Round Rules
To ensure fair and enjoyable rounds for all participants, SI BEL HOMMES recommends the following guidelines.
- Before teeing off, each group should agree on penalty applications and betting formats to avoid misunderstandings.
- For smooth pace of play, a hole is considered completed (holed out) once a player reaches double par. After holing out, practicing additional approach shots or putts on that hole is not allowed.
- Especially for tournament rounds are held to determine the champion, the following recommended rules must be strictly observed. If any rule violations are reported, the violator’s score will be disqualified.
1Order of Play
For efficient play, the "ready golf" approach is encouraged—whoever is prepared should hit first, regardless of distance from the hole or previous hole's score. Upon reaching the tee box, if the group ahead has already holed out, it's an indication that your pace may be slow. Be mindful and strive to maintain an efficient pace.
2Ball Placement
Players may lift and place their ball within the fairway only if it's in a divot. The ball should be placed behind the divot, with the agreement of fellow players.
3Lost Ball Drop
For hazards such as water, forests, or tall grass, drop the ball within two club lengths of the point where the ball last crossed into the hazard (not beyond it toward the green). The drop should not be nearer to the hole and should not be in a more favorable area like a fairway. Players have a maximum of three minutes to search for a lost ball.
4Bunker Play
Players are allowed to smooth out footprints or depressions in the bunker before playing their shot. However, repositioning the ball to a different area within the bunker, especially away from the bunker face, is not permitted.
5Penalty Application
All out-of-bounds (OB) shots, lost balls, and hazard penalties are treated uniformly with a one-stroke penalty.
6Conceded Putts (Gimmes)
Conceded putts are permitted only when the ball lies within a distance shorter than the length of a standard putter grip from the hole. The player with the highest score on the hole has the authority to grant a concession. If a player picks up their ball without verbal agreement from all playing partners or without measuring, a two-stroke penalty is applied.
7Longest Drive Criteria
Only drives that land on the fairway are eligible for the longest drive contest. Balls that come to rest in the rough, whether in front, left, or right of the fairway, are not considered. This guideline has been established based on consultations with experienced amateur golfers.
8Cart Safety
To prevent accidents due to inexperienced cart operation, it's advisable for individuals with prior cart-driving experience to take the wheel. Safety should always be a priority.
9Golf Etiquette
Mutual respect and consideration are key to an enjoyable round. Players should repair any divots they create and address any they encounter on the course, including in bunkers, on the green, and in the fairway. For a comprehensive guide on golf etiquette, please refer to the following article:
Golf Etiquette
Golf Etiquette
10Beginners' Accommodation
For novice golfers with handicaps over 48, and with prior agreement from playing partners, certain accommodations can be made to maintain pace of play:
After a missed tee shot or when a ball lands in a hazard or is deemed OB, apply a one-stroke penalty and proceed to designated forward positions (e.g., 150 yards from the tee on par-4s or 250 yards on par-5s) for the next shot.
Mulligans are limited only to beginners and to one per nine holes, totaling two per round.