USGA Rules of Golf & Etiquette
Tee Times (Starting Times)
The Board of Governors has unanimously endorse an open tee time policy covering all adult members in good standing. The policy opens the first tee anytime to Members except when club sponsored tournaments are scheduled. The tee time policy requires that members reserve a starting time Tuesday through Sunday.
- Reservations for tee times are made via ForeTees
- Tee times become available for booking Friday morning the week before
- All four names are required for each tee time issued
- Twosome only tee times between 6:00am and 7:00am
- Players must register at the Pro Shop at least 10 minutes prior to their tee time
- Singles may not reserve tee times during Prime Time and will have no status on the course
- Singles and twosomes will be paired up or allowed to play at the discretion of the Starter
- Junior members will not be allowed a tee time on weekends of holidays until 2:00pm and the rules governing the play of Juniors will prevail
Carts
Cart signs apply to all drivable carts. All carts must be kept thirty feet from greens and not brought across the approach of a green. Where the are macadam paths, all drivable carts must remain on them. Any damages to a cart or club property is the responsibility of the driver. No person under 16 years of age or unlicensed person is permitted to drive a cart. No more than two (2) people and two (2) bags are allowed per cart. Carts must be returned to the cart barn by 8:00pm or sunset.
Carts are mandatory for weekend shotguns and men’s Wednesday night twilight shotguns.
Guests
An individual may only use the golf facilities as a guest of one or more members a total of 10 times during any one season. Members are responsible for their guests and must accompany them at all times. Violation of this rule will result in loss of guest privileges.
Slow Play
Slow play on a golf course can be one of the most disruptive situations a golfer may encounter while playing. The Club Management will enforce the following procedure:
- A round of golf on the eighteen hole golf course should be completed within 4 hours 10 minutes after 9:00am. Groups playing before 9:00am are expected to play in under 4 hours. Any group exceeding this may lose their prime time starting time for the next weekend. Any group following the over 4 hour and 10 minute group by 15 minutes or more, may lose their prime hour starting time for the next weekend.
- Slow play is defined as losing position on the golf course by one hole or not playing at a pace equal to the time standard set for a round.
- All golfers in a group that is falling behind are responsible to help “speed up play”.
Golf & Clubhouse Attire
Proper attire is required in the clubhouse and on the golf course. All men must wear shirts with collars and tucked in at all times. Mock turtlenecks are also permitted. No halter tops to be worn by women. No tee/under shirts, short-shorts, cut-off jeans, jean of any type or color or untidy dress will be permitted. Golf shoes with soft spikes must be worn. On course appropriate golf shoes are allowed. The professional staff will ask Members and their guest that do not comply with these standards to make necessary changes before being allowed to play golf, or use the dining room. Members are responsible for guest’s adherence to dress code. Ladies denim skirts will be permitted. Gentlemen are required to remove hats before being seated in the clubhouse. Hats must be worn toward the front at all times.
Rules Governing Junior Members
All junior members must obtain permission from the Golf Professional to be eligible to play without adult supervision. Permission is based on ability and conduct of applicant. Play on weekends and holidays will be after 2:00pm on the eighteen hole course. For exceptions see the Golf Professional. Proper attire rules apply to juniors.
Hole-In-One Insurance
Members or their guests who score a hole-in-one during the season (April 1 through October 31) at Silvermine Golf Club will be insured for up to $250 to cover the beverage tab incurred as the result of his or her good fortune. The “ace” must be witnessed and attested by at least one other person. The cost of the insurance is included in you Board of Governors’ fee.
Sponsorship of New Members
Sponsorship is limited to three (3) per year, per membership. Application and rate sheet are available in the office to members. Each application requires two (2) attached letters of recommendation by current members. Application fee is $500 and will be applied to the initiation fee.
Parking
Automobiles are to be parked in designated parking areas. No cars may be parked at the half-way house or anywhere along Silvermine Woods Road. Violators will be towed away.
Responsibility
The Club will exercise diligence in protecting the property of members and guests, but any and all property brought on club premises is at the owner’s and guest’s risk. The Club is not liable for physical loss of or damage to such property.
Miscellaneous
We urge golfers to obtain an official handicap by contacting the Pro Staff.
- Each member must have his/her own set of clubs. Two people may not play out of one bag.
- Do not play more than one ball on any round.
- Members are requested to not violate posted grounds to recover out-of-bounds balls.
- Respect the private property bordering the course. Any damages to the club property or private homes boarding the course must be reported to the Pro Shop and such damages are the responsibility of the member to settle.
- Talking on cell phones at the Silvermine Golf Club is limited to the parking lots and areas around (but not in) the clubhouse and Pro Shop. As courtesy to fellow members, please refrain from cell phone usage on the golf course, (emergencies only). Cell phones and tablets are allowed in the clubhouse and on the patio in text mode only.