Etiquette & Rules

Etiquette & Rules at Port Lincoln Golf Club

We want all of our members to enjoy their golfing experience at our club. The R&A and USGA rules of golf apply to all competitions and our local rules can be found on our scorecards or in the match area of the clubhouse.

We ask all of our members and visitors to be respectful of fellow golfers and workers and to abide by our general course care expectations by:

  • Repairing your divots and pitch marks (make sure you carry a sand bucket at all times)

  • Raking bunkers after playing from them (remember to smooth the face and rake the base)

  • Avoiding wet areas or obvious traffic affected areas

  • Carts and motorbikes should stay to paths where possible and stay at least 5 metres away from greens

  • No more than 2 practice balls at anytime when practicing.

  • Greenkeepers have right of way (please do not hit up on them without first being called to do so)

  • Playing groups of no more than 4

  • Slow groups should always allow quicker groups or players through

Dress Code

All players are encouraged to maintain the dress standard of our club. This should be neat casual clothing or sporting attire. Shoes must be worn at all times. The following is not permitted: Thongs, high heels, tank tops and/or offensive material.

Local Rules

Port Lincoln Golf Club Local Rules as at January 2025

  1. Out of Bounds - A ball lying beyond the perimeter fence or in the car park is Out of Bounds.

  2. Penalty Area - The Dam bordered by the 10th, 17th and 18th holes is a penalty area, and is defined by red stakes. Relief may be taken under Rule 17.1

  3. No Play Zones Penalty Area - The area within the red penalty area bordered by the 10th, 17th and 18th holes defined by brown posts with linked white rope is a No Play Zone. When a ball is in a No Play Zone within the penalty area, the ball must not be played as it lies, and relief must be taken from interference by the No Play Zone under Rule 17.1e. Entry to this area is prohibited.

  4. Staked Trees - Staked trees identified by white stakes or less than 2 club-lengths in height are No Play Zones and are Ground Under Repair. Relief must be taken under Rule 16.1f

  5. Preferred Lies - If a ball comes to rest on the fairway or the fairway marker of the hole being played, the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball within one club grip length of the spot of the original ball. The relief area must not be nearer the hole than the reference point and must be in the general area. The fairway markers are the outer mowed edges and/or the dye spots. If that is not discernible then the ball must be played as it lies.

  6. Abnormal Course Conditions (Including Immovable Obstructions) - Rule 16 a. Exposed rocks in the general Area b. Roads and marks made by an implement or a vehicle (other than a golf cart) c. Rough or pitted areas on any putting green - Relief may be taken as per Rule 16.1d d. All landscaped/planted garden beds.

  7. Suspension of Play for Dangerous Situation - will be signaled by activation of the siren. All play must immediately cease - Rule 5.7b(1).

    Penalty for Breach of a Local Rule is the general penalty (stroke play - two strokes, match play - loss of hole)