed areas.

Power Cart Occupants Shall:

  • Remain seated when the cart is in motion
  • Keep arms, legs and feet inside the cart
  • Drive slowly on turns and on slopes
  • Set parking brake each time before leaving the cart

Pull Carts

The Club provides complimentary use of pull carts to guests, available on a first come, first served basis. Please see the Golf Shop or Starter for details.


Please keep pull carts away from greens and tee areas at all times.

Care of the Course

A player shall immediately replace divots and/or press down the turf that was cut or displaced when possible. Before leaving a bunker players/guests are expected to smooth over all holes and footprints. Damage to the putting green made by a ball or player must be carefully repaired.


In taking practice swings, players must avoid causing damage to the course, particularly the tees, by removing divots.


Players shall ensure that when putting down bags or the flagstick, no damage is done to the putting green. Care must be taken when handling the flagstick, replacing the flagstick and removing the ball from the hole. Do not drag feet on greens.

Pace of Play

A round of golf at the Club is expected to be completed in four (4) hours and thirty (30) minutes or less. To increase the enjoyment of your round, and to help ensure the pace of play standard is met, regular tee time intervals are at ten minutes.


Please respect faster groups by allowing them to play through. Please be courteous if you are following a slower group, and always be prepared to play through immediately if invited to do so by the group ahead.


  • The allotted amount of time of 4 hours and 30 minutes is provided in order for all players keep pace with the group ahead. If your group falls one complete hole behind the group ahead, you will be required to skip the open hole and move without delay to the tee following the open hole. It is each group’s responsibility to be observant of its position on the course and keep pace. It is also the responsibility of all groups to freely advise less observant groups, if the pace of play is adversely affected by them. The Marshall has the authority to keep play moving at the proper pace for all players’ enjoyment. Players unable to keep proper pace may be requested to leave the course, without refund.
  • If a player is repeatedly warned for slow play, the Club may take such action as it deems appropriate, including without limitation, restricting the person’s use of the golf course during certain times of day.
  • Matches or special event rounds have NO priority on the course and must maintain the pace of play.
  • Providing it is safe to play, the Club endorses “ready golf”. It is not necessary to wait for the player with the honour of “farthest from the hole” or “first to tee off” to play, if doing so would slow up the group.
  • It is the responsibility of all golfers to maintain their pace of play. The position of the group behind you has no bearing on your group’s pace of play. Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through, as soon as it becomes apparent the ball will not easily be found. Their search should not last more than three minutes.
  • When the play of a hole is complete, all players should immediately clear the putting green and mark their scorecards at the next tee.

Course Etiquette

All players using the golf course should do their part to make a round of golf a pleasant experience for everyone at The Club. Players shall:


  • Arrive at the first tee at least 20 minutes before your scheduled tee time.
  • When playing a Club match, you are still subject to the Pace of Play guidelines.
  • Respect all guests, members, and staff at all times on the golf course.
  • A single player has no standing and must give way to or join any group of two or three following players.
  • In the interest of all, players should play without delay.
  • At all times, anticipate the club or clubs you may need for your next shot, and go directly to your ball. Always be near your ball to play promptly when it is your turn. If a player is delayed in making his shot, it is courteous for such player to indicate to another player to play, which should not be deemed playing out of turn.
  • The time required to “hole out” on and around the green is a chief cause of slow play. Study and clear the line of your putt while others are doing the same. Be ready to putt when it is your turn.
  • When approaching a green, park your golf cart on the cart path on the best direct line to the next tee; this will save significant time. Do not leave the golf cart in front of the green you are playing, such that the group behind must wait while you leave the hole after putting out.
  • When play of a hole is completed, leave the green promptly and proceed to the next tee without delay. Record the scoring for the completed hole while the others in your group are playing from the next tee.
  • If you are not holding your place on the course (please see Pace of Play section herein), allow the players behind to play through. Do the same if you stop to search for a lost ball.
  • If a player believes his/her ball may be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds, to save time, he/she should play a provisional ball.
  • The Marshal will report slow play and all breaches of golf etiquette to the Golf Shop. Appropriate action will be taken by the Head Golf Professional and/or his/her designate.
  • All players are respectfully asked to abide by etiquette policies as instructed by The Club staff, including but not limited to, safe golf cart operation, pace of play, responsible alcohol consumption and generally accepted golf behavior.
  • Any player(s) found in violation of our etiquette policies will be removed from the facility without refund.

Dress and Style Code

The way we dress reflects directly on the image of The Club. We recognize and appreciate the game of golf is steeped in tradition, and we wish to honour that by our dress or “Style” guidelines and code.


General Attire – It is expected that members will choose to dress in a fashion befitting the surroundings and atmosphere provided in the setting of The Club. The Club may publish dress requirements from time to time. Guests/players are requested to dress in a fashion compatible with the appropriate occasion. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times when on Club Facilities.


Golf Attire – The Golf Shop and PGA and LPGA tours tend to reflect what is deemed appropriate golf attire. Current styles and trends lean more towards fashion and comfort. As a guideline for men, golf or dress slacks, Bermuda length shorts, mock neck shirts, golf shirts and tailored shirts are welcome; for ladies, golf skorts or shorts, dress shorts or slacks, golf shirts, blouses and golf skirts and Capri pants are acceptable. Cargo pants/shorts with exterior pockets, spandex and other tight fitting garments such as bicycle wear do not meet our style code.


In honour of our relaxed atmosphere, properly tailored and fitting jean pants are allowed in the Clubhouse, but never on the golf course or practice facilities, including the driving range, short game area, and practice greens.


This dress code is mandatory for all players. Improperly dressed golfers shall be asked to change before playing. All golfers using the course or practice facilities are required to be in proper attire and footwear. Golfers who are not in proper attire/footwear will be asked to change into or purchase proper attire/footwear at The Golf Shop. The Style Code also applies to any children.


Players/Guests are asked to remove hats while seated in the indoor dining areas of the Clubhouse.


Please ask the Golf Shop staff for more information if you are unsure of what is acceptable.

Lightning and Temporary Course Closure

For the safety of guests/players, the Golf Shop will suspend play if lightning has been detected or may be probable in the area. A horn will sound in one long tone, which will indicate potential danger to golfers and signal an immediate return by all golfers to the Clubhouse. Low points on the golf course will be the safest if you are unable to return to the Clubhouse. If it is safe to do so, employees will also do their best to transport walking golfers back to the Clubhouse.


Players shall not resume play or practice until the “Return to Course” signal has been given, which is given by horn as three short tones.


Any guest who refuses the direction of a Club employee to vacate the golf course or practice areas will be subject to reprimand, including, but not limited to, disqualification from any event being played or suspension of golf course privileges. Management of the Club have the authority and full support of the Club to issue immediate suspensions of golf privileges.

Wireless Communication Devices

The Club recognizes that wireless communication devices (WCD’s) are very much a part of everyone’s lives. We also recognize the importance of being able to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings the Club offers. While on Club property, please ensure all WCD’s are switched to vibrate or silent mode only. Email and text messaging functions may be used anywhere on Club property.


Cellular phone use on Club property is permitted. We ask that when WCD’s are turned on to please be on vibrate ringer only. At all times cellular phone use or equivalent shall not interfere with the quiet enjoyment of other guests on the golf course, at the practice facilities, and at the Clubhouse.

Parking

Please park in the designated parking areas only and refrain from parking in the Clubhouse entrance and service areas. These areas are reserved for cart use, shuttle service, and delivery and emergency vehicles.

Children

Children are always welcome at the Club. We ask that all children, unless guests are between ages 13 to 18, be accompanied by an Adult. All Guests including children must adhere to the Club’s Style Code and conduct guidelines at all times.

Health, Safety and Emergencies

The Club’s Health and Safety Committee is committed to the well-being of our guests and employees. We have trained a number of key personnel in First Aid and CPR so we are better able to react to emergency situations. Part of our Emergency Response Plan includes an external defibrillator, which is a machine used to help restart hearts that have gone into cardiac arrest. This is located immediately inside the front door of the Clubhouse.


In the case of an emergency or accident, please alert an employee of the Club immediately. Should circumstances require trained emergency professionals, please call 911 directly unless you are certain an employee of the Club has already done so. Depending on the situation, trained staff will head directly to the scene with equipment. Please note: The use of a cell phone to call 911 does not identify the caller’s location. Emergency 911 calls should be made from a Club telephone whenever possible. If using a cell phone for an on-course emergency, call the Golf Shop at 519.599.7500 ext 407.


Always alert a Club employee if you observe a potentially unsafe situation. Please do not enter into a potentially dangerous situation yourself or ask an employee to do so.


Please inform the Club in advance of any allergies you may have, so as to avoid any allergic reaction while at the Club.


The Club shall not be held responsible for any injury or illness however caused while on the Club property.

Standards of Conduct

Guests of the Club are expected to respect and adhere to the Club’s general standards of conduct, as follows:


  • Maintain courteous relations with the Club, employees, members and other
  • Uphold the highest standards of personal conduct so as to reflect the image and stature of the Club.
  • Familiarize themselves with, and abide by, the spirit and letter of rules and regulations of the Club.
  • Treat the golf course, Clubhouse, and all the Club facilities with respect and care.
  • Guests are responsible for their own conduct and for the conduct of their group’s guests’ conduct. Any guest whose conduct may be deemed by the Club to be likely to endanger the welfare, safety, or good reputation of the Club or its members and employees, or is otherwise improper, may be reprimanded, fined, suspended or terminated by the Club. The Club shall be the sole judge of what constitutes improper conduct, which may include but is not limited to, without limitation:
  • abusive behavior towards other members, guests, or the Club employees,
  • acting in a manner incompatible with the Club Information, Policies, Procedures, Rules of Play and Etiquette or which would likely injure the reputation of the members or guests of the Club,
  • disregarding the instructions of the Starter and/or Marshal and all other golf staff,
  • acting disrespectfully towards any member, guest or Club employee,
  • power cart or pull cart misuse,
  • abuse of any aspect of the golf course access rules and procedures, including reservation privileges,
  • dress code violations,
  • disregard for the etiquette and rules of golf,
  • disregard of the rules and regulations of the Club,
  • disregard of the golf practice range rules and etiquette,
  • causing intentional or reckless damage to the golf course/golf facilities,
  • failure to maintain a reasonable pace of play,
  • failure to follow the rules regarding the lightning warning system.

Conduct of a guest that is detrimental to the best interests of the Club will be immediately referred to ownership and/or the Management of the Club.


Any guest/player(s) found in violation the Club Information, Policies, Procedures, Rules of Play and Etiquette, will be removed from the facility and/or the Club without refund.


To ensure camaraderie within the Club and for the orderly management of the Club’s golf facilities, it is essential for each guest to follow the Club Information, Policies, Procedures, Rules of Play and Etiquette. Each guest must act respectfully towards other guests and towards staff. A sensible golf discipline policy is important in this context.

Employees

The Club is committed to the well-being and dignity of its entire staff and respects their right to work in an environment that is free of harassment. Guests shall not reprimand employees or discuss the Club affairs with any employee. Complaints and concerns shall be directed in writing to Management of the Club.

Alcohol

The Club is licensed under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). In compliance with our Liquor License under the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), any person(s) found with or consuming alcohol not purchased from The Club will be removed from the facility without refund. Person(s) deemed by The Club to be intoxicated will also be removed from the facility without refund.

Pets

Save and except as permitted by law, pets are not permitted in any Club buildings or the Club property at any time.

No Smoking Policy

All buildings at the Club are smoke-free.

Loss of Property and Damage

The Club shall not be responsible for any losses or damages to property or personal effects of guests in, on or about the Club property, or any losses, damages or injury (personal or otherwise) sustained by any members or guests in, on or about the Club premises. Guests are solely responsible for their own insurance coverage for all personal items. Any damage caused by guests to third parties or properties adjacent to the Club shall be the sole responsibility of that guest.

Operating Policies and Procedures

The Club reserves the right, with or without notice, to add, delete, change, or modify its operating policies and procedures at any time, in the best interests of the Club.


Any guest/player(s) found in violation the Club Information, Policies, Procedures, Rules of Play and Etiquette, will be removed from the facility and/or the Club without refund.