As a member of a club, any club, one has benefits but also responsibilities. The benefits are usually clear and obvious. In our case, we get to play golf and socialise with likeminded people.

Membership also comes with responsibilities. These are sometimes forgotten or perhaps are less clear.  Even if we feel we are doing the right thing our actions and behaviours may have impacts on the course and/or other golfers.

We would all prefer the course to be in the best condition possible, with well grassed fairways and true, receptive greens. The greens staff work hard to make this a reality but the club needs golfers to do their part. Filling in divots, repairing pitch marks and keeping golf carts on paths and away from greens and tees. It is likely most members think they already do all these things. And the truth is most do. However, you only need to play on any of our competition days to see evidence that some players do not. It is also too easy to blame social players. And while this is sometimes an issue the evidence is seen during any competition day when social players are not around.

What are the consequences? Divots in the rough are particularly problematic as we can currently only prefer our lies on the fairway. Divots on the tee box cause a lot of damage and we have sand boxes at each tee meaning there should be no excuses for not repairing these divots. Not repairing pitch marks means lower quality greens and a poorer putting experience. Driving golf carts where they should not be driven leads to tighter lies and further damage to green and tee surrounds.

These issues have been raised with members many times but the complaints about the course conditions - related to this type of damage - keep coming in.

Responsibility One: Fill in divots. On fairways, tees and in the rough. Repair pitch marks on greens.

Etiquette and courtesy is another responsibility. We all miss putts, hit trees, go into hazards and so on. That's golf. Lately it seems these events are followed by the F-bomb at a level audible across the course and perhaps even at the hospital. Please keep your expressions of disappointment within your playing group.

Responsibility Two: Behave on the course as you would in any public place.

Dress code. We all have different ideas on what matches and what looks good. However, please wear clothes that are consistent with the dress regulations of the Club. There is a poster just outside the Pro Shop that clearly shows this dress code. We need to remind ourselves that we represent the club. The staff in the Pro Shop are only too happy to show you what is worn on the golfing catwalks.

Responsibility Three: Dress well.

The sandboxes are now on every tee and some people are using them as ashtrays and garbage bins. Please dispose of your rubbish and your cigarette buts in the garbage bins provided. Too often we see these discarded on the grass all over the golf course. Every tee has a garbage bin.

Responsibility Four: Dispose of cigarette butts and rubbish in the provided bins.

Now for the biggie. For many years we hear; "You know. So, and so can't score", "he/she only wins because they are creative with their score" "His/her interpretation of the rules leaves a lot do be desired". Only our members can do something about it. If you feel strongly that a member is manufacturing their own round, has written their own appendix in the rule book, then put in a written complaint and back it up with evidence and witnesses. If you are not willing to do that then keep it to yourself and do not blacken someone's name with innuendo. Golf is a game of personal honesty and to anyone who feels that cheating is OK, remember, you not only cheat yourself but steal from fellow members by denying them a prize or a dollar bet.

Responsibility Five: Be honest, score correctly and respect your fellow members

While this list of responsibilities may seem long if we all take these seriously the benefits will follow. We'll have a better course by looking after it both collectively as well as individually. By not inappropriately drawing attention to your mistakes the course will be a friendly and more inclusive place for all members to enjoy. Better dressed golfers promotes the Club.  Less garbage for the green staff and F-troop to clean up so their time can be devoted to the betterment of playing conditions. Better and honest scoring benefits us all.

Happy golfing

Paul Scholberg
On behalf of the Board of Directors Gosford Golf Club