TPMGC Member Code of Conduct and Code of Etiquette, and TPMGC Board of Directors Code of Conduct Pursuant to Torrey Pines Men’s Golf Club (“TPMGC”) Bylaws, Article III, Section 4, a Code of Conduct, a Board of Directors Code of Conduct and a Code of Etiquette (“TPMGC Codes”) have been developed to ensure a safe, friendly and respectful place for members to gather in the spirit of cooperation, relaxation, good will, fun and friendly competition reflecting TPMGC’s values of integrity, respect, fairness and enjoyment of the game of golf.
The game of golf relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Code of Conduct and the Rules of Golf. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.
Application: The TPMGC Codes apply to all members in all TPMGC administered competitions at Torrey Pines Golf Course and all other courses which host TPMGC administered competitions as well as meetings and official gatherings of club members. The TPMGC Codes also apply to all written and oral communication among members relating to Club business or events. By being accepted as a member of TPMGC, the member understands that he or she is subject to the TPMGC Code of Conduct.
TPMGC Code of Conduct
Every participant in a TPMGC administered competition agrees to conduct him or herself in an appropriate and suitable manner with respect to the course, fellow players and competitors, and the game of golf and to treat fellow players with courtesy and consideration by adhering to the following:
Act in a Sportsman-like Manner
Players should avoid unsportsmanlike conduct, including, but not limited to, cheating, club throwing, abuse of the golf course or golf course property, or use of offensive, insulting, or unbecoming language.
Treat Others and the Golf Course with Respect
Players should never engage in physical abuse, threat of physical abuse or verbal abuse of TPMGC staff, officials, volunteers, host club staff or other members, or inappropriately criticize the golf course in public.
Avoid the Use of Inappropriate Products.
Use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes must be in conformance with course requirements, for example, the City of San Diego’s ban on smoking on all city beaches, parks and open spaces applies to the golf courses at Torrey Pines.
Respect the Course Dress Code
Players should dress in accordance with the dress code of the course at which they play.
Refrain from Using a Cell Phone
Players should refrain from using a cell phone unless absolutely necessary and, then, in a discrete manner so as not to interfere with play. Cell phones should always be set on silent. This rule does not apply to use of cell phone apps such as Golf Logix or other devices which provide course information.
TPMGC Code of Etiquette
In addition to the agreement to conduct him or herself in accordance with the TPMGC Code of Conduct, each member agrees to conduct him or herself in a manner to promote the fair and efficient course of play by adhering to the following:
Play at Good Pace and Keep Up
Players should play at a good pace. It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front.
Be Ready to Play
Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
Play a Provisional if You Think Your Ball is Lost
If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, he should play a provisional ball.
Play Safely
Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.
Players should not play until the players in front are out of range. Players should always alert golf course staff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them. If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, he should immediately shout a warning. The traditional word of warning in such situations is “fore.”
Play with Consideration for Other Players
Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise.
Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course, including a cell phone, does not distract other players.
Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.
Players should ensure that they, and their playing partners, rake bunkers after use and repair their divot marks in the fairway and ball marks on each green.
Enforcement
It is an unwritten rule that golfers police themselves. When Bobby Jones was complimented for admitting to having played two shots to get out of the woods where he could not be seen, he remarked, “You may as well praise a man for not robbing a bank.” While the TPMGC Board of Directors has the responsibility to enforce the Code of Conduct, the most effective enforcement is for the members themselves to abide by the Code and help others abide by it, thereby enhancing the entire golf experience for all members. Where a situation arises under the code and the members involved are unable to resolve the issue on the spot, the offended member or members will have the option of submitting a written complaint to the Rule and Conduct Committee as detailed below.
Disciplinary Procedure
Where a member violates the Code or conducts him or herself in a manner detrimental to the image of the TPMGC or the spirit of the game, and the members are unable to resolve the issue among themselves, a member may bring the offending member’s or members’ offense to the attention of the Board. Such complaint shall be addressed to the Board in writing setting forth the facts of the Code violation involved and the name of the offending member or members, the names of all members who witnessed the offending activity, and shall be signed by the complaining member or members. The offending member or members and the complainant and any witnesses will first be summoned to a meeting of the Rules and Conduct Committee which shall conduct a review of the matter and forward a report and recommendations on the matter to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will review the report and take whatever further actions it deems necessary, including summoning the offending member or members and the complainant and any witnesses before the board for further review and determination. A majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors present at meeting shall be sufficient to render judgment and its decision shall be final.
TPMGC Board of Directors’ Code of Conduct
The Board of Directors of the TPMGC are the elected representatives of the club members and as such, shall conform to the following conduct:
Conduct oneself with Integrity and Dignity
A director shall execute the day to day business and future planning of TPMGC with integrity and in the best interests of TPMGC and conduct him or herself with dignity and respect toward other Board members and all club members at all times.
Always act Fairly
A director shall conduct him or herself in an unbiased manner in establishing guidelines for TPMGC that are appropriate and proper with input and feedback from the members.
Conduct the Business of the Club in a Respectful Manner
The directors shall provide a respectful forum which promotes good will, unity and community among the membership and its elected members.
Listen to and Respect the Opinions of the Members
The directors shall provide a respectful forum where members can express their concerns, ideas and suggestions for TPMGC and their opposition to or praise for TPMGC, its activities and policies in a relaxed and accepting atmosphere. A director shall listen to issues and matters voiced by members at the forum giving them due and respectful consideration, and taking action where appropriate.
Enforce Code Violations
The Board of Directors will review all reports forwarded to it by the Rules and Conduct Committee and take whatever further actions it deems necessary, including summoning the offending member or members and the complainant and any witnesses before the board for further review and determination. Any disciplinary procedure will be heard by the Board of Directors in closed session and will be considered as a private communication between the board and the member.
Revisions Approved for Board of Directors effective: August 15, 2017