Course and range standards — non-negotiable rules, etiquette, dress code, and rules awareness.📄 ICC Athletic Development Plan (PDF)
Never swing when someone is within range. 360° check. Always.
Shout "FORE!" immediately if ball heads toward anyone. Loud. No hesitation.
Clubs never swing near another person's head, even slowly.
Range balls stay at the range. Never take them onto the course.
Carts: no one under 18 drives unless supervised. No riding on sides.
Stand behind the hitting line when others are hitting
Never walk past the hitting line while balls are being hit
Don't talk to or distract someone who is about to swing
Pick up your equipment before the next group arrives
Repair divots on target greens / brush mats after use
Ready golf: fastest group hits first, not strictly by honor
Repair ball marks on greens (always, every time)
Replace or fill divots on fairways with divot mix
Rake bunkers: enter and exit from the low side, rake tracks behind you
Cart paths: stay on unless fairway is accessible
Never walk in another player's putting line
Silence when others are hitting
Pace of play: keep up with the group in front. No exceptions.
Collared shirt or ICC-approved athletic shirt
Proper golf shorts or pants (no gym shorts, jeans, or cutoffs)
Soft spike or no-spike golf shoes (no metal spikes)
Junior players: same standards apply. Consistency builds professionalism.
Stroke and Distance
Ball out of bounds = one penalty stroke + replay from original spot
Lateral Relief
Ball in red-staked hazard = one penalty stroke, drop within 2 club lengths
Unplayable Lie
One penalty stroke, three options for relief
Lost Ball
Proceed as if out of bounds (stroke and distance) or use local rule for lost ball
Embedded Ball in General Area
Free relief
Loose Impediments
Can always move them (rocks, leaves, sticks)
Fixed Obstructions
Can take free relief from immovable obstructions