Rarotonga Golf Course is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. All members and guests are expected to uphold this reputation and enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the game by following the course etiquette and by-laws outlined below (full by-laws available from the clubhouse).

Pace of Play

Slow play can detract from the golfing experience due to lack of awareness or attitude. To ensure an enjoyable round for all, please follow these guidelines:

• Maximum time for 9 holes in Stableford or par events is 3 hours; 3 hours 15 minutes for stroke events, including a stop at the halfway house.

• Arrive at the tee at least five minutes before your scheduled tee time.

• Keep up with the group in front at all times.

• Play a provisional ball if your shot may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds.

• Move quickly between shots.

• Play out of turn on the tee if needed to maintain pace.

• On the green, place your clubs near the next tee.

• Pick up immediately if you cannot score on the hole.

• If falling behind, the first two players to putt out should proceed to the next tee and hit off.

Repairing Divots

• Replace any divot and gently press it down with your foot, adding a little sand to aid regrowth.

• For shattered divots, fill the area with sand.

• On par 3 tees or large divots on teeing grounds, fill with sand.

• Learn the correct method for repairing divots: R&A Video Guide.

Repairing Pitch Marks

• Start at the back of the pitch mark and push forward with a repairer.

• Work around all sides, easing turf toward the center without lifting the soil.

• Lightly tap down with your putter.

• See the correct method: R&A Video Guide.

Bunkers

Leave bunkers in the condition you’d expect to find them:

• Enter and exit at the lowest point to avoid damaging bunker walls.

• Rake after your shot, smoothing all marks, not just your divot.

• Poor shots do not excuse neglecting to rake—respect other players.

• Place rakes outside the bunker, 1 meter from the edge, after use.

Additional Course Care/Etiquette

• Sand buckets are available at the 1st and 10th tees; all players should carry one.

• Do not use your putter head to remove the ball from the hole.

• Follow daily cart rules set by the clubhouse based on course conditions. Non-compliance may result in cart privileges being revoked.

• Keep carts at least 10 meters from tees and greens. No carts or trundlers on teeing grounds.

• Avoid marked G.U.R areas with trundlers. Replace any ropes moved for shots around greens.

• Do not remove ropes around greens to pass trundlers through—walk around instead.

• When dropping bags or handling the flagstick, avoid damaging the green. Do not stand close to the hole or mishandle the flagstick. Replace the flagstick properly before leaving the green.

• Follow all directional signage.

• Dispose of litter in provided bins.

• Rarotonga Golf Course encourages ready golf.

Give Way to Course Staff

Course staff have priority at all times. Do not play when staff are within range to allow them to complete their work efficiently, ensuring a better course for all.

Safety

• Ensure no one is in range of your club, ball, or debris during swings or practice swings.

• Do not hit until players ahead are out of range.

• Shout “fore” immediately if your ball may endanger others.

• Report any golf ball-related injuries to clubhouse staff immediately for serious incidents or at the end of your round.

Practice Fairway Guidelines

• The practice area is for members only, located to the right of the 14th green and left of the 15th tee.

• Available year-round during daylight hours, unless closed for maintenance.

• Club coaching programs have priority access to the practice area.