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Golf Information for House Guests

The Club is proud to have been described as, “One of the great golf destinations before ‘destination golf’ was even a thing.”

To help maintain our status as one of the greats, we ask that you follow the guidelines below; some of our methods may differ to those at your home club.

 

When on the course we’d like our guests to be mindful of six key areas of etiquette.

1. Bunker rakes:

The rake should be left at the point of exit from the bunker, with the handle only left out.

The preferred bunker rake position is shown in photo A. The rake should be left at the point of exit from the bunker, with the handle only left out as shown in photo B.

Photo A

Photo B

 

There are several advantages.

  • It will allow the bunker to be raked up to the exit point. (You are encouraged to smooth the exit face, as this encourages the ball to roll to the bottom of the bunker).

  • It should be quicker as there won’t be the need to walk to the far side of the bunker to replace the rake.

  • There will be no “divot” in the sand as can happen when the rake is thrown back into the bunker. 

  • There is only the slightest of chances the rake handle will stop the ball rolling into the bunker. As the head of the rake is well in the bunker, the ball will not be stopped on the down slope of the bunker.

The other photos show positions that are NOT to be used. The rake should not be thrown back in to the bunker, it should not be left completely out of the bunker, and definitely shouldn’t be left lying on the near face of a bunker.

2. Cart use:

Walking the course is highly recommended but a limited number of motorised golf carts are available to hire on request – they can be reserved at the Pro Shop or reception. Use is regulated and all players must adhere to the guidelines in the brochure via the link below.

Course Care – Cart Use

Most importantly, carts are prohibited from driving between greenside bunkers and greens, and from driving within five metres of the greens. Follow all cart directional signs and do not drive in the rough.

3. Divots:

At Barwon Heads we ask that you fill divots in the way shown in the video below. Take a sand bucket with you, they’re available from the first tee.

 

4. Pitch marks:  

Please repair them. Watch the how-to video from Superintendent Adam Lamb below. 

 

5. Pace of Play:

As a house guest you’re likely to be enjoying a vacation, but our members behind you probably aren’t. Please don’t get into holiday mode too early – wait until you’re in the Clubhouse after your round.

At Barwon Heads, a group of four players should take three hours and 50 minutes to play an 18-hole Stableford round. See this page for some helpful hints.

 

6. Dress Code:

The dress code is not arduous but it’s important to note that it differs between the golf course and the Clubhouse – and between men and women.

For example, a tradition that’s maintained at Barwon Heads is that men are required to wear white socks with their golf shoes if wearing shorts on the course. However, this white sock tradition does not apply to women –  or for men wearing shorts inside the Clubhouse. Read this page and we’ll try to make it simple.

 

 

Here are some other golf-related subjects you might find of interest.

 

Club storage: House guests may store their clubs in the Pro Shop free of charge.

Competitions: House guests are welcome to play in the following: Men’s competitions – Wednesday, Friday & Saturday; Women’s competitions – Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. (Competitions are also held one Sunday per month)

Drinks cart: The on-course cart sells snacks and drinks usually on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday during winter and most days during summer. Check the sign at the first tee to find out if it’s operating. Alternatively, sandwiches can be purchased from the Clubhouse before your round.

Fog and frost policy: In the event of a frost or fog, play will not commence until conditions improve. Any bookings on the timesheet before play is allowed to commence will be cancelled without guarantee of play unless they can be accommodated on a later timesheet vacancy. 

Heat policy: When the temperature is forecast (or is recorded at) 38C or above, the course may be closed. Click here to read more.

Local (and Temporary) Rules: Can be viewed here. Two of the more interesting Local Rules at Barwon Heads (14th and 15th holes) are explained in this video.

Lightning: A suspension of play for a dangerous situation eg lightning will be signaled via the emergency siren system. Players must immediately follow the instructions as stipulated via the emergency system. Any bookings on the timesheet before play is allowed to commence will be cancelled without guarantee of play unless they can be accommodated on a later timesheet vacancy

Par 3 course: A nine-hole, par 3 course is available for guest use. The first tee is situated behind the tennis courts along the pathway towards the west.

Practice fairway and short-game practice facility: This is located between the 18th hole and the tennis courts.  Extensive chipping and putting practice facilities are available during daylight hours. The Professionals can assist with practice balls and tuition.

Pro shop: Situated in the building across the road from the Clubhouse. Call in to book professional coaching or to shop for a full range of golf equipment and clothing. Open daily 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Putting green: The practice putting green is located to the right of the Pro Shop and is available during daylight hours.

Snakes: The chance of encountering a snake on the course increases during warmer seasons. The snakes (most likely lowland copperheads) are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to capture, kill or harm them. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning report that in the warmer months they will move away quickly when they hear something approaching and recommend that people “remain calm if they see a snake and try to move themselves and anyone with them away from the snake.”

If you are bitten by a snake:

  • Stay calm.

  • Firmly bandage the wound to help prevent the venom from leaving the puncture site. It should be tight but not so tight that it causes numbness. Do not wash the bite site.

  • Call for help to arrange transport to the nearest hospital emergency department.

  • For an ambulance call triple zero (000).

  • Stay still and wait for transport to reach you.

Tee times: Your tee time is likely to have been allocated prior to arrival. Please call reception or the Pro Shop if you have any queries. Second / additional rounds are subject to availability and will be charged at the house guest rate.