Rules of Play
The rules of golf approved by the US Golf Association shall apply, except as modified by the following local rules:

Out of Bounds
Where white stakes are used.  The green and fairway on hole 17 is out of bounds when playing hole 13 and the green and fairway on hole #16 is out of bounds for those playing Hole #14.  A ball coming to rest on or crossing any public road is considered out of bounds.  This rules applies to holes 1, 12, and 13.

Water Hazards
Defined by yellow lines and designated yellow stakes.  When both lines and stakes are present, the stakes identify the hazard and the lines define the margin.

Lateral Water Hazards
Defined by red lines and designated red stakes.  When both lines and stakes are present, the stakes identify the hazard and the lines define the margin.

Pace of Play Policy
The desired length of time for a round of golf at Bentwinds Country Club is 4 hours. Players will be expected to allow faster players through. Rangers will be monitoring play daily.  Members and their guests who are repeat offenders of the pace of play policy will be encouraged to play at a time more suitable for their skill level.  This rule has been put in place to make golf more enjoyable for all levels of play.

Players Attire
Players are required to wear appropriate attire at all times. Men must wear collared shirts and shorts must be at a respectable length. Cut-offs are not permitted.

Ladies shorts and skirts must be at a respectable length. Halter-tops are not permitted.

   
Golf Carts and 90 Degree Rule
Golf carts must be kept in designated areas and operate on cart paths.  Players granted a 90 degree privilege are entitled to ride to their ball and then directly back to the cart path.  Carts must enter the fairway after the green post, and return to the cart path before the red post.  Check inside the golf shop for course conditions.
  
Private Carts
Private golf carts may not be used on the course or on premises unless permission has been granted by The Club.  No gasoline powered golf carts are allowed on the course at any time.
  

Golf Handicaps
Each male and female golf member will be required to participate in the Carolina Golf Association-USGA Handicap system in order to play in the Club Golf events.

A member must post his score in the Golf Shop after his round. Failure to post a score for that day will result in a 71 being posted for that player by the Handicap Committee.  A member who fails to maintain a current handicap will not be permitted to participate in golf events at The Club.

Handicaps 
What is the purpose of having a handicap? Having an established handicap shows how well golfers are doing at the game. It is reason to play your best on each hole and to attain the best handicap you are capable of receiving. Having a handicap also enables golfers of all skill levels to compete at the same level on an equitable basis, that is the #1 reason why all players should post the correct scores each time they play.

What is the difference in a Handicap Index and a Course Handicap?

HANDICAP
The average of your best 10 scores out of your last 20 scores.

HANDICAP INDEX
Using the SLOPE HANDICAP SYSTEM a player's HANDICAP has been converted into the USGA Handicap Index.

COURSE HANDICAP
A player's USGA Handicap Index is converted to the number of strokes you will receive based on the slope of the course and the tee that you are playing. When playing another golf course your Handicap Index will be converted to the "Course Handicap".

What is Equitable Stroke?

Equitable Stroke is the maximum # of strokes a player may receive on a hole in accordance to their handicap.

A houseguest of a member is someone who is staying overnight and lives more than 100 miles from the club.  A houseguest of a member will pay half the green fee plus a guest cart rental.  This shall not exceed more than two consecutive weeks.  (Exceptions to this can be made upon approval).

Hours of Operation

Course Conditions
It is the responsibility of the member to contact the golf shop for daily course conditions, closings, cart path status, and tee time schedule.  Extension 20

Frost Delays
If there is a frost, tee times will be delayed.  In the event of a frost delay going beyond 10:00AM, there will be shotgun start scheduled as early as possible.  Assignment of starting holes will be completed and announced by the golf shop staff, taking into consideration group play and walkers.  (November – March there will be shotgun starts at 11:00AM.)  During the off season, shotgun starts due to weather are more likely. The decision about whether to have a weekend shotgun start may be made mid-week. 

Starting Time
All members are required to have a starting time and must sign-in prior to play in the golf shop.

TUESDAY - THURSDAY
Starting times for Tuesday – Thursday can be made one week prior to the desired day, either by phone or in person.

FRIDAY -SUNDAY
Starting times may be reserved by telephone only, beginning at 8:00AM Wednesday during the in-season and 9:00AM during the off-season for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Starting times can be made in person starting at 10:30AM on a first come first serve basis. 

When making starting times members will be required to give the # of players that will be in their group as well as names.  During the in-season a minimum of three names will be required prior to 12:00PM.  If a fourth name is not given within 24-hours of the tee time, the golf shop staff has the authority to insert a single to fill out the foursome.

Twosomes may play after 12:00PM and Singles will be allowed to play after 2:30PM on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.  If a Twosomes or Singles wishes to play prior to those times may sign-up for a parings assignment for starting times.  Once placed with a group or a starting time has been assigned the member will be contacted by a golf shop staff member informing them of their starting time.

Junior Golfers

WEEKDAYS
Junior golfers under the age of 14 may play on weekdays with no restrictions to tee times if they have passed a required rules and regulations test and skill level test.

WEEKENDS
Junior golfers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent if they wish to play prior to 2:00PM during the in-season and 1:00PM during the off-season.

Family Golf Tee Times
Tee times have been reserved for families beginning at 3:00PM during the in season and 2:00PM during the “off season”.     

Tee Time Cancellation
Tee times must be cancelled through calling the golf shop.  “No Shows” for tee times will be addressed accordingly.

Tournaments & Outings
All Tournaments and Outing must be approved by the Board of Directors and will be presented to membership upon approval. 

Junior golfers will be allowed to participate in member tournaments at the discretion of the Professional Staff and the Tournament Chairman. 

If a tournament or outing does not fill, and members wish to play, starting times will be reserved or hole assignments will be placed.  Please call the golf shop 1 day prior to the event.  This will be based on a first come first serve basis and at the discretion of the professional staff.

Tuesday Ladies Day
Every Tuesday except for tournament or outing days and holidays are considered Ladies Day.  Ladies have priority of the golf course until 11:30AM.

Tuesday thru Friday "Dog Fight"
 Tuesday – Friday tee times have been reserved for a “Dogfight”.   Members who wish to play may do so by calling the golf shop.  Tee times will begin at 9:00AM during the in-season and 11:00AM during the off-season.  The golf shop staff will set starting.