Oakmont Golf Club 

I.  GENERAL

(1) Authority: The “Rules and Regulations” of THE OAKMONT GOLF CLUB, (OGC), (the Club), have been adopted by the Board of Directors. They may be amended from time to time, at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.

(2) Purpose: The “Rules and Regulations” are established to promote the effective, safe and enjoyable use of Club property, to protect the interests of those using the facilities and to assure that Club assets are not abused.

(3) Violations: Violations of these “Rules and Regulations” may result in a warning, reprimand, suspension of facility use privileges, or other appropriate action established by the Board of Directors.

(4) Equal Rights: OGC is an equal rights organization. Discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, color, ancestry or national origin, either as to membership or use of facilities, is prohibited.

II.  GOLF COURSE RULES

(1) The United States Golf Association (USGA) RULES OF PLAY shall apply. Local rules (see following) may be established from time to time by the Director of Golf. Playing rules and player conduct shall be under the direction and control of the Director of Golf, the Golf Shop staff and the Player Assistant. For maximum player enjoyment, cooperation by members and guests is required.

(2) All golfers must REGISTER at the Golf Shop to receive play approval by the Starter in charge. Daily fee players, upon payment of the appropriate fees, will receive a cash register receipt from the Starter. While on the course golfers may be requested by Golf Shop Staff and/or Player Assistants to show their cash register receipt to verify payment of such fees.

(3) COMMENCING PLAY from other than your assigned tee is only permitted after 3 PM and under the following conditions:

(a) Player has paid annual green fees.
(b) Player must obtain permission from the Golf Shop Staff and indicate desired starting location, to avoid maintenance, shot gun starts and other player interference.

(4) All players, including sanctioned “shotgun” starts and daily fee players must pay the prevailing daily fee before proceeding to the assigned tee. Players should never begin play prior to their posted starting time or proceed to assigned tee until released by the course Starter.

(5) Proprietary member HOUSE GUESTS are welcome upon payment of the applicable guest green fee. Other guests of members, who live outside Oakmont, but within 25 miles, may play at the applicable guest rate once a month. Fees must be charged to account of the member sponsoring the guest to receive this rate. Additional monthly guest play shall be at the non-resident rate.

(6) TOURNAMENT PLAY for Resident/Non-Resident – organized weekly play and tournaments for the Saturday Men and Tuesday Ladies groups shall be approved and coordinated through the Director of Golf and the OGC Golf Committee. Resident events will be scheduled for the following year by September 30.

(7) OUTSIDE TOURNAMENTS may be scheduled by the Director of Golf after giving priority consideration to all Oakmont Golf Club (OGC) tournaments. Outside tournament reservations will require a signed contract and a non-refundable deposit. The Director of Golf and the Golf Committee will monitor such tournaments.

(8) POWERED GOLF CARTS: (see also Golf Shop Operating Policies)

(a) To reduce wear on the courses and to speed play, only TWO CARTS per foursome are permitted.

i. All Power Carts must observe posted Golf Cart RULES OF THE DAY determined by the Golf Course Superintendent and posted in the golf shops, as well as on the 1st and 10th tees of the each course.
ii. Power carts shall be kept in the MIDDLE OF THE PATHS. Wheels should not go off the pavement and “dog ear” path edges and turf. Only passing carts may go off the path but then must immediately return to the path. When parked, powered golf carts should be completely on the cart paths.

(b) Players may be asked to follow the 90 degree rule as follows:

- Proceed down cart path until perpendicular to ball
- Drive DIRECTLY out to golf ball.
- After hitting shot, drive DIRECTLY back to path.
- When reaching a distance of 30 yards from the green the cart must be returned to the path and remain on the path through the next tee.

Players may also use the “H” Rule when the 90-degree rule is in effect (driving down the opposite side of cart path in the rough) on holes designated by the Greens Superintendent.

(c) Carts are restricted to paths at all times on the following par 3’s:

-West Course #’s 8, 13 & 16
-East Course #’s 5, 8, 11, 14 & 16

(d) OGC maintains the right to require all power carts be kept in safe and environmentally sound condition. OGC also reserves the right to determine which types of power carts are permitted or not permitted on the courses.

(9) Each player must have his or her own set of clubs.

(10) PRACTICING is not permitted on greens, tees, fairways, bunkers or rough on the courses at any time. RENTAL RANGE BALLS may only be used on the driving range, and are not allowed to be removed from the practice range area.. USGA rules do not allow practice on the course prior to start of play including shotgun starts.

(11) GROUPS LARGER THAN FOURSOMES may be allowed on the courses at the discretion of the Director of Golf, or his representative. If there is no group ahead, the pace of play (see 12) below) shall be maintained. At least two (2) of the players must ride a powered golf cart. In fivesome play, the first player to hole-out must proceed to the next tee and begin play. Six-somes are not allowed, except for events that sanction such play, such as Mixers, Twilighters and Scrambles.

(12) SLOW PLAY is discouraged. A pace of four (4) hours or less on the West Course and three and one half (3-1/2) hours or less on the East Course is recommended. All players are expected to keep up with the group in front of them. Play “READY GOLF” when safe to do so (hit when ready.) The following procedures are recommended:

(a) Continuous putting is recommended. Upon putting out, advance to the next tee and hit if the fairway is clear. Don’t wait for the others in your group.
(b) Be prepared to hit when it is your turn. Think ahead.
(c) Take several clubs along when walking to the ball.
(d) Keep a spare ball in your pocket.
(e) Putt while others are raking the bunker or otherwise delayed.
(f) Don’t do scoring on the green, move to the next tee.
(g) When putting, bags and carts should be left in line with the next tee. Never leave equipment in front of greens while putting.
(h) When addressing the ball, limit yourself to one practice swing.

(13) Proper golfing ETIQUETTE is expected of all players. This covers such diverse areas as keeping up with players in front and repairing minor damage to the course caused by themselves or others. It is in everyone’s best interest that infractions of the course rules and of common courtesy, be called to the attention of fellow golfers, when appropriate. Special attention should be paid to:

(a) Properly repairing and smoothing ball marks on the green.
(b) Replacing divots and utilize the sand and seed bottles, even if they are not yours.
(c) Raking prints and marks in bunkers and leaving rakes inside bunkers aligned parallel to the fairway (to diminish obstruction).
(d) Tapping spike and scuff marks after putting out, particularly around the pin.
(e) Avoiding the use of plastic tees (they do not decompose).

(14) The following are PROHIBITED on the course property:

a. Pets.
b. Fishing, swimming or wading in the creeks and ponds.
c. Bicycles, mopeds and skateboards.
d. Jogging and non-golfing walkers.
e. Motorized vehicles except licensed golf carts and maintenance equipment.
f. Abusive language, horseplay and intoxication.
g. Fishing for golf balls, other than the one in play.

(15) JUNIOR GOLFERS (under 17 years) may play under the following guidelines:

(a) Must be approved by the Director of Golf as having an understanding of golf rules and etiquette and also attained a satisfactory level of playing proficiency.
(b) Juniors 13 years of age and under MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times, or approved by golf shop staff.
(c) May not operate a powered golf cart, even if accompanied by an adult.
(d) Will be expected to adhere to all Club rules, including proper attire and courtesy.

(17) 24 HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY – All members MUST notify the golf shop staff no later than 24 hours in advance of any cancellation of starting times. The individual making the starting time(s) is responsible for all parties in that starting time. Any “no show” or last minute cancellation without due cause, will be put on notice after the first offense and will be charged a green fee for that time period for any offense thereafter.

(18) VIOLATION OF RULES AND REGULATIONS will result in the following procedure in a 12-month period.

First Violation– Player will receive a verbal warning from the Director of Golf or Player Assistant and that warning will be recorded in the Marshal log book.
Second Violation– Player will receive a letter from the Director of Golf with an explanation of violation.
Third Violation– Player will receive a letter from the Board of Directors informing him/her they are now on notice and next violation will result in suspension of play.
Fourth Violation– Player will be suspended from play according to article 4.12 of the OGC By-Laws.

III.  OAKMONT GOLF CLUB - LOCAL RULES

USGA RULES: WHEN POSTED. Play the ball as it lies and the course as you find it unless relief is provided for by USGA Rules or the Local Rules listed below.

PREFERRED LIES: WHEN POSTED. Through the Green, a ball may be lifted, cleaned, and placed without penalty within one a club length of where it originally lay not nearer the hole. “Through the Green” is defined as the whole area of the course except:

(a) Teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played.
(b) All hazards on the golf course.

STAKED TREES OR CAGED TREES: When a staked or caged tree interferes with the player’s stance or area of intended swing, the ball must be dropped at the nearest point, where relief from the PERIMETER of the tree branches is obtained, no nearer the hole: NO PENALTY.

TREE WELLS WITH ROCKS: Pertains only to “Fairway Oaks” with wells. If you ball lies in the well, or you have to stand in the well to take your normal stance, THEN AND ONLY THEN, the ball may be dropped within one club length of the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole: NO PENALTY.

IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS: Utility poles, water fountains, water control boxes, bridges, comfort stations, cart paths, ball washers, and all guide wires, RELIEF: Find the nearest point of relief and drop the ball within ONE club length of that point, no nearer the hole: NO PENALTY.

WATER HAZARDS: Defined by YELLOW stakes, burned lines or water lines. WEST COURSE: Middle of fairway on #s 1, 3, 4 & 10, front of #s 9, 16 & 18 tee. Front of #s 2 & 13 (white and blue tees). NOTE: Drop area for #13 in front of yellow tees. EAST COURSE: Front of #10, #14.

LATERAL WATER HAZARDS: Defined by RED stakes, burned or painted lines.
WEST COURSE: Front of #18 tee while playing #10, Left and Rear of #12, far right on #13, pond on #13 for yellow tees only, left and right #17, left on #1, right on #2, #7, #9 right of tee, rear of #1, #6.
EAST COURSE: left on #9, right of #13, #15, left on #16.

GROUND UNDER REPAIR: Ruts caused by golf carts or maintenance equipment and gravel drains through the green are deemed as ground under repair, as well as other areas so marked. Drop nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole: NO PENALTY.

OUT OF BOUNDS: Defined by WHITE stakes. STROKE AND DISTANCE PENALTY. NOTE: if ball is IN BOUNDS but player will stand on Private Property, the ball MUST be lifted and dropped as near as possible to where it lies to avoid standing on Private Property, no nearer the hole: NO PENALTY.

POWER LINES: Ball striking overhead power lines MAY be replayed: NO PENALTY.

DOUBT AS TO PROCEDURE: STROKE PLAY ONLY: If you find it necessary to have a ruling, play your original ball PLUS A SECOND BALL, announce your intention to proceed under this rule, and which ball you wish to score with, if the rules permit. Upon completing the round, you must report the facts to the Golf Professional before signing your scorecard. If you fail to do so, the penalty is disqualification.

IV.  GOLF SHOP OPERATING POLICIES

(1) MERCHANDISE shall not be removed from the Golf Shops without payment, or a signed authorization.

(a) DAILY Fee Players:

i. Members requesting member fees must present picture identification to the Golf Shop personnel.
ii. Non-member residents requesting resident playing fees must display their OVA membership card to the Golf Shop personnel.
iii. Must keep their receipt for paid fees in their possession while on the golf course.

(b) Special Rates

i. Active Military – Resident Non-member rate.
ii. Clergy – No special daily walk-on rates. Chief Clergy (no assistants) of local churches may make written application for special playing privileges to be approved by the OGC Board of Directors.

(c) Professional Courtesies: An active member of the Professional Golf Association (PGA), Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Club Members Association of America (CMAA) or the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) may play complimentary golf rounds, if approved by the Director of Golf or the Golf Course Superintendent.
(d) Inter-Club Tournament Play: All sections of the OGC may schedule complimentary (free) special guest and Home-and-Home functions with other clubs. Such complimentary play must be approved and coordinated with the Director of Golf and the OGC Golf Committee.
(e) Golf Leagues: League play shall be restricted to specific days, times and rates, as established by the Board of Directors.

(a) Privately Owned:

(i) Owners must sign a “Hold Harmless” and OGC cart operating rule agreement.
(ii) Must display annual sticker license at the REAR of their cart.
(iii) “Licensed” private carts, which are sold during the “annual license period,” will automatically transfer the license privilege to the new owner for the remainder of the license period.
(iv) All Private carts are required to have Sand and Seed bottles.

(c) Daily Powered Cart Rentals (Club Owned):

(i) Must sign a daily rental contract which includes the “Hold Harmless” clause.
(ii) Must be instructed to follow “”Golf Cart Rules of the day” at all times.

(4) DRESS CODE:

(a) GENTLEMEN shall wear a collared shirt. Golf shoes shall be soft- spiked or otherwise approved by the Golf Shop staff. Shirts and shoes are required at all times on the premises. Tank Tops, short-shorts, cutoffs and bathing suits are not allowed. (b) LADIES shall wear golfing ensembles, blouses, walking or Jamaica length shorts or slacks. Golf shoes shall be soft-spiked or otherwise approved by the Golf Shop staff. Halter-tops, tank tops, short-shorts, cutoffs and bathing suits are not permitted.

(5) STARTING TIME PROCEDURE:

(a) PROPRIETARY MEMBERS: (i) All starting times sign up one (1) WEEK IN ADVANCE AFTER 6:30 am. Monday and Thursday Niners, Tuesday and Thursday Ladies and Sunday Men’s groups sign up on their respective clip boards one (1) week in advance. Saturday Men’s group one (1) week in advance after 6:30 AM. WEDNESDAY MENS Sign up sheet may be filled out one (1) week in advance. Box located in the West Golf Shop only. Pairings and starting times available after 12 NOON on the Monday – two days before play.
(b) ALL OTHER PLAYERS sign up one (1) week in advance after 7:30AM

V.  GOLF CLUBHOUSE POLICIES

The following rules serve to clarify how and when the facility may be reserved for use.

(1) Availability – All facilities are on a space available basis.
(2) Reservations may be made through the Food and Beverage Manager of the Club, or Director of Sales and Marketing at the Quail Inn.
(3) Agreement – Any social use, excepting Club meetings, shall require a BANQUET CONTRACT, listing particulars of the event, the club’s beverage policy, the liability and the responsibilities of all parties. A list of applicable charges, which vary depending on the membership status of the sponsor and the participants, is available at the office.
(4) Food and Beverages of any description, other than provided by the Club or approved by the Club, are prohibited on the premises.
(5) Facility Care - To assure proper care, the following rules apply:

(a) Pets are not allowed.
(b) Host assumes the full responsibility for any damage to the building and equipment while the facility is under his/her leave.

Members Code of Conduct

Members and their guests will be expected to conduct themselves in such a manner considered appropriate to common standards of decency and etiquette with other members, guests and employees of the Club and it’s staff. Disciplinary action, as necessary, will be determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with paragraph 4.12, of the Club Bylaws.

Personal Property Responsibility

All personal property (clubs, bags, carts, clothing, etc.) stored or left at the Club is at the risk of each individual. The Club assumes no responsibility for articles stolen, lost or damaged. Generally this is covered on one' s homeowner' s policy and the Club encourages all members to check with their insurance agent for adequate and specific coverage.

Property and Homeowners Rights

Members and guests must respect the rights, safety and welfare of adjacent property and homeowners. This shall be accomplished by not trespassing, climbing on fences, etc; never driving carts or walking on non-golf course property, and taking care in the aiming of golf shots. Individual members and guests are liable for any damage caused to the property or person of any adjacent property owner.