www.philipsburgelkscc.com pfgolf9@verizon.net - Pro s email pccproshop@verizon.net Pro Shop email Pro Shop (814) 342-1114 2013 Golf Committee 2013 Greens Committee Al Anderson (Chairman) Michael Czap (Chairman) Arnie Foradori Jim Gilham M. Gary Helsel Matt Johnson Paul Bradley Nate Lucas Nick Wasilko Jack Vesnesky Tom Dunsmore Jim Soltis 2013 Central Counties Representatives Paul Bradley John A. Frank
The Golf Committee would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to the Philipsburg Elks Lodge and Country Club, and we hope you have a great golf season. This handbook is not intended to cover every situation or issue, rather is meant to give an overview of the most common issues or questions that may arise and to communicate basic standards and expectations of all of us as stewards of the golf course and Elks facility. If each member takes a few minutes to read this booklet, then the golf year should be much more enjoyable for all of us. Golf Course Our 9-hole golf course will challenge golfers of every caliber. The course is a certified member of the USGA, the Pennsylvania Golf Association and the Central Counties Golf Association. Our practice facilities include a chipping green, putting green, and driving range (hit your own balls and pick your own up). Rules of Play All golfers must check in prior to a round of play. In order to fulfill all safety obligations and to create accurate records, all golfers must check in with the Pro Shop. Failure to do so could result in suspension of your golfing privileges for that and future days based on the decision of the members of the Golf committee and the elected Board of Directors. All play begins on the #1 tee unless you have other permission from the Pro Shop. Each person must have their own set of golf clubs. Priority on the Course Priority is established by pace of play and player etiquette, which will be enforced by the Ranger and/or Pro Shop staff. We respectfully ask for your cooperation in maintaining a maximum 4- hour round and allow play of faster groups to pass if the situation warrants. Twosomes have no priority and should give way to any foursomes. It is not permissible to have a golfing group larger than a foursome unless advance permission is obtained from the Pro Shop. Your pace of play on the golf course is directly behind the group in front of you. If you are unable to maintain an appropriate pace of play, you should yield to the group behind you. Failure to follow such etiquette could result in your loss of position on the golf course as determined by the Ranger and/or Pro Shop staff. First Tee Procedure: A. With a nine-hole course we have an unique situation of teeing off. We use an alternating pattern. 1. Players teeing off # 1 will alternate with groups coming off # 9. a. Group A is teeing off #1, Group B is on the putting green and group C is coming off on #9. Procedure: Group A will tee off then group C goes next followed by group B.
Care of the Course and the Golfing Environment You are expected to follow the normal, accepted rules of golf that govern play and conditions. A few reminders: Bunkers: Enter and exit a sand bunker from the side opposite the green. Smooth all holes and footprints with the rakes provided and place the rakes outside the bunkers. Fairways: Replace divots and observe golf car rules. Greens: Exercise care on the putting green. Accepted golf etiquette is for each golfer to repair at least two ball marks their own and one other! General: Thanks to the efforts of our staff and golfing members, our golf course is in exceptional condition. All of us doing the little things will help in continuing with the beautiful conditions we all enjoy. Use the garbage cans provided. Pick up paper, cans and other objects left by others. Use the bathroom facilities provided. Respect our neighbors properties. Obey all golf car rules in effect on any given day. If you must have a cell phone on the course, turn off audible ring tones. Golf Memberships Golf memberships are valid from date of payment through March 31 of the next year, same as your Elk dues. The golf application will explain the rates, due date and any available discounts. Memberships are available as follows: Full Memberships: Single, Family, Junior and Child:. Appropriate Attire Soft spike shoes are required on the course. Proper attire reminders: All men s shirts must have collars (golf mock turtleneck styles are acceptable). Women s shirts may be sleeveless without collars but must be designed for golf wear. No tee-shirts, muscle shirts, tank tops and halter tops are allowed. No sweats, athletic shorts or swim trunks are allowed. Denim shorts and pants are not recommended from Memorial Day through Labor Day. All players must have soft spikes or appropriate shoes (no hard soled shoes). The Golf Professional and Pro Shop staff has full authority to exercise judgment and discretion when assessing the appropriateness of golf attire.
Golf Cart Regulations Course conditions are posted at the Pro Shop and first tee; conditions of the course may restrict the use of golf cars. Violation of established golf car rules can result in the loss of golf car privileges for the immediate and future rounds. For purposes of a 9-hole golf car fee, completion of 5 holes constitutes a full paid round. For 18-hole golf car fee, completion of 12 holes constitutes a full paid round. Refunds will only be given for incomplete rounds due to weather. The use of golf cars to play additional holes is strictly prohibited. At all times: Obey directional signs. Keep carts a minimum of 30-feet from greens. Remain on golf cart paths near greens and tees. Do not take golf carts across bridge designated for walkers. Drivers must be at least 16 years old. A maximum of two people are permitted per golf cart. Keep out of natural areas. Consideration of handicap modifications to the golf cart regulations will be established on a case-by-case basis. Such authorized individuals will have golf carts with an appropriate indicator and will be instructed, as appropriate, with regard to appropriate on-course golf cart rule adjustments. Hand Carts Pull and Motorized. Hand and motorized carts should not be pulled or driven between traps and greens, or on aprons. If applicable, any fees assessed for motorized carts will be announced as part of the yearly application fee schedule. Safety Rules In the event of inclement weather, the USGA guidelines regarding suspension of play will be implemented. Discontinuation of Play is signaled by a long blast of the siren. When the Discontinuation of Play signal is given, golfers must return to the clubhouse or seek on-course shelter immediately. Resumption of Play is signaled by one short blast of the siren. When you see lightning or hear thunder, use your judgment to seek shelter you do not have to wait to hear the Discontinuation of Play signal. Never hit into others on the course; before striking the ball, be sure your flight path is clear. Handicaps are established by posting of scores after each round of golf. Any round played at a golf course that is deemed in season should be entered into the electronic handicap system located in the Pro Shop. Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) is the downward adjustment of individual hole scores. There is no limit on the number of holes a player should adjust a score. This adjustment is a necessary step before entering your score for the round if you are to maintain a legitimate handicap. The fee for use of the electronic handicap system is $10 per golfer and is required to have if you play in leagues or tournaments.
Foursome Rule - May 1 - Labor Day A. Saturday & Sunday - 9am 3pm 1. You must have 4 players (3 with permission of the pro shop) to be on the golf course during these hours. Junior Rule - June 1 - Labor Day A. All children under the age of 11 must have an adult with them at all times. B. Ages 12 & up 1. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday must have made the turn by 4pm 2. Wednesday can t start or make the turn after 11:00. 3. Saturday, Sunday and holidays can t play until after 4pm. C. Exceptions to the Junior Rule 1. Boys with established handicap of 25 or less 2. Girls with established handicap of 30 or less 3. A member of a High School golf team or program Weekends Friday, Saturday and Sunday / 2 Time Rule A. You must have a golf member in every group B. Guests are permitted to play on these days only 2 times unless they are outside of 50 miles or a member of a USGA course. C. Carts are mandatory for all guests on these days RESPECTFUL, CIVIL BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS The Pro Shop staff has the authority, delegated by the Golf Committee and the Trustees, to monitor and take action on those rare occasions when uncivil, disrespectful behaviors impeded on others enjoyment of the golf course. As such, although this is not an all-inclusive listing, the types of behaviors that may result in immediate removal from the course and property are listed below. In addition, any of these behaviors, or other actions deemed hostile, inappropriate or abusive, may result in the Trustees applying additional membership suspensions and remedies. Intentionally hitting a ball towards another golfer. Excessive alcohol consumption. Disregard for golf course etiquette. Evading financial obligations including guest fees, golf car fees, merchandise and membership dues. Inappropriate attire. Intentionally damaging or tampering with a golf car. Intentionally driving golf cars on or near greens, bunkers, or tees. Loud vulgarity, profanity or offensive behaviors.
Providing alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age while on Club property. Verbally, physically or sexually harassing employees, fellow golfers, or Elks members on the golf course, practice area, club house, or Pro Shop. Respectful, civil discord is expected in all encounters. Inappropriate and hostile badgering of the Golf Professional, Course Superintendent, Pro Shop Staff, Greens Crew, Golf Chair, Golf Committee and/or Board of Directors will not be tolerated. GOLF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES We offer a full service Pro Shop to help you with any of your needs. Balls, gloves, clothing, bags, shoes, equipment, and lessons If you have any special needs just ask and we will do everything we can to get it. League Play The Elks is proud to have very active men s and women s leagues. Information on both leagues is distributed annually. The men s league is held on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. The women have a Monday evening 9-hole league on Mondays. Tournaments The Elks offers a fun, competitive tournament schedule unmatched by any other facility in the area. The tournament schedule is distributed yearly, and protocols and policies specific to each event are communicated by the Pro Shop. All tournaments require a USGA handicap. No- Shows in tournaments may forfeit your privileges for that tournament for the following year. Club Championship play begins in late August. Qualifying information and dates are announced well in advance. An individual who enrolls to participate in the club championship must continue participation until eliminated; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of participation for the following year. Central Counties This is an organization of local golf courses formed to promote junior golf through a scholarship program. There are 14 local courses involved. To raise money for this they sell a Scholarship card for $25. This card allows you to go play any of the 14 courses for a $16 cart fee only. They also have several different tournaments. Lessons We have many different levels of lessons available. Inquire in the pro shop for details. If you ever have any questions about the rules of golf, Philipsburg Elks Lodge & CC rules or golf etiquette please ask any of the Pro shop staff we will be glad to help
TIPS FOR SPEEDING-UP PLAY A. What can individuals do: 1. Try to play at a time when there is the best chance of playing fast, when the course is least crowded. 2. Select playing companions that also like to concentrate on playing golf, not talking, drinking, and eating. 3. Arrange the match and bets in the clubhouse or pro shop prior to starting on the first tee. 4. Have a game plan on how you want to play the course. 5. Carry a spare ball or two. 6. Take no mulligan or practice shots. 7. Decide what club you will need to use before you get to the ball. 8. Think about your next shot, where to place your bag or handcart, or where to park your golf cart. 9. Be prepared to play when it is your turn. Select your club, line up your shot or study your putt. Make your practice swings while others are playing. When it is your turn, address the ball and hit it. 10. Walk briskly, and you will get more exercise. 11. Do not stop with playing partners while they hit their ball. Go to your own ball, if you are not in danger of getting hit. 12. Watch where you hit your own ball, so it can be found quickly. If in doubt, hit a provisional. 13. Be realistic when waiting to hit to a green or off the tee. Usually the waiters cannot get the ball to the green with a cannon. 14. Learn how far you can hit the ball with each club. 15. When out of the hole and heading for a triple-bogey, pick up. 16. Watch the actions of other putts to learn about speed and break on the greens. 17. Play the ball as it lies at all times. No winter rules, unless turf conditions warrant it. 18. Repair ball marks and divots while waiting for other players, not when it is your turn. 19. Mark your scores as you walk to the next tee, not on the green you just played. 20. Be conscious of the lost ball rule in looking for a lost ball. Only the player should spend time looking, while the others hit. 21. Do not stop to give a playing lesson to your partner. 22. Learn the rules of golf (local and USGA). B. What Groups Can Do: 1. Forget honors. The first man off the green and on the tee should hit it, ready golf. 2. Play when ready in fairway, even simultaneously, as long as you do not interfere with other players. 3. Putt when ready. Don't wait for outside players, if they are not ready. 4. Shorter distance players hit first, as soon as group ahead is out of range. 5. If the group behind is pressing you, wave them through, then speed up your own play.
6. Only one person should look for their ball in rough or out of bounds, and only for two minutes. 7. Wave through the following group on Par 3's, particularly longer Par 3 holes. 8. If two are riding, player first to hit should make their club selection, then take two more clubs, one longer and one shorter. While they are preparing to hit, the other player should ride to their ball. Do not wait for each other. 9. Park cart in direct line from green to next tee. 10. At green, driver should bring other player's putter, if they don't already have it, which they should. 11. When driving from hole to hole, notice the flag stick placement on other greens that you will be playing later on. 12. Rake or smooth out divots in sand traps that you land in. 13. Read directional signs and other notices that will help you with club selection, where to go next, etc. Most score cards give you additional information about the course and local rules to help speed up play. GOLF COURSE ETIQUETTE In the interest of all golfers using our golf courses, certain rules of etiquette are of necessity by the golfers relative to protecting and preserving the quality of maintenance of the golf courses in order to insure the enjoyment of the best playing conditions. All golfers will have the opportunity to make play more pleasant for other patrons by willingly honoring the following suggestions. 1. The golfer will replace all fairway, tee, and rough divots. Roots will be placed down and then lightly pressed down with the foot so the grass may grow again and prevent a bad lie for the following golfer. 2. Ball scars or bruises on the green will be repaired by the players by lifting and bringing together the turf with a golf tee or an accepted hand device. 3. High-heeled shoes will not be permitted on the golf course or practice putting greens at any time. 4. Players will mark a ball on the green with a coin or other golf-accepted marker, but will not scratch or dig into the green. Golfers should walk carefully on the green to prevent scuffing the turf on the green with their spikes. Pick up feet while walking, step lively, and do not drag spikes. 5. Extreme care should be exercised when removing or replacing the flag stick so as not to damage the turf around the lip of the cup. The flag stick should be laid carefully and gently next to the green during the putting period. Players will not use the flagstick as a rest or punch it into the green. 6. Only a putter will be used to putt on the green. Golfers will not intentionally drop or toss a putter on the green or lean on their putters on the putting surface. 7. After putting out, the golfer will not flip the ball out of the cup with their putter. Players will not drop their bags on the putting surface or apron of the green. Golfers will not carry their bag across a green. They are to walk around the green.
8. Golfers will not lay or toss lit or unlit cigarettes, cigar butts, or matches on the greens or aprons. 9. Players should not step within 12" of the cup at any time after putting. Footprints on the green within this area will cause a putt to roll off line and will cause severe injury to the turf and compaction. 10. A ball hit to the wrong green must be picked up and dropped off the wrong green to the nearest relief and played to object hole and without penalty, according to the rules of golf. 11. All youngsters shall be kept under strict surveillance by the parents when using the driving range. Golfers will respect all signs and nylon roping at all times. 12. Practice on the tees, fairways, and greens is prohibited at any time. Practice pitch shots to the practice putting green is not permitted. Golf practice is limited to the driving range and various practice greens. 13. Players should not walk through sand bunkers. They are to walk around the sand bunker unless their ball is to be played out. Golfers should enter the sand bunker at a point closest to their ball and/or where the sand bunker is the lowest. Players should enter and leave the sand bunker with the least disturbance to the turf and sand. 14. After playing out of the sand bunker, the golfer should carefully smooth the footprints with a provided hand rank in consideration of the following golfers. The rake should then be placed back in the sand at the edge of the sand bunker. 15. Players are not to pull handcarts or ride power golf carts across the green or into sand bunkers. 16. Hand pull carts, single electric hand carts, power golf carts, and maintenance equipment will stay at least 30 feet from the edge of greens and off all teeing surfaces. Cart paths will be used at all times, where available. 17. No person is permitted to ride or drive a vehicle on the golf course unless it pertains to the game of golf or maintenance of the golf course. 18. Golfers should help keep the golf course free of debris. No person shall throw, discard, place or dispose of any garbage, refuse, cans, etc., on the golf course in any place other than a receptacle maintained for that purpose. 19. Players should leave the golf course in better playing condition than they found it.