To enjoy the great game of golf, all players need to be aware of three important facets of the game:

• Keep Pace 
• Rules of Golf 
• Etiquette

A detailed knowledge in all three areas makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.

Rules

1. Smoothing Sand in a Bunker (Rule 13-4).
Before 1 January 2012, if you rake a bunker before you play a shot you are deemed to have tested the sand and incur a penalty of two strokes. For caring members this is often a source of frustration and seen as an unnecessary cause of slow play.

The new rule is included as Exception 2 to Rule 13-4 which has been amended to permit a player to smooth sand or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from that hazard, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 13-2 is not breached. The actual text of Exception 2 is:

"At any time, the player may smooth sand or soil in a hazard provided this is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and nothing is done to breach Rule 13-2 with respect to his next stroke. If a ball played from a hazard is outside the hazard after the stroke, the player may smooth sand or soil in the hazard without restriction.”

2. Ball moving after you have addressed the ball (Rule 18-2b)
Before 1 January 2012, if you have addressed the ball (that is, you have grounded your club in front of or behind the ball) and the ball moves off its spot, you are deemed to have caused the ball to move and you are penalised one stroke and must replace the ball.

A new Exception to Rule 18-2b has been added that exonerates a player from penalty if their ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that the player did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position. The actual text of the new Exception is:

"Exception: If it is known or virtually certain that the player did not cause his ball to move, Rule 18-2b does not apply.” 

Mobile Phones
Members should be aware of the revised guidelines regarding the use of mobile phones and similar devices. Specifically, during competition play, the Rules of Golf (in conjunction with a local rule) prohibit the use of devices which have certain capabilities other than purely measuring distance. Examples include wind speed, temperature and compass functions or accessibility. Regardless of whether these functions are used or not, Rule 14.3 prohibits use and sets out the penalties that apply.

Members are encouraged to review the 2012 Members' Handbook (page 26) to make themselves aware of the revised guidelines. 

Members are welcome to borrow from Administration. The Club library also has a number of Rules and Instruction books available. Members can view these books in the Members' Lounge or make application to the Historical Sub-Committee to borrow or remove the books for a limited time.

Etiquette

PRIOR TO PLAY
	Arrive at least fifteen minutes early to check-in at the Golf Shop. If you cannot meet your tee-time booking please contact the Golf Shop to cancel. Subject to other cancellations, you may be asked to change playing groups. Collect a sand bucket from areas adjacent to the Golfer's Terrace. Be ready to play when it is your time to tee off.
ON THE TEE
	Mark your ball so that you can identify it. Hit ONLY when golfers ahead of you are out of range. Stand still and facing other golfers while they are hitting. Watch where all balls go to avoid time spent looking for lost balls. Yell the warning "FORE!" if your ball is heading toward another golfer. Sand your divot.
THE FAIRWAY
	Walk directly to your ball unless you reach someone else's ball first. Place your bag or cart near you when hitting. Take no more than one practice swing. Player furthest from the hole usually plays first, but golfers out of range of the group in front can play first, if ready. Sand your divot, and others you may see whilst walking the fairways. Walk briskly between shots and be ready to play when it is your turn. Keep Pace with the group in front of you at all times. Assist playing partners when needed by bringing clubs, finding lost balls, etc. Adhere to motorised cart rules at all times.
ON THE GREEN
	Players are encouraged to wheel buggies across the greens and tees. Avoid driving carts across the green. Place your bag or cart between the green and the next tee. Take all clubs that you may need. Repair your own ball marks and others. Avoid stepping on another player's putting line. Players begin putting when all balls are on the green.  The person furthest away from the hole putts first. On long putts, have another player attend the flagstick. Mark your ball if it is in the path of another player's ball. Record all scores on the next tee.
PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
	The Victorian Golf Association (VGA) Code of Conduct, together with other requirements of players as specified by tournament conditions, local rules and regulations of the Club, shall apply in all golf competitions conducted or promoted by The Yarra Yarra Golf Club. VGA Player Code of Conduct...

Safety

Safety is a prime concern and, with regard to our 3rd hole, we require that players intending or with the ability/likelihood to drive to or near the green, wait for the green to clear before teeing off. A short delay in playing your shot is preferable to injuring a fellow golfer. 

All members should make themselves familiar with the Rules of Golf, the requirements of Etiquette and the standards of dress expected at Yarra Yarra. Committee is looking to increase the focus on monitoring and enforcing standards going forward.