Golf & Country Club De Palingbeek highly values respect for rules and etiquette.

1. Local Rules

Internal Out of Bounds (Rule 18.2): You must apply the out of bounds rule.

• When playing hole 5: Ball on the fairway, the surround, or the green of hole 7 is out of bounds.
• When playing hole 10: Ball on or to the right of the fairway of hole 1 is out of bounds.
• When playing holes 10, 11, 14, or 15: If your ball flies over the road and comes to rest on another hole, it is out of bounds.

Relief from abnormal course conditions by taking a free drop (Rule 16.1)

• Play prohibited: Ball on a winter green or in an area marked with blue stakes or a white line.
• Play or free drop allowed: Ball in a drainage or ventilation trench or in a lava stone-covered area.

The following objects are defined as immovable obstructions (Rule 16.1) and may not be removed. Free drop is allowed if they interfere with stance or swing:

• Distance markers at 100m (red) and 150m (yellow) from the center of the green.
• Stakes, whether or not connected to trees.

Info: Distance markers in the center of the fairway indicate 200m (white), 150m (yellow), 100m (red), and 50m (blue) from the front of the green.

E.S.A. – Environmentally Sensitive Areas (protection of wild orchids)

• Marked by blue stakes with green tops.
• Strictly prohibited to enter.
• Free drop must be taken (Rule 16.1).
• Apply Rule 17.1 if the E.S.A. is in a penalty area – drop with one penalty stroke.
• Apply Rule 18.2 (out of bounds rule) if the E.S.A. is in internal out of bounds – return to previous stroke with one penalty stroke.

Temporary Local Rules: See the information board near the practice green.

Penalties for violating local rules:

• 2 penalty strokes (stroke play)
• Loss of hole (match play)

2. Etiquette

Etiquette concerns safety on the course, normal pace of play, care for the course, and social behavior.

All players on the course must carry the following: enough golf balls and tees, a pitchfork, a pencil or pen, and a copy of the Rules of Golf.

In line with R&A guidelines, ‘Ready Golf’ is encouraged to avoid slow play. Ready golf means you play when you are ready, as long as it’s safe. It’s not about who is furthest from the hole, but who is ready to play first.

• It applies to stroke play and stableford, not match play, and helps speed up the game. A round played with ready golf is significantly faster than waiting for the farthest player each time.

Marshals are appointed by the club and are authorized to take necessary action to prevent slow play and etiquette violations. Their instructions must be followed, as well as those from Starters and members of the Sports Committee.

Tips to speed up play and maintain etiquette:

• Don’t delay other players (play a provisional ball if your ball might be lost, place your bag on the correct side of the green, etc.).
• Repair pitch marks, rake bunkers, and replace and press down divots.
• Be ready. Don’t waste time between shots – be prepared before you reach your ball.
• Use a short pre-shot routine – one practice swing and a shot should take no longer than 30 seconds.
• Provisional ball – play one if your ball may be lost or out of bounds.
• Think ahead – place your bag on the side of the green that leads to the next tee.
• Keep pace with the group in front. If you lose a hole, allow the group behind to play through and signal them to do so.
• Watch each other’s shots – it saves time searching for balls.
• Leave the green first, mark scores on the next tee.
• Avoid distractions – mute your phone and check messages after your round.
• Be ready to putt – read the green from a distance as you approach, and refine your read while others putt.
• Wait to play until others are out of range.
• Always shout “Fore!” loudly if a ball is heading in the wrong direction – even if you’re unsure whether people are in the area.
• Stand safely when others are hitting. More experienced players should not walk too far ahead when playing with beginners.
• Right of way – Greenkeepers always have priority. Wait for their signal before playing.

3. Dress Code

Standards of decency and proper appearance:

• Collared polo shirts are required. Sleeveless polos are permitted.
• Long trousers, skirts, or bermuda shorts. No short shorts allowed.
• Jeans, tracksuits, and jogging outfits are not allowed.
• Socks or stockings are mandatory.
• Caps/hats are not allowed inside the clubhouse.
• Juniors (under 18) may play in neat jeans and a t-shirt.