WELCOME TO SALEMTOWNE GOLF
Welcome to Salemtowne and its golf course. This manual has been prepared in the hope that it will explain the management, operation, rules and regulations of our golf course.
The Salemtowne Civic Association (SCA) establishes the golfing fees, rules and regulations governing the operation and maintenance of the course. The SCA is assisted in this function by an advisory group of seven residents known as the Golf Committee.
While all residents of Salemtowne and non-resident golf members may enjoy playing the golf course by paying the appropriate fees, only those who are paid-up members of the Salemtowne Men’s Golf Club (SMGC) or Salemtowne Women’s Golf Association (SWGA) may participate in the tournaments and activities sponsored by those two groups.
Golf handicaps are computed only for members of the clubs and handicaps are required for all tournaments. New members may establish a temporary handicap based on their first five nine-hole scores unless they already have an established handicap.
VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY
This is a volunteer community. Each property owner has a vested interest in the common area of which the golf course is a part. It is incumbent upon all residents to contribute, as their personal situation permits, some volunteer time to the maintenance and operation of our community in order to foster community spirit and assist in holding down costs. All residents and non-resident golf members are therefore urged to volunteer some time in our Club House. You do not need to be a golfer to be a Tee-Timer, and it is an excellent way to get acquainted with other residents of Salemtowne.
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FOREWORD
The Rules and Regulations set forth in this manual are designed primarily for the protection of Salemtowne Golf Course and its players. More important than the letter of these Rules and Regulations, however, is the spirit and philosophy upon which these Rules and Regulations are based. These include:
• The Golf Course is to be used primarily for playing the game of golf.
• The protection of individual and property rights of residents.
• Safety and convenience of users of the golf course.
• The promotion and enhancement of golfing pleasure at Salemtowne.
That Local Golf Rules will be adopted by the SCA on the recommendation of the Golf Committee, as permitted by the USGA Rules of Golf, to provide for local playing conditions unique to the Salemtowne Golf Course.
CONTENTS
Division I Eligible Golfers and Fees
Division II Guests and Persons Under Eighteen
Division III Operation of Club House, Course & Computer
Division IV Tee-Timer Coordinator Duties
Division V Course Regulations
Division VI Equipment and Dress Code
Division VII Golf Car Operation
Division VIII Enforcement
Division IX Local Playing Rules
Division X Golf Etiquette
Division XI Other
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SALEMTOWNE GOLF COURSE RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Rules and Regulations set forth in this manual supersede all previously issued and published Rules and Regulations relating to the Salemtowne Golf Course.
DIVISION I – ELIGIBLE GOLFERS AND FEES
Eligible Golfers
420-01-000 All residents of Salemtowne may play golf by paying the Greens Fees for each round of golf played. All residents may sponsor golf-playing guests by paying the established greens fees for each round played.
Membership
420-01-005 All eligible golfers as defined in rule 420-01-000 may obtain an SCA Golf membership by paying the annual Association golf dues. Membership entitles the member to unlimited golf play.
A resident paying the annual membership who moves from Salemtowne may continue to play on the golf course under the rules of 420-01-025 for the remainder of the calendar year for which annual dues have been paid.
A resident paying the annual membership dues, who moves from Salemtowne for medical reasons, and has had a membership for the prior five years, may continue to play on the course at the resident member rate. This membership must be kept current or agreement becomes null and void.
420-01-010 Annual membership dues and greens fees for individual golfers are established each year by the SCA. If annual membership dues are not paid on or before the 31st of January of each year the individual is no longer eligible to play, except by paying the established greens fees, or until they pay the annual membership dues.
Pro-Rated Dues and Refunds
420-01-015 Annual membership dues shall be pro-rated for new owners of Salemtowne property, new renters, new non-resident golf members, and existing residents new to golf, and shall be calculated on a monthly basis from date of qualification for membership. Dues are NOT transferable and do NOT run with the land. Request for refunds for other
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than death or permanent disability shall be referred to the Golf Committee who will make recommendations to the SCA Board.
Greens Fees
420-01-020
(1) The SCA shall establish 9- and 18-hole greens fees for non-dues paying individuals and guests. A Greens Fee Voucher shall be completed legibly and deposited in the box designated for such vouchers, located on the stand adjacent to the front door of the Club House. The Association will bill greens fees monthly and payment shall be due within twenty days of billing.
(2) Any resident or property owner who fails to pay billed golf fees after twenty days from billing date, will be declared delinquent. Notification of delinquency will be mailed. Failure to pay within thirty days may result in a lien being placed on that resident’s property.
Non-Resident Golf Membership
420-01-025
(1) A person age fifty or older, or turning 50 in the current year, who is a non-resident, or is a former owner and resident of Salemtowne, may apply for non-resident golf membership upon agreeing to the terms and conditions set forth in this rule. a. Applicant shall pay the non-resident golf membership dues as established by the SCA for nonresident golf membership. Dues shall include, but not be limited to, the amount paid by residents for annual membership, plus the amount from the Association Assessment Fees that are applicable to the golf course.
b. Renewing the annual non-resident golf membership golf dues shall be by the 1st of January of each year. If the annual membership dues are not paid by the 1st, the individual is no longer eligible to play until the full annual membership dues are paid.
c. Failure to pay annual non-resident membership golf dues in any given year terminates the membership. It can be re-activated only by submitting a new application for Non-Resident Golf Membership.
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(2) Club Participation: a. Non-resident members are eligible to join SMGC/ SWGA, participate in any and all golfing events and entitled to unlimited play. Non-resident membership does not include the use of other Salemtowne facilities, except the golf practice areas.
b. Non-resident members may hold office in SMGC/ SWGA; however, if at any time they are elected to the position of President of SMGC or SWGA they will appoint a representative from that club to act on their behalf as a Golf Committee member. Non-residents are not eligible to serve on any Salemtowne community-wide committees.
(3) Non-resident members may invite guests to play under the same conditions as residents, except that the non-resident member shall play with the guest with no exceptions.
(4) Non-resident members shall comply with the Salemtowne “Golf Course Rules and Golf Etiquette” the “Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and By Laws of Salemtowne Civic Association” and “Rules and Regulations of Salemtowne Civic Association” which are applicable under the circumstances.
(5) The SCA may terminate any non-resident golf memberships at any time, if it determines that it is in the best interest of the SCA. Refunding under this section shall be made on a pro-rated basis.
DIVISION II – GUESTS & PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN
Guest Players
420-02-000
(1) All guests must be sponsored by a resident or golf member and must complete a Greens Fee Voucher before play begins.
(2) Golfers sponsoring guests are responsible for the conduct of their guests, whether accompanying them or not.
Players Under Eighteen Years of Age
420-02-005 All persons on the golf course under eighteen (18) years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
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DIVISION III – OPERATION OF CLUB HOUSE AND COURSE
General Operation of the Club House
420-03-000
(1) The Club House shall be operated under the supervision of the Salemtowne Golf Committee. The committee, in turn, shall appoint a Tee-Timer Coordinator to obtain and oversee the volunteer daily help. It is the responsibility of SMGC and SWGA to each appoint one of their members to assist the Tee-Timer Coordinator.
(2) The routine daily operation of the Club House and Course shall be provided by tee-timer volunteers under the direction of the Tee-Timer Coordinator.
(3) The Tee-Timer on duty in the Club House is in charge of the flow of play on the course. He or she will endeavor to ensure that play is kept moving so that the course is available to all players. The Tee-Timer’s decisions and rulings regarding tee-off times and composition of playing groups (twosomes, foursomes, etc.) shall be adhered to by all players.
(4) In view of the voluntary nature of the Tee-Timer position, it is incumbent on players to exhibit a courteous attitude at all times towards the volunteers.
(5) The specific duties and responsibilities of all volunteers working in the Club House are posted in the Club House.
Registration to Play
420-03-005 All players shall register at the Tee-Timer’s window before teeing-off on the No. 1 Tee. After hours, sign-up shall be made on the forms provided and located at the stand adjacent to the front door to the Club House.
Order of Play
420-03-010
(1) Order of play shall be determined by order of registration, and all members of a group shall be present and registered to determine the order of tee-off. Tee-Timers may add players to twosomes or threesomes to fill out and complete foursomes. Tee-Timers may also permit fivesomes. Fivesomes must defer to any group overtaking them.
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(2) Players playing eighteen holes may, after finishing their first round, follow the group teeing off on No. 1, provided the players informed the Tee-Timer of their intention to play eighteen holes at the time of their original registration. If such players have failed to do so, then these players must re-register and tee-off in order of the subsequent registration.
(3) During normal golfing hours all players shall start on hole 1, with the exception of activities approved and scheduled by the Golf Committee and the SCA.
Reservation of the Golf Course
420-03-015
(1) Upon recommendation of the Golf Committee, the SCA may reserve use of the Golf Course to SMGC or SWGA for special occasions and for varying periods of time. Such reservations shall be limited to club tournaments and activities.
(2) New tournaments and regularly scheduled golf events cannot be added to the schedule after the golf calendar has been finalized without the recommendation of the Golf Committee and the approval of the SCA.
(3) The golf course is reserved on Tuesday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM for SMGC and Wednesday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM for SWGA, followed by closure noon to 1:00 PM on Wednesdays for course maintenance.
(4) SMGC has tee-off priority to play Ball-in-the-Hat on Thursday mornings, and SWGA has tee-off priority immediately following that of the men to play Ball-in-the Bonnet.
(5) On alternate Friday mornings from April thru October a couple’s scramble is also held. Starting times for these events vary depending upon the time of the year. However, the times for such events shall be printed in the Salemtowne Monthly Newsletter and Golf Calendar.
Closure of the Golf Course
420-03-020 The Director of Operations, the Grounds Superintendent, or in their absence, another SCA Board member, is authorized to close the Golf Course when weather conditions are such that play may damage the course. Such conditions may normally exist during periods of heavy or continuous rain, immediately following such rain, or when frost conditions exist. No golfing before 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.
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Club House Bulletin Boards
420-03-025 Only material relating to Salemtowne golfing activities shall be noted on the bulletin boards inside the Club house. Golf advertising and information relating to other Salemtowne activities may be posted on the bulletin boards on the exterior of the Club House.
Club House Computer
420-03-030 The clubhouse computer is available for all members of SMGC and SWGA to post their scores or to check their handicaps. For summer golf the posting of scores shall be done from the 1st day of March through the 31st of October. For winter golf the posting of scores shall be done from the first day of November to the last day of February. All winter scores postings will be deleted by the handicap chairperson. The computer shall not be used for any other purpose except as necessary by handicap chairpersons or persons assisting in tournaments.
DIVISION IV- TEE-TIMER COORDINATOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervision
420-04-000 The operation of the Club House is supervised by the Tee-Timer Coordinator, assisted by one member of SMGC and one member of SWGA.
Tee-Timer Cooordinator Duties
420-04-005 The Tee-Timer Coordinator appointed by the Golf Committee shall:
(1) Organize, secure, and train volunteer Tee-Timers.
(2) Supply and post monthly calendars on the Club House main bulletin board where volunteers may sign up for work in the operation of the Club House.
(3) Maintain records of service time rendered by individual volunteers in the Club House.
(4) Keep posted an up-dated list of current annual members of the Golf Club which is supplied by the Salemtowne Civic Association Office.
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(5) Ensure that an adequate supply of scorecards, sign-up sheets and Greens Fee Voucher forms are available at the Club House.
(6) Refer any problems and concerns to the Golf Committee for resolution and establishment of policy.
(7) Be a member of the Golf Committee.
DIVISION V – COURSE REGULATIONS & SAFETY RESTRICTIONS
420-05-000 In the interests of safety and to prevent personal injury, players shall NOT hit from:
(1) The No. 5 tee, or fairway, if there is any danger of hitting players proceeding from the No. 5 green to the No. 6 tee.
(2) The No. 7 tee if persons or vehicles using the road along the side of the No. 7 fairway are within the players’ hitting range. Users of the road should be particularly alert for errant golf balls and proceed with caution when using this road.
(3) The No. 9 or 18 tees until players ahead are out of range on the cart path.
(4) The No. 17 tee if there is any danger of hitting players who might not be visible on the No. 17 fairway.
Responsibility
420-05-005 Each golfer using the Salemtowne Golf Course is individually responsible for any injury or damage caused to other persons
or property as a result of his/her play on the course.
Grounds Crew at Work and Tee Markers
420-05-010
(1) When the grounds keeping crew is working on the course, players shall not interrupt or interfere with the work in progress. Players shall instead wait until the work is finished or play the hole on signal from the grounds keeping crew that it is appropriate to hit. If the “HOLE CLOSED” sign is posted, proceed to the next hole.
(2) Tee markers or signs placed on the course shall not be moved except by the grounds keeping crew.
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Club House, Putting Green and Practice Areas
420-05-15 The Club House, putting green and practice areas may be used by all residents, or their guests, even if they are not Golf Club Members. Guests under eighteen (18) must be accompanied by an adult.
Chipping or pitching is limited to no more than ten feet off the putting green.
Practice areas east of No. 7 may be reserved by registering on the sign-up sheets in the Club House. One sheet for the practice net area and the other for the practice range. Additionally, there is a grassy area that can be used for chipping and pitching only. It is located at the end of Twin Oak, behind tee box #3 (closer to the street).
Rights of Walkers and Joggers
420-05-20 Walking or jogging on the golf cart paths is permitted at users’ own risk and at such times as it is obvious that the course is not being used for golfing. For their own safety, walkers and joggers should yield to golfers at all times. Golfers should yield to anyone on the course who might be in danger of being hit by a golf ball.
DIVISION VI – EQUIPMENT AND DRESS CODE
Bags and Clubs
420-06-000
Every player on the golf course shall have his or her own individual carrying device with golf clubs, unless a waiver is given by the Tee-Timer.
Clothing and Shoes
420-06-005
(1) All persons on the golf course shall wear appropriate clothing, including shirts, shorts, long pants, or skirts. Swim wear, tank tops, or underwear as outer garments are NOT considered appropriate golf attire.
(2) Shoes worn on the Golf Course must be of the type made for golfing or of a type that does not cause damage to the course. Lug shoes such as hunting, baseball, or other cleats and high-heeled shoes are not approved footwear. Soft spikes are recommended but not required. Metal spikes should not be worn in the Club House.
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Handcarts and Carry Bags
420-06-010 Handcarts shall not be pulled or pushed within fifteen feet of any green or tee.
Carry bags are permitted to be placed on the ground, but not on the greens, on the second cut around the greens, on tees, or in the bunkers.
DIVISION VII – GOLF CART OPERATION
Definition
“Golf cart” means a motor vehicle having not less than three wheels in contact with the ground, having an unloaded weight less than 1,300 pounds, which is designed to be and is operated at not more than 15 miles per hour and designed to carry golf equipment and not more than two persons, including the driver.
General Requirements
All powered riding golf carts at the club house must be parked in the parking lot unless you are on the No. 1 Tee.
Golf Cart Operation Requirements
420-07-000 The Director of Operations and/or the Grounds Superintendent shall determine when and where golf carts may be driven on the course and will post the 90° rule outside of the Club House.
(1) “90° Rule for Golf Carts” Golfers operating carts shall: a. Use cart paths as much as possible. Make a 90° turn opposite your ball and drive directly to your ball. After hitting your ball return to the cart path or rough by the shortest route possible. Avoid making a sharp turn while on the golf course.
b. Except when on the cart path, carts must not be driven within approximately 40 feet of the green; no closer than the green surround (the second mowing).
c. Avoid all wet areas and sprinkler heads.
(2) “90° Rule for Golfers with Limited Mobility” Golfers with limited mobility may apply in writing to Golf Committee to be issued a blue flag which allows the golfer to use the 90° at any time.
(3) “Carts Use Path Only” All golfers shall operate their carts on the cart path only, except those golfers identified in (2) above.
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Carts on Public Streets
420-07-005 Carts operation on public streets must comply with Salem Revised Code 100.202. Golf Carts Permitted on Certain Streets
(a) As used in this section “Real estate development” means … [Salemtowne]. “Golf Cart” … not more than 15 miles per hour … and not more than two persons, … and has affixed thereto a sign indicating a slow-moving vehicle.
(b) The operation of golf carts is hereby permitted during daylight hours (or evenings with proper equipment, headlights and taillights) on any public street which is located adjacent to a golf course and between the golf course and the place where golf carts are parked or stored or located within or bounded by a real estate development provided the provisions of this section are complied with and appropriate signs giving notice thereof are posted along the street affected.
(c) Every person operating a golf cart upon a designated public street permitted by this section shall be at least 16 years of age and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of vehicle by the laws of this state or by the traffic laws of this city applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except those provisions of the law with respect to vehicle licensing, registration, equipment, or condition.
(d) No person shall operate a golf cart at a greater speed than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing.
(e) Every person operating a golf cart upon a designated public street shall drive as near to the right-hand side of the street as practicable.
DIVISION VIII – ENFORCEMENT
420-08-000
(1) The Golf Committee is designated by the SCA to assist the Board in the enforcement of the Golf Course Rules and Regulations set forth in this manual.
(2) Players disregarding or violating the Rules and Regulations are reminded they are subject to disciplinary action as provided for in Article VI, Section 1 (d) of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and By Laws of Salemtowne Civic Association. This section states in part “the right of the Association to suspend the
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… right to access to and use of the recreational facilities by a member and his guests … for a period not to exceed ninety days for any infraction of its published rules and regulations.”
(3) Day-to-day enforcement of the Rules and Regulations rests with the individual players and their consciences. Each player has an obligation to inform another player that a particular rule or regulation is being disregarded or violated so that the offending player can make the necessary correction. All property owners have a vested interest in the golf course. Please be courteous to persons when reminding them about golf course rules.
DIVISION IX – LOCAL PLAYING RULES
420-09-000 General: United States Golf Association (USGA) Rules apply to all play. As provided for under USGA Rule 33-8, the Salemtowne Golf Committee, with SCA approval, has made the following LOCAL RULES for application to the Salemtowne Golf Course. These local rules do not supersede USGA Rules and apply only to the local situation. If a local rule is not covered in writing in this book then USGA rules are still applicable.
Out of Bounds
420-09-005
All out of bounds are marked by white stakes, fences or cart paths.
Ball on right side of road on #7
420-09-010 If the ball rests on the right side of the road but is not out of bounds, the ball may be dropped on the left side of the road one club length, no closer to the hole, no penalty.
Holes No. 9 and 18
420-09-015 Whether playing from No. 9 or 18, the pond shall be played as a lateral water hazard. However, if the ball comes to rest near the “man-made” wall surrounding the water hazard, relief may be taken 2 club lengths from the wall (no nearer the hole) no penalty. If the ball comes to rest on the slope between the fairway and the wall of the pond it may be declared unplayable and be dropped to level ground above the slope, no closer to the hole, one stroke penalty . If the ball enters the pond past the drop zone it may be played from the drop zone, one stroke
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penalty. The area between the bunker and the wall is a designated hazard area. You may ground your club with no penalty. The ball may be lifted and played from the drop zone., one stroke penalty.
Staked Trees, Tree Wells, Etc.
420-09-020 A ball may be dropped no more than one club length away from the nearest point of relief free of the trouble area, but no nearer the hole without penalty if interference with the players stance or intended swing is caused by: 1) sprinkler head, 2) drainage ditch, 3) area landscaped with rocks, 4) ruts caused by grounds keeping equipment, 5) a tree marked by a white stake. A ball may be replaced on its original spot with no penalty if the ball was at rest against a pine cone within a tree well and the ball moved when the pine cone was removed. A ball in a tree well may be removed and placed one club length on the line of flight (no closer to the hole) without penalty.
Ball on Golf Cart Path – USGA Rule (24-2)
420-09-025 If the ball lies on the cart path, or the cart path interferes with the player’s stance, the ball may be dropped one club length from the edge of the path, either to the left or right, depending upon which side of the path is the nearest point of relief including stance with no penalty. The ball is not to be dropped nearer the hole. On the cart path to the left of No. 7 you may drop the ball one club length to the left if when dropping the ball to the right causes the players stance to be on the slope of the fairway. On No. 9 the ball may be dropped to the left of the path if it lands inbounds to the right side of cart path.
Preferred Lie
420-09-030
(1) PREFERRED LIE (Winter and Summer Rules): a. When the PREFERRED LIE rule is in effect, a sign will be displayed near the No. 1 Tee.
b. A ball lying anywhere through the green may be marked, lifted and cleaned without penalty, and placed within six inches of where it originally lay, but no nearer the hole, and so as to preserve as nearly as possible the stance required to play from the original lie. “Through the green” is defined as the whole area of the golf course except the teeing ground, putting green of the hole being played and all hazards.
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(2) TOURNAMENT PLAY: Chairpersons are authorized to conduct their particular tournaments under PREFERRED LIE rule if they so desire.
DIVISION X – GOLF ETIQUETTE
General
420-010-000 Courtesy and consideration are synonymous with etiquette. There are standards of decorum and conduct on the golf course which are generally expected whenever and wherever the game of golf is played. Experienced golfers are generally aware of this before they move to Salemtowne. However, for many Salemtowne residents playing golf is a new experience. It is for this reason that this division is included in this manual. The following golf customs and considerations serve four main purposes:
Specific Suggestions
420-10-005
(1) Golfers are encouraged to play “READY GOLF” in order to speed the play. Ready golf means whoever is ready plays first whether on the tee, fairway or green, except when it creates a safety issue.
(2) No one should move, talk or stand close to, behind or forward of the ball when a player is addressing the ball or making a stroke.
(3) Players should play without undue delay.
(4) No player should play until the players in front are out of range.
(5) If a lost ball is not found within three minutes of the time the player reaches the area where the ball likely came to rest, the player must proceed..
(6) If a group is playing slowly and the hole ahead becomes clear of players, the slow group should stand aside and allow the next group to “PLAY THROUGH”. When a group plays through, do not resume play until the group playing through is out of range.
(7) When the play of a hole has been completed, players should leave the green just played immediately and proceed to the next tee and tee-off as soon as possible.
(8) Score cards are to be marked on the way to or at the next tee and not on the green just played.
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(9) Do not replay putts if it delays players following.
(10) YOU SHOULD NOT ENTER PRIVATE PROPERTY TO RETRIEVE YOUR BALL AT ANY TIME.
(11) VERY IMPORTANT. If an errant shot is made, yell “FORE” clearly and loudly to alert and warn residents, or other players, of the possibility of being struck by the ball.
Care of the Course
420-10-010
(1) Before leaving a bunker (sand trap) carefully rake and smooth over all holes and footprints. A rake is provided at each bunker for this purpose. Lay the rake down in the bunker, near the edge away from the fairway and green, parallel to the line of play.
(2) A player should ensure that any turf cut or displaced (divot) on the fairway is replaced at once and pressed down during the months of November through March. During the months of April through October use sand and seed provided at the Club House. Always use sand/seed on tees instead of replacing divots.
(3) Damage to the green made by a ball (ball mark) should be carefully repaired with a tee or a tool made for that purpose.
(4) Players should ensure no damage is done to the green when handling the flagstick or their clubs.
(5) Replace the flagstick fully in the socket of the hole with the colored position flag against the rubber washer beneath before leaving the green.
(6) Players should not damage the green by leaning on their putters, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.
(7) A ball shall not be retrieved from the cup with anything other than a device specifically designed for that purpose or a player’s hand. PLEASE DO NOT USE THE PUTTER HEAD OR PULL THE FLAG OUT AS A METHOD FOR REMOVING BALLS FROM THE CUP.
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DIVISION XI — OTHER
Salemtowne Men’s Golf Club and Salemtowne Women’s Golf Association
The purpose of SMGC and SWGA is to provide a solid golf program, social activities within the club, a working relationship, and responsibility to participate in the general enhancement of the golf course. Members pay yearly dues, apart from annual association golf dues, which cover most of the expenses of SMGC and SWGA golf and social activities. The various activities that are offered are organized by volunteers, which include but are not limited to: monthly meetings, tournaments, day’s play, visitations, Ball-in-the-Hat, Thursday play and luncheons. The regular season begins the first of April and ends the latter part of October. Each year a schedule of events is provided.
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