The Golf Course Components

On-Course Management

Pro Shop

When you report to the golf course, if you are not a member, you will normally be required to pay for the game at the Pro Shop. Please note that you will still be required to check in with the Starter (see Below).

Officials

All golf courses appoint certain officials to ensure that the golf play is conducted in a harmonious and respectful manner. There are usually two types of officials - the starter and the course marshal(s).

Starter (One per course)
The role of the Starter is to make sure that players with a designated tee-off time (tee time) start on time. He will also fit in players with no tee time as space becomes available. Players are expected to check in with the Starter a certain number of minutes ahead of their designated tee time (usually 15 minutes minimum). When arranging for a tee time at a strange club, you should always determine ahead of time what the check-in time is. If you are late to check in, you could lose your tee time, and not be permitted to play, or at least be moved to a later tee time. The starter will also confirm that players are either club members or have paid their green fees.

Marshal (One or more)
The role of the Marshal is to ensure that play on the golf course flows smoothly and without undue delay. He also ensures that course rules are complied with. Marshals are normally given the authority to eject players for unacceptable behavior. They may also check to ensure that players are either members or have paid for the round (game).

Pace of play
You are normally expected to maintain a steady pace of play. The expected pace of play is usually four hours (or four hours fifteen minutes). Under special situations (tournaments, beginners, etc) this pace may be modified. Regardless, slow play is not encouraged. The rule of thumb is that you should always keep up with the foursome ahead of you.

The Golf Course Structure

The following picture is illustrative of the structure of a single golf hole. All golf holes will be similar but of different lengths and proportions. Holes may or may not have every feature shown. You should refer to this during the discussion that follows. Please note that the rules applying to each of the hole components have not been included in this section. "They will be found in the Playing The Game" and "Golf Rules" sections (both currently under construction).

Hazards

There are three principal types of hazards on the golf course - water, bunkers/sand traps, and Out of Bounds.

WATER HAZARDS

Water hazards are divided into two types and the rules that apply to each type differ. A water hazard includes the water, any ground along the shoreline, and the yellow or red line marking the boundary of the hazard.

Water Hazards
Water hazards are those areas of water that generally cross the hole being played on the golf course, forcing the player to hit over the water hazard. They are marked with yellow stakes. They are normally also marked with a yellow line.

Lateral Water Hazards
Lateral water hazards are those areas of water that are adjacent to the hole being played. They are marked with red stakes. They are normally also marked with a red line.

BUNKERS/SAND TRAPS

Fairway Bunkers
Fairway Bunkers, as indicated by their name, are found either on the side of the fairway or, in unusual cases, in the middle of the fairway. If on the side of the fairway, they often obtrude into the fairway, thus narrowing the fairway at that point. They can also be in the rough totally off the fairway.

Greenside Bunkers
Greenside bunkers are found in spots around the green. They can also be doubled so that there are two successive bunkers to get over to reach the green.

Out Of Bounds

Out of Bounds areas are generally identified by white stakes, and will usually be on the periphery of a hole (as shown in the diagram ).

To go to The Fairway click here

To go to The Green click here

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