Rules and Regulations

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.

General Rules, Regulations & Policies

• 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 or services 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 and guests in the Clubhouse and Golf Pro Shop.
• Children.   Children must be five years old to be on the golf course.  The adult is responsible at all times for the behavior and safety of the child. Adults must NOT leave children unattended when they are in a golf cart. Only two people are allowed in a golf cart at any time. Children ages five to nine 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 13 years of age or older may play by themselves on the course but they must walk.
• 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.
• Lost and Found. All items left behind must be turned into the golf shop.  The facility will hold the item for 30 days. If not claimed in 30 days, the item will be forfeited by the owner and then be distributed out by the facility. If claimed by the owner but not picked up within 2 weeks of the item being claimed, the item will forfeited by the owner and distributed by the facility. The facility will mail lost items to the customer.  The customer is responsible for all shipping fees.
• 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.
• Personal Coolers.  Personal coolers are not allowed on club property unless needed for a medical reason.
• Alcoholic/Non-Alcoholic Beverages. Beverages not purchased on club property 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. Under Alabama’s laws on the rights of customers with disabilities and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), customers with disabilities may bring their service animals on to the club property. Customers are responsible for damage caused by an animal owned by the customer or under the customer’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.

General Golf Rules

• 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, sweat pants, swimwear, cut-offs, or gym shorts are not considered proper golf attire. Blue jeans are allowed. 
  
  
  • 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. Blue jeans are allowed.
  • 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, the green on hole #10 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 no longer permitted at Ballantrae.
• 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.
• Children.   Children must be five years old to be on the golf course.  The adult is responsible at all times for the behavior and safety of the child. Adults must NOT leave children unattended when they are in a golf cart. Only two people are allowed in a golf cart at any time. Children ages five to nine 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.  All children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times when the child is at the practice facility.
• 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.

Rain Policy

• 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.

Golf Starting Times

• 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 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 day prior to the scheduled tee time. Frequent “No Shows” or late cancellations may result in payment in advance, suspension from playing for one month, or no longer being able to play in the future. Customers will receive first a verbal warning, for a second No Show a written warning.  The third No Show will res in a suspension for one month.  The fourth will result in no longer being able to play in the future.
• The first group of the day is required to play behind the maintenance staff that is preparing the greens for play.
• 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.

Golf Cart Rules

• The use of  unregistered  non-street legal golf carts and unauthorized vehicles is prohibited on club property to include golf scooters or other such means of transportation that is not a Ballantrae golf cart.
• Ballantrae Golf Club golf carts are the only carts allowed on the golf course.
• Carts must be rented from the Golf Shop.
• Personal cart covers are not allowed. Cart covers can be rented in the golf shop for $5 per player.
• If an additional cart is needed for a spectator, a cart fee will apply per spectator riding in the cart.
• 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.
• An additional cart fee will be charged if there is an extra rider, $10 for 18 holes and $5 for 9 holes.
• Children ages five to nine must never be left in a golf cart by themselves.
• Children under the age of five are not permitted in a golf cart.
• 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

• Walking is allowed for those playing golf at all times when the golf course is open.
• Pull carts are allowed at the practice facility at anytime and on the golf course during walking times. Please keep pull carts out of bunkers and off of greens.  Pull carts are allowed off the cart path when it is cart path only.

Handicaps

• 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.

Golf Course Etiquette

• 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 four 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.

Complaints, Comments & Misconduct

• 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.