RULES & REGULATIONS
AUGUST 2009
FOREWORD
It is the intent of the Owner of Bear Creek Golf Club to limit these Rules & Regulations to the minimum required for the mutual benefit of the Club and the enjoyment by all of its Members and guests. The obligation of enforcing these regulations is placed primarily in the hands of a carefully selected and trained staff whose principal responsibility is to assure the Membership of all courtesies, comforts and services to which they are entitled. The Owner reserves the right to restrict guest privileges of Bear Creek Golf Club.
It is the duty of the Membership of the Club to know its Rules & Regulations and to cooperate with the Owner, managers and staff in their enforcement. Any infractions will be subject to disciplinary action by the Owner in accordance with the Bylaws. Staff members are obligated to report all infractions. Verbal or physical abuse of any Club employee is prohibited. Complaints should be directed to the General Manager or the Owner.
SECTION I – GENERAL RULES
The Rules of Bear Creek Golf Club are designed to protect the rights and privileges of the Members of the Club, their families, and their guests and to protect Club property.
1.1 A Member is not only responsible for his/her actions and for those of his/her family, but also for any guests whom they may introduce to the Club, including any unpaid indebtedness incurred. Sponsors of guests must ensure that their guests have knowledge of, and abide by, the rules of the Club.
1.2 Members and their guests shall be liable to the Club for all damages to Club property. Bear Creek Golf Club is not responsible for any personal property left on the premises.
1.3 Good order and decorum must be observed in all areas of Bear Creek Golf Club by Members, their family and guests. Any individual conducting himself/herself in an unbecoming manner may be requested by the General Manager or Director of Golf to leave the Club premises and a report shall be made to the Owner for such action as it deems appropriate, including revocation of Membership.
1.4 Children are not permitted to play in or around the Clubhouse, golf cart area, and practice putting greens. They must be accompanied by an adult, Member or staff member at all times. (Children are defined as those less than 16 years of age).
1.5 Children of Members and guests may have the use of the locker rooms, for brief periods before and after golf, only when accompanied by an adult.
1.6 No one will be permitted to use skateboards or ride bicycles on the Club grounds, including cart paths.
1.7 The Club shall not be responsible for loss of property, including clubs, shoes, etc., by staff, members or guests.
1.8 No one shall remove any Club property from the Club premises.
1.9 Except as approved by the Owner, solicitation of funds for charity, notices or petitions (except as related to Club matters) or other personal notices are prohibited on Club property.
1.10 The use of the Club directory as a mailing list by members is prohibited.
1.11 Pets/animals are not allowed in the Clubhouse, on the Clubhouse grounds, or on golf course property.
SECTION II– CLUBHOUSE RULES
2.1 The use of cell phones is prohibited in areas of the clubhouse serving food and beverage, including the Grille Room, Main Dining Room and Lounge.
2.2 Slow, unsatisfactory or improper Clubhouse service should be reported immediately so the General Manager may assess responsibility and correct the problem. Serious complaints should be made in writing to the General Manager. Members of the Club shall not reprimand or verbally abuse any employee.
2.3 The Owner has instructed management to deny service to all members and guests not conforming to the following Clubhouse Dress Code:
The Clubhouse dress code requires grooming and attire to be appropriate and in good taste at all times. Short shorts, running attire and swimwear are prohibited in all areas of the Clubhouse. Shirts for men must have collars and sleeves and shorts are permitted with appropriate casual shirt. Ladies may wear hats, caps and visors throughout the Clubhouse, but gentlemen must remove headwear in all dining areas. Appropriate denim may be worn in the clubhouse. Appropriate will be determined at the sole discretion of the Management.
Dress for the Grille Room and Main Dining Room are as follows:
Grille Room Appropriate golf attire is allowed.
Men may not wear hats or caps in the grille room.
Dining Room: No golf shoes are allowed in the dining room except for related golf functions. Men may not wear caps or hats in the dining room.
More formal dress may be required for certain special events.
2.4 The hours of operation of the various Club rooms shall be determined by the General Manager and may be adjusted seasonally as member usage dictates. If in doubt about any hours, telephone the administrative office for specifics.
2.5 Persons under 21 years of age shall not be served, nor shall they consume alcoholic beverages, at any time.
SECTION III - GOLF COURSE RULES
In order to ensure the safety of golfers and to maximize the enjoyment we should expect from playing our course, it is necessary to establish these Rules & Regulations. It is hoped that the pride in our Club, together with the thoughtfulness and consideration we afford our fellow golfers, will make disciplinary actions unnecessary. Under the direction of the General Manager, the Director of Golf and the Golf Staff are responsible for enforcing the golf course rules and regulations, as recommended by the Golf Staff and approved by the Owner.
3.1 The Rules of Golf of the United States Golf Association (“USGA”), together with the Rules of Etiquette of Golf as adopted by the USGA, shall be the rules of the Club except when in conflict with local rules or with any of the rules hereinafter stated.
3.2 All persons are required to register at the Golf Shop prior to the use of any golf facilities.
3.3 All play must start on No. 1 tee, unless permission is obtained from the Golf Shop to start from No. 10 tee, or unless other starting methods are in effect to accommodate the players.
3.4 The golf course is closed for maintenance on Mondays, except for outside tournaments. Members may play after 2:00 PM or upon completion of outside tournaments, with permission of the Golf Staff.
3.5 When practicing, Members are to use the driving range, practice bunkers and practice greens only. Under no circumstance is any part of the golf course to be used for practice. Only balls furnished by the Club may be used on the driving range. Range balls are not to be removed from the range nor used on the golf course.
3.6 The driving range is for use by Member/spouse, eligible family members and playing guests only.
3.7 Each golfer must play from his/her own bag of clubs.
3.8 Members, spouses and their children may carry their golf bags (walk) at any time.
3.9 The use of the golf course for professional and amateur tournaments will be confined to events approved by the Owner.
3.10 Under the direction of the General Manager, the Golf Course Superintendent, or his/her designated representative, shall make the sole determination as to when the course is open for play and the appropriate use of the golf carts, during adverse weather or playing conditions.
3.11 The proper treatment of the golf course (e.g., repairing divots, ball marks and raking bunkers) is the responsibility of ALL players who are privileged to play at Bear Creek.
3.12 All golfers, including children, must be dressed according to the following guidelines. Members are responsible for seeing that their guests conform. The dress code for the golf course and practice areas is as follows:
Appropriate Golf Attire – Gentlemen
Slacks, walking shorts, knickers, collared shirts with sleeves, sweaters, turtleneck or mock-turtle sweaters/shirts, jackets, golf shoes and golf sandals (no metal spikes allowed). Shirts must be tucked into slacks, shorts or knickers, with the exception of shirts made to be worn untucked. The length of the shorts is to extend to within 4” of the center of the kneecap, but not below the knee. No person will be permitted on the golf course or practice areas if not dressed appropriately.
Appropriate Golf Attire – Ladies
Golf skirts, slacks, shirts, and shorts (minimum length to mid-thigh) coupled with a fashion golf top, i.e., blouse, vest, sweater or jacket designed for golf wear. Sleeveless tops must have collars. No person will be permitted on the golf course or practice areas if not dressed appropriately.
Prohibited Golf Attire
Denim of any kind; tee shirts (with the exception of fashion tee shirts designed for golf wear); spaghetti straps; sweats; workout clothing; (running, jogging or coaching clothing), swimwear; halters, tube and tank tops also are not acceptable attire on the golf course or practice area.
The Golf Staff has the responsibility to enforce the dress code and in doing so has the firm backing of the General Manager and the Owner. Members are responsible for the observance of these requirements by their guests.
Children (under the age of 16) are not subject to the same dress code as adults, but must be presentable at all times.
3.13 Players shall not bring, or use, caddies except by permission of the Director of Golf.
3.14 The golf course, including the cart paths, is for players, golf carts and maintenance equipment only. Bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, walking or jogging are not permitted on the golf course or the cart paths at any time.
3.15 Unless prior approval is given by the Director of Golf, or his/her representative, there will be no spectators allowed on the golf course.
3.16 The use of cell phones is prohibited on the practice range, putting green, and chipping green. Members and guests are strongly requested to refrain from non-emergency cell phone use on the golf course.
SECTION IV - GOLF PLAY SCHEDULE
4.1 A golf play schedule for all golfers shall be posted. The Director of Golf shall regulate play at his/her discretion to accommodate the largest amount of Member play (e.g., alter starting times during frost delays, etc.).
4.2 Where applicable, when calling for tee times, all players’ names must be given when the starting time is reserved with the Pro Shop. Please call in advance to cancel an unwanted tee time.
4.3 Tee times are made with the Pro Shop by calling, or in person, after 7:00 AM. Tee times may be reserved up to 14 days in advance.
SECTION V - SPEED OF PLAY
5.1 The maximum time allowed for 18 holes is 4 hours and 20 minutes, and for 9 holes is 2 hours and 10 minutes. Golfers must play without undue delay. It is the golfer’s responsibility to keep up with the group ahead.
The Golf Staff is authorized to use his/her discretion to keep play moving at an acceptable rate, and may include the following:
1. Demand that slow playing groups “close the gap” and keep pace with the group ahead. If necessary the Golf Staff may direct players to “pick-up” and skip part of a hole, a hole, or more than one hole.
2. Demand that a group, which has ignored previous requests to “speed-up play”, leave the golf course.
3. Members or groups who are habitually involved in slow play will be notified by the Owner that they are restricted to tee times during non-peak hours. Peak hours are from opening to 1pm.
5.2 The Golf Staff has the authority to manage the golf course in the manner prescribed. If any Member does not comply or abuses the Golf Staff, the Member will be reported and subject to disciplinary action.
SECTION VI - GUEST PLAY
6.1 A golf play schedule for all golfers, including guests, is posted.
6.2 Members are responsible for their guests' indebtedness, conduct and actions (including speed of play) while they are at Bear Creek, whether the guests are accompanied or unaccompanied.
6.3 Guest play at Bear Creek shall be monitored and enforced by the Director of Golf and the General Manager.
6.4 Family Golf Privileges – Family golf privileges may be extended by Members to their immediate family. These individuals must be accompanied by the Member (unless arrangements are made when they are to play as unaccompanied guests and play only at the times listed in the “Golf Play Schedule”). The prevailing family guest rate will apply.
SECTION VII - JUNIOR GOLF POLICY
7.1 A golf play schedule for all golfers, including juniors, is posted.
7.2 Juniors are defined as dependents under the age of 18 and domiciled with Members. Juniors must be accompanied by an adult on weekends, on other days see the golf play schedule. Juniors under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
7.3 All juniors must be qualified by the Golf Staff before playing on the golf course.
7.4 Juniors must comply with Club and USGA rules. Misconduct or improper etiquette may lead to disciplinary action. The Member is responsible for the conduct and behavior of his junior while on Club facilities.
7.5 Golf carts, whether rented or private, are not to be driven by a junior under the age of 16 while on Club grounds.
SECTION VIII – HANDICAPS
8.1 All Members are required to have a handicap determined in accordance with the USGA/SCGA or WSCGA current handicap system.
8.2 All handicaps are checked monthly in accordance with SCGA/WSCGA regulations by the respective Handicap Chairpersons.
8.3 Players must post scores for each round of golf played and comply with rules for posting partial rounds. Players who fail to post scores or post incorrect scores will be subject to penalties as proscribed by SCGA/WSCGA handicap rules.
SECTION IX - GOLF TOURNAMENTS
9.1 A golf tournament schedule will be established prior to the upcoming calendar year by the General Manager and the Director of Golf. After schedules are finalized, a published edition will be posted and sent to the Membership.
9.2 Any Member/spouse having an established handicap on the entry date of a tournament is eligible to participate in that tournament. A temporary handicap may be issued to a new Member/spouse by the Director of Golf for tournament purposes.
9.3 The General Manager, through the Director of Golf and Golf Staff shall regulate all play on the course for tournament days.
SECTION X - GOLF CARTS
10.1 Members of Bear Creek Golf Club are permitted to own and operate private electric golf carts. Prior to any privately owned golf carts being allowed on the premises, the make, model, year, and color of such cart must be approved in writing by the General Manager. Since many commercially available carts are not permitted to be operated on Bear Creek golf course, we strongly recommend that you obtain written Club approval prior to purchase.
The Owner will establish an annual trail fee per cart for the use of private carts. All Members wishing to own a private golf cart must contact the Golf Shop and sign a Private Cart Agreement that outlines the terms, rules and regulations of private cart ownership, including providing evidence of sufficient Liability Insurance. The following rules should be particularly noted.
10.2 Rules for Operating Golf Carts
A. Only Club owned handcarts shall be allowed on the golf course.
B. Golf cart operators must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid automobile driver's license.
C. All golf carts will be kept on golf cart paths when possible.
D. Under no circumstance may a cart be driven under the canopy of any oak tree.
E. During normal play, the rules for cart usage will be posted on a daily basis and all players will adhere to those rules.
F. Cart drivers must obey signage directing cart traffic.
G. All golf carts shall avoid injured areas, "beaten paths”, bare spots, wet or soft areas, and ground under repair areas.
H. Carts must remain on paths from tee to green on all par 3 holes (i.e., holes # 6, 8, 12 and 16).
I. The Golf Course Superintendent has the authority to restrict carts to paths only during adverse conditions (e.g. high heat, wet conditions, frost) and as needed for course maintenance.
J. Carts must be kept at least 45 feet (15 yards) from greens and tees at all times.
K. Carts shall not be driven on steep slopes, in grass bunkers, or in other areas that may cause damage to the course or the cart.
10.3 Medical Red Flag Policy:
A. Medical red flags may be permanently or temporarily assigned to individuals based on demonstrated medical necessity, evidenced by a physician’s letter.
B. The medical red flag will be attached to the individual’s golf bag.
C. Although carts with red flags may drive on some areas of the course where other carts are not permitted, the following policies still apply.
1. Carts are not permitted in roped-off areas of the course.
2. Carts must stay on cart paths as they approach all tees and greens.
3. Carts must stay at least 45 feet (15 Yards) from greens at all times.
4. Golf carts must remain on cart paths on all par-3 holes.
5. Carts must follow “cart path only” designations, when posted.
D. The Director of Golf has discretion in applying this policy.
10.4 No privately owned golf carts shall be stored or left overnight on the premises of the Club unless prior approval is given by the General Manager.
10.5 The Member-Owner is responsible for the operation of his/her golf cart, the behavior of the driver and assumes all liability no matter who the driver may be.
10.6 The Member-Owner of a private golf cart shall abide by the following rules while not playing golf but when driving the cart on the golf course or at the Clubhouse:
A. The minimum age for driving any golf cart is 16 years and that person must have a valid Drivers License.
B. Golf carts are not permitted on the golf course or cart trails when not playing golf, with two exceptions. With both exceptions, Members must yield to avoid interfering with those playing golf.
Exception One: Members may drive their golf carts on the second hole using cart paths only. Upon reaching Bear Creek Drive near the first green, surface streets must be used to approach the Clubhouse. In no case should a golf cart be driven down the number one cart path, fairway or rough to approach the Clubhouse.
Exception Two: Members whose homes have cart storage bordering the course may drive on the golf course when leaving or returning their cart to storage. These Members may use cart paths to approach the Clubhouse. Note that there are only a few individuals with this “grandfathered” privilege.
C. Member-Owned golf carts are to be parked on the cart path adjacent to the practice green and are not to be parked near the front of the Clubhouse. The Club reserves the right, upon the expiration of the annual contract, to make revisions and/or additions to said contract as it feels are necessary.
10.7 Members who violate the cart rules are subject to losing their cart privileges and/or will be subject to other disciplinary action.
