New to the Game?
Some important things to know about the game of golf
This is a list of the important customs expected in the game of golf. We will do our best to enforce these policies to ensure the enjoyment of all our guests.
1. Safety – Prior to making a stroke or making a practice swing, the player should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like which may be moved by the stroke or swing. Be sure that others are out of range before you play a shot. Yell “fore” to warn others of an errant or upcoming ball approaching them. Stand behind and away from a player making a golf shot. Any damage done by a player’s golf ball and otherwise is the player’s responsibility.
2. Consideration for other players – The player who is the furthest from the hole should be allowed to play before his fellow competitor does; unless the player who is furthest is not ready to play- in this case others should play. No one should move, talk or stand close to or directly behind the ball when a player is addressing the ball or making a stroke.
3. Care of the Course:
Sand Bunkers – Before leaving a bunker a player should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made.
Replace Divots and repair Ball Marks on the Putting Greens – A player should ensure that any turf cut (divot) displaced by him is replaced at once and pressed down and that any damage to the putting green by a ball is carefully repaired.
Damage through Practice Swings – In taking practice swings, players should avoid causing damage to the course, particularly the tees, by removing divots.
4. In order to accommodate the desire of our golfing patrons to play their round at a reasonable pace, we will enforce the following:
5 Holes should be completed in a max time of 1 hr 10 min
9 Holes should be completed in a max time of 2 hours
18 Holes should be completed in a max time of 4 hours
Regardless of whether or not your group is playing within these time guidelines, if there is an open space immediately ahead of your group, and the trialing group is constantly waiting – let them play through. Do this as many times as necessary so there is never an open space ahead of your group.
If you decide to let a group play through, stand to the side of the fairway, etc. and signal to the trailing group to play through (be careful to not get hit by their balls). As soon as the trailing group all hits their shots, you should try to hit your own shots again as the trailing group approaches; then wait to hit until they are out of range (the point is don’t just stand around waiting for them to catch you).
Players looking for a lost ball have a maximum look time of 5 minutes. While looking for a lost ball, it would be wise to consider letting the group behind play through if the group ahead is visibly out of range and it becomes obvious that your group will lose it position on the golf course.
5. Everyone must have a set of clubs to help with our pace of play.
6. Must have shoes or sandals (preferably golf shoes or tennis type shoes).
7. Idaho State Law does not permit anyone to bring their own alcoholic beverages onto golf course property. If you desire these types of beverages while on this property, they must be purchased at the clubhouse from the State Licensed Concessionaire.
8. If you are playing 18 holes, do not take a break after the first nine holes. Immediately continue on to the 10th hole (the back nine) so you do not disrupt the play of the groups behind you. If you are in need of refreshments, grab them and go.
9. We have three to four basic sets of tee markers (the place from which you start golfing at on each hole) at our three courses. Each set of tee markers is identified by different distinct colors: Play the set that helps your current ability to play the game (we recommend the more forward sets of markers for most new players as the course plays a bit easier from the shorter distances).
10. If you are renting a golf car, please be aware of our REQUIRED safety rules:
Only two (2) riders
Be extremely careful on inclines and slopes
Keep cars at least 30 feet away from our putting greens and teeing grounds
Use cart paths when provided
Keep away from trees and tree branches
Drive cars respectfully & responsibly. Ensure Safety Rules are followed at all times.
Drivers must have a current State Issued Drivers license (learner permits must have parent present). Carts are motorized vehicles which can be dangerous. Any damage that may occur during your use that requires repairs will be your financial responsibility.
11. Electrical thunderstorms represent a serious threat to life. When this type of storm threatens, immediately discontinue play and take shelter. If you cannot find adequate shelter (our courses do provide several shelters sprinkled throughout the course), seek refuge in dense woods or low lying bunkers.
12. For those who feel that playing golf on the Regulation Sized Courses might be difficult at first, we highly recommend playing the Short Course at Sandcreek. For a nominal fee this course has six (6) challenging holes that average around 100 yards in length and the pressures of learning the game for a beginning golfer are much reduced. Give it a try-it’s a lot of fun!
