Respect the course · Respect the group
Play ready. Play smart. Keep moving.
Nobody needs to rush—but every player should be ready when it is safe to hit. Our goal is a smooth 4:15 round while still enjoying the course and the competition.
The clock
Stay with the group ahead
Your correct position is directly behind the group in front—not directly in front of the group behind. If a full hole opens ahead, make up the gap immediately.
2:05Front nine target
4:15Round target
3 minBall search maximum
45 minArrive before first tee
Be ready before your turn
- Get your yardage, choose a club, and take practice swings while another player is hitting.
- When it is safe and you are ready, play—especially in Shamble, Best Ball, Ambrose, and Scramble.
- Keep the pre-shot routine consistent and brief. One practice swing is usually enough.
- Carry an extra ball and tee in your pocket.
Manage the cart
- Drop one player at his ball, then drive to the other ball when safe.
- Take multiple clubs when walking away from the cart.
- Park on the exit side of the green toward the next tee.
- Do not sit in the cart entering scores while the fairway behind is open.
Lost ball or trouble
- Hit a provisional when a ball may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds.
- Start the three-minute search when you reach the likely area.
- Everyone may help briefly, but prepare to play your own shot first.
- When your score cannot help the side, confirm and pick up.
On and around the green
- Read your putt while others are playing without distracting them.
- Leave bags and carts between the green and next tee.
- Putt continuously when practical and safe.
- Record and confirm scores at the next tee—not beside the green.
Course care
Leave every hole better than we found it
Fairways & greens
- Replace divots when intact or use the cart’s sand/seed mix.
- Repair your pitch mark plus one more.
- Keep carts away from tees, greens, wet areas, and all roped-off zones.
- Follow the day’s cart-path and 90-degree rules.
Bunkers
- Enter and exit from the low side whenever possible.
- Rake footprints, the shot area, and your exit path.
- Leave the rake where the course requests.
- Do not climb a steep bunker face and damage it.
Safety & courtesy
- Never hit until the group ahead is completely out of range.
- Yell “FORE” immediately when a shot may endanger someone.
- Stand still and out of sight lines while another player swings.
- Keep phones quiet and music at a level the entire foursome accepts.
Attire
- Wear a collared golf shirt, golf shorts or slacks, and soft-spike or spikeless golf shoes.
- No denim, cargo shorts, or gym shorts.
- Wear hats with the brim forward at Thistle.
- Bring rain gear and a dry towel even when the forecast looks clear.
Holes & Hills scoring etiquette
Before anyone tees off on the next hole, both sides should agree on the gross scores, which player or team received a pop, and the match status. One designated scorekeeper enters the scores in Squabbit. Keep a paper scorecard as backup. If there is a disagreement, state it calmly, note the facts, and contact a captain or tournament admin without holding up the groups behind.
Ready-golf decision guide
Who should hit?
Safe and readyHit when the landing area is clear—even if another player is slightly farther away.
Match-play courtesyHonor order when it matters to an opponent. Otherwise agree to ready golf at the first tee.
Never trade safetyDo not hit over or around another player just to save a few seconds.
Tidewater’s own pace guidance targets rounds of 4½ hours or less; our group target is 4:15 by staying prepared and selecting the assigned tees. Read Tidewater’s pace guide ↗