Golf Cart Usage

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Over the last month, many Members and homeowners have contacted the Club and the Golf Operations Committee with specific complaints about abuses by Members driving their carts too close to greens, tees and homeowner property next to the golf courses. The ability to use a cart to play the game of golf is a Privilege, not a Right and is subject to the following rules that are clearly stated in the Rules and Regulations that form a part of the Premier Membership Plan (2012). Specifically, please note the following rules:

1. When the courses are open to golf cart use, you may not drive within thirty (30) feet of a green, tee, or bunker, unless you are on a cart path. Always use the cart path when provided, especially near tees and greens. Players are required to stay on cart paths, without exception, on Par 3 holes.

2. When the golf course or a particular hole is closed to carts, then you must remain on the cart path at all times. (See the Handicap Placard discussion below.)

3. In season (November through May), a maximum of two golf carts may be used for each playing group. From June 1 through October 31, single player private cart use is permitted for private carts only. Club owned carts may not be used as a third or fourth cart in a group.

4. Handicap Placards – Players that have a state issued Handicap license may apply through the Golf Shop for a Handicap Placard for their use on the golf course. This privilege generally allows the Placard holder to drive on the golf course when it is closed to other players. You must use the 90 degree rule to access the course, driving directly to your golf ball, then driving directly back to the cart path. Secondly, you may not drive closer than 30 feet from tees and greens, and you may not drive on any Par 3 holes. There are times when the course conditions will prevent any access to the course, requiring all carts to remain on the cart path. The maximum number of carts that may be used during the season (November through May) is two per playing group. If there are two handicapped placard players in a group, then they must ride together, and the two non-handicapped players will ride together in a cart restricted to the cart path only. If there is only one, or three handicapped placard players in a group, then one non-handicapped player may ride with the placard holder.

5. The golf carts are for use on the golf course and should not be driven outside the clearly marked (staked) out-of-bounds on any hole. The out-of-bounds stakes mark the line between golf course property and private property (in most cases a Homeowners’ Association, but it could be a single homeowner’s property as well). This means when you hit a ball out-of-bounds, you should not drive your cart through the staked line while looking for the ball. Drive to a close proximity of the ball, leave the cart on golf course property, and walk to the location. Do not enter a homeowners’ yard to pick up a ball.

Violators of the above rules can lose their cart privileges, their Handicap Placard, and ultimately their ability to play golf. These are common sense rules designed to protect players, the golf courses and the homeowners’ property rights.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at the email addresses below. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.