Pont Royal Etiquette & Good Manners Charter
Respecting etiquette ensures that everyone enjoys the game and helps preserve our exceptional environment.
We thank you for strictly applying the rules of the R&A, as well as our local rules, including during friendly rounds.
Dress code
Proper attire is the first sign of respect toward the club and fellow players.
- Tops: Wearing a collared polo shirt is mandatory. Collarless T-shirts are not permitted.
- Bottoms: Blue jeans and similar fabrics are prohibited. For shorts and skirts, the maximum permitted length is one scorecard width above the knee.
- Footwear: Golf shoes are mandatory. To preserve our playing surfaces, metal spikes are strictly prohibited. Only soft spikes or spikeless soles are allowed.
Course Preservation
The excellence of our fairways and greens depends on everyone’s vigilance.
- Divots & Pitch Marks: Players (or their caddies) must carefully replace divots and repair their ball marks (pitch marks) on the greens.
- Bunkers: Please rake the sand carefully after use.
- Protected Areas: Trolleys and golf carts must under no circumstances be driven onto teeing grounds or the immediate surroundings of the greens.
- Practice Swings: To protect the turf, practice swings are not permitted on teeing areas.
- Animals: Dogs are allowed on the course, provided they are kept on a leash.
Pace of Play & Flow
“Slow Play” concerns everyone. Maintaining a steady pace ensures the comfort of all players.
- Visual Reference: Always keep visual contact with the group ahead of you. If you can no longer see them, you are probably behind schedule.
- Anticipation: Walk briskly between shots. Think about the club you will use while approaching your ball so you can then take the necessary time for your execution.
- Green Logistics: Place your trolley or golf cart toward the next tee (never in front of the green) and leave the area immediately after finishing the hole.
- Courtesy: Allow the following group to play through without delay if you are searching for a ball or if you have lost a hole’s distance behind the group ahead.
- Scoring: To maintain pace, record your scores only at the next tee.
Recommended Playing Time
To ensure a good pace of play:
- 2 players: ~ 3h45
- 3 players: ~ 4h00
- 4 players: ~ 4h30
Safety & Courtesy
- When your ball may reach other people, shout “Fore!” to warn them.
- Never play a shot if the group ahead is still within range.
- Remain silent and still when a player is preparing to hit.
Permanent Local Rules
Removable Obstructions (R.24-1)
• Stones in the bunkers
Irremovable Obstructions (R.24-2)
• Pathways covered with an artificial surface (the sections not covered are part of the terrain, unless marked with white paint.)
• Staked trees
• On the fourth hole, the concrete nozzle on the left of the fairway at drive-out height is an integral part of the terrain.
Grounds in Abnormal Conditions (R.25-1)
• Collapsed drains
Water Obstacles (R.26)
• The water obstacles located on the right of holes n°1 and n°2, on the left of hole n°3, on the right of holes n°4 and n°5 are lateral water obstacles, whose outer limit extends endlessly (on holes n°1 and n°4, the road is in the water hazard and so is not an irremovable obstruction).
• Each of the dropping zones on holes n°11 and n°12 is an additional release option for any balls in the water hazard.
Off Limits (R.27-1)
Off limits areas are as follows :
• The tarmac roads to the right of holes n°6, n°10, n°13 and behind the green where holes n°1, n°9, n°13 and n°14 are situated.
• The resident properties and the « pitch & putt » to the left of hole n°14, the boundary of the land being marked by a fence or white stakes.
Distance Measuring Devices (R.14-3)
• Laser rangefinders or any other device designed solely for the measurement of distance are permitted in competition.
Penalty for breach of a local rule
• Match Play : Loss of hole
• Stroke Play : 2 shots