Rules & Regulations

BALLANTRAE GOLF CLUB
2 0 12   R U L E S   A N D   R E G U L A T I O N S
 

• Ballantrae Golf Club (“the Club”) is owned and operated by The City of Pelham and hereby
adopts the following Rules and Regulations (“Regulations”) under which the operations of
the Club will be governed. The Regulations have been established to ensure the enjoyment,
safety, and protection of the Members and Guests of the Club and to assure orderly and
enjoyable play on the golf course. The Club reserves the right to cancel or modify such
rules and regulations whenever it deems necessary. It is the duty of all Members and
Guests to familiarize themselves with these rules.

G E N E R A L   R U L E S,   R E G U L A T I O N S   &   P O L I C I E S
 

• Hours of Operation. Operating hours of the Club will be determined by the Club and will be
set with the sole purpose of serving the Members and Guests in mind.

• Sale of Goods. No articles of any kind shall be exposed for sale on Club property and no
subscription papers shall be circulated nor advertisements displayed, except those
pertaining to items available to the Members in the Clubhouse and Golf Pro Shop.

• Children. Except as otherwise stated herein, all children under the age of 10 must be
accompanied by an adult at all times when the child is practicing at the practice facility.
The adult is responsible at all times for the behavior and safety of the child. Children must
be 7 years old to be on the golf course. Children ages 7 to 9 may play golf on the golf
course if they are currently enrolled in the Ballantrae Junior Golf Program or have the
approval of a Ballantrae PGA Professional and must be accompanied by an adult at all
times. Children 10 years of age and older may play on the golf course and must be
accompanied by an adult at all times while on the golf course until they are 13 years old.

• Adult shall mean a person 21 years of age or older.

• Non-Smoking Facility. The Ballantrae clubhouse is a non-smoking facility.

• Conduct. Good conduct must be observed by Members and Guests at all times at the Club.
All Members are responsible for the conduct of their Family and Guests.

• Club Functions. The Club reserves the right to conduct private tournaments and other
functions at the Club from which Members and Guests may be excluded, specifically
tournaments which may be held from time to time to enhance the reputation of the Club.  Guests will respect their positions in this
regard.

• Employees. No Member shall reprimand or in any way abuse an employee of the Club, but
shall report all instances of misconduct or other complaints to the Head Golf Professional or
General Manager. Employees are not permitted to leave their stations, and Members are
requested not to send employees on errands without consulting the appropriate supervisor.
Any employee not rendering courteous and prompt service should be reported to the Head
Golf Professional or General Manager.

• No Liability for Injury or Loss. The Club assumes no liability for injury occurring on the
golf course or any areas of the Club. Members and Guests use the Club facilities at their
own risk, including, but not limited to, during inclement weather and lightning activity. All
persons using or entering the Club premises assume the risk of personal injury and the loss
of personal property and release the Club and its affiliates, management, partners,
shareholders, officers, agents, and employees from any and all liability for such injury and
losses. Members and Guests using a golf cart accept and assume all responsibility for
liability connected with operation of the golf cart. Members and Guests expressly
indemnify and agree to hold harmless the Club and their officers, directors, employees,
affiliates, representatives and agents from any and all damages, whether direct or
consequential, arising from or related to the Members or Guests use and operation of the
golf cart.

• Loss or Damage. Damage to or loss of property of the Club, or of its Members or Guests,
caused by a Member or a Member’s Guest or Family, will be the responsibility of the
Member and shall be charged to the Member. The Club will not be responsible for any loss
of, or injury to, any property of Members or Guests. The Club will not be responsible for
loss of valuables, clothing, golf bags, clubs or other property.

• Equipment. Tampering with or adjusting equipment such as air conditioning, light fixtures
or control of lights is not permitted.

• Parking. Parking will only be allowed in designated areas. Changing of clothes in the
parking lots is not permitted. Lockers are available in the public restrooms and are
designated for this purpose.

• Automobiles. The Club will not be responsible for loss of or damage to any automobile or
motorcycle on Club property.

• Private Social Functions. Private functions must have prior written approval of the General
Manager. Such functions must be of a social or business nature only.

• Alcoholic Beverages. No alcoholic beverages may be consumed on the Club premises,
including the grounds, except those that are provided by the Club. That is to say that
personal coolers and beverages purchased elsewhere are prohibited. Ballantrae staff
reserves the right to confiscate any personal coolers/beverages not purchased at the Club.
These items will be returned to the member/guest after they conclude their round. The
General Manager and staff have the absolute right to refuse service to any Member or Guest
based on the individual’s apparent state of intoxication.

• Advertising. Commercial advertising shall not be posted or circulated on the Club property
nor shall any business be solicited on the Club premises. No petitions shall be originated,
solicited, circulated, posted or signed on the Club premises, unless specifically approved by
the General Manager.

• Professionals. Only professionals employed by the Club may teach on the Club premises.

• Pets. Pets will not be allowed in the Clubhouse, on the grounds, or on the golf course.
Members are responsible for damage caused by an animal owned by the Member or under
the Member's control.

• Americans with Disabilities Act. The Club will comply in all respects with pertinent
applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Notices. Only notices covering Club business shall be posted. Removal or defacement may
be cause for suspension or termination of Membership.

• Amendments. These rules and regulations may be amended, supplemented, or changed in
any regard at any time by The City of Pelham.

G E N E R A L      G O L F      R U L E S
 

• The Rules of Golf as adopted by the USGA together with the Rules of Etiquette as adopted
by the USGA shall be the rules of the Club, except when in conflict with local rules or with
any of the rules herein.

• Golf Attire. Proper golf attire is required for all players. Proper attire shall mean the
following:
Men: Shirts with collars and sleeves and slacks or Bermuda shorts of mid-thigh length are
considered appropriate attire. Tank tops, tee shirts, mesh shirts, sweat pants, swimwear,
cut-offs, or gym shorts are not considered proper golf attire.
Women: Dresses, skirts, slacks, mid length shorts and blouses are considered appropriate
attire. Tee shirts, cut-offs, sweat pants, swimwear, or tennis dresses are not considered
proper golf attire.
Golf Shoes: Soft spike golf shoes are considered appropriate. Football, soccer or other
large knobby spikes are not allowed. Tennis shoes or other soft sole shoes are subject to
the approval of the Golf Professional.

• All Members and Guests must register in the Golf Pro Shop before starting play.

• “Cutting in” is not permitted at any time. All players must check in with the Starter after
registering in the Golf Pro Shop.

• All players must start play from the first tee unless otherwise permitted by the Golf
Professional.

• Please make sure the group ahead of you has cleared the landing area before hitting on
hole #2 or any other blind shots. Remember: Players assume all risks.

• There will be no practicing on any part of the golf course except the practice range or
practice green. Removal of range balls from the practice area is prohibited.

• Fivesomes are allowed to tee off hole #1 after 3:00 p.m. during daylight savings time and
after 12:00 p.m. during other times.

• The Golf Professional must approve all tournament play or special events in advance.

• All food and beverage must be purchased from the Club. No beverage coolers are permitted
on the course unless provided by the Club.
• Each Member and his/her Guests are required to have their own set of golf clubs.

• All children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times when the
child is practicing at the practice facility. The adult is responsible at all times for the
behavior and safety of the child. Children must be 7 years old to be on the golf course.
Children ages 7 to 9 may play golf on the golf course if they are currently enrolled in the
Ballantrae Junior Golf Program or have the approval of a Ballantrae PGA Professional and
must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children 10 years of age and older may play
on the golf course and must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on the golf
course until they are 13 years old.

• Jogging, bicycling, fishing or recreational walking is not permitted on the golf course.
• If lightning is in the area, all play shall cease. Although the golf staff may warn players
about lightning in the area, of which it is aware, the Club does not assume any duty to
detect lightning and warn them. If Club personnel warn players about potential lightning in
the area, players must stop play immediately.
 

R A I N      P O L I C Y
 

• When rain causes termination of play, a full credit for that day’s greens and/or cart fees will be given if four holes or less are played.  If five or more holes are played, the credit will be
prorated based upon the remaining holes not played. It is the responsibility of the Member
and Guest to apply for a rain check or credit at the golf shop immediately after his or her
play has been terminated by rain conditions. In any event, all players shall assume the risks
associated with potential lighting activity and the consequences arising thereof.
 

G O L F      S T A R T I N G      T I M E S
 

• Ballantrae Golf Members may reserve tee times twelve (12) days prior to the date of play
while all other golfers may reserve tee times five (5) days prior to the date of play.

• The policy for reserving tee times may vary from time to time at the discretion of The City
of Pelham and will be implemented under the supervision the Golf Professional. In order to
accommodate the maximum number of golfers, Ballantrae Golf Members are allowed to
make up to two (2) tee times per day.

• All tee times are subject to availability.

• All golfers are required to report to the Starter at least ten minutes prior to assigned tee time.
Any group not on the tee and ready to play on time will lose its tee time. The Starter and
Course Hosts have the authority to maintain order on the course.

• Cancellations of tee times are requested by 12:00 p.m. one (1) day prior to the scheduled tee
time. Frequent “No Shows” or late cancellations may result in later tee assignments or
request for payment in advance for any cart fees and guest fees through an acceptable credit
card.

• A threesome or foursome is required to begin play during the first hour of operation.
Twosomes and singles will be assigned tee times 1 hour after opening or will be grouped
with others to make a threesome or foursome. With permission from the Golf Professional,
singles and twosomes may be allowed to follow a threesome or foursome with the
understanding that they may not play thru.

• Twosomes should not expect to play through foursomes and should not exert any pressure
on the groups ahead. Foursomes and threesomes shall have the right of way.

• Twosomes and singles will be grouped with other players, if available, and if necessary, at
starting times determined by the Golf Shop and Starter. Singles may not reserve starting
times.
 

G O L F      C A R T      R U L E S
 

• The use of private golf carts and unauthorized vehicles is prohibited on club property.

• Carts must be rented from the Golf Shop.

 

• A valid driver’s license is required to operate golf carts.

• Please observe all cart path signs.

• Carts are to be kept at least 15 yards from greens and tees and must remain on the cart path
on par 3’s and around teeing areas.

• Golf carts are to be used on the course only and must be returned to the clubhouse upon
completion of play.

• Golf carts are not permitted in the parking lot.

• A maximum of two people, including small children, are allowed to ride in a golf cart.

• Children ages 7 to 12 must never be left in a golf cart by themselves.

• Golfers should always exercise caution when parking carts near lakes and waterways.
Please ensure that parking brakes are set.

• Golfers are asked to report any cart malfunctions immediately after their round. Any
damage to a club-owned cart by a Member and/or his/her Guest will be the responsibility of
the Member. When operating a cart, operators assume all risks and shall be liable for any
and all damages sustained to person, property and/or cart in their operation.
 

WALKING      POLICY
 

• Walkers are allowed to tee off hole #1 after 3:00 p.m. during daylight savings time and after
12:00 p.m. during other times.

• When walking is allowed, Golfers may elect to use a caddie or carry their own clubs.

• The use of Pull Carts is not permitted.
 

H A N D I C A P S
 

• Handicaps are computed under the supervision of the Golf Professional in accordance with
current USGA recommendations and charged to membership accounts annually.

• All Members and their Guests with a USGA approved handicap or five entries in Ballantrae
Dogfights may participate in club tournaments. The Golf Shop may review all handicaps
submitted and keep records of all entries into Ballantrae Dogfights.

• The Club reserves the right to adjust handicaps for Club tournament play. The Club
reserves the right to deny any Member or Guest entry into tournament play for handicap
manipulation.

G O L F      C O U R S E      E T I Q U E T T E

• Members and their Guests are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which will
reflect the highest standards of the game of golf. Serious breaches of etiquette or displays
of poor sportsmanship will result in prompt and appropriate disciplinary action, which may
include suspension or expulsion, and in the case of Guest, withdrawal of future Guest
privileges.

• Courtesy must always be exhibited towards other players.

• Speed of Play. Each 18 hole round should be completed in 4 hours and fifteen minutes.
This amount of time is more than adequate, provided all players remain aware of the rights
of others to play without delay. It is the responsibility of each group to keep pace with the
group ahead. It is each group’s responsibility to be observant of its position on the course
and keep pace. The Player Assistant has the authority to keep play moving at the proper
pace for all players’ enjoyment.

• All players who stop after playing nine holes for any reason must occupy the next tee before
the following players arrive at the tee or they shall lose their position on the golf course.

• Members who are unable to play in a reasonable amount of time may be required to tee off
during designated times of the day.

• When play of a hole is completed, leave the green immediately and proceed to the next tee
where scoring may be recorded while teeing off.

• Repair all ball marks on greens and place sand in all divots taken.

• Discard all trash in receptacles located around the course.

• Enter and leave bunkers at the nearest level point to the green and smooth sand over with a
rake upon leaving.

• Refrain from intentionally damaging the greens, tees and/or fairways. The Club will levy
individual fines for willful destruction to greens, tees and/or fairways as deemed
appropriate.
 

C O M P L A I N T S,      C O MM E N T S      &      M I S C O N D U C T
 

• Complaints, comments, and suggestions from Members are always welcome and should
be directed to the Head Golf Professional or General Manager. There is a “suggestion”
book located in the public hallway in the Club House. Prompt attention will be paid to
all messages left in this book.

• The following should be provided when reporting misconduct:
- Name or golf cart number of offender
- Name of another group member at the time of infraction
- Date, time and location of infraction
- Witness to the infraction other than person reporting the infraction

• All reporting members are kept confidential. The Head Golf Professional and General
Manager will adjudicate all infractions and issue appropriate action under authority of
Ballantrae Golf Club. The Head Golf Professional and General Manager are required to
enforce all decisions set forth by the Club.

• Any misconduct or rules infractions will result in disciplinary actions:
- First Offense-Verbal Warning
- Second Offense-Written Warning
- Third Offense-$100.00 Fine
- Fourth Offense-Suspension from golf course for a time deemed sufficient
by the Club.