Handicaps are not mandatory, but highly recommended by The Club. Handicaps are a privilege and Members must earn a Handicap Index. In the spirit of golf, no player has an inherent right to a Handicap Index without providing full evidence of ability and willingness to follow rules provided in this section to the Handicap Committee.
Members who want to have a USGA Handicap, will be charged a yearly fee (to be determined) for the privilege of having a Home Club Handicap. Charges will be made in December of the current year. Members not paying the USGA GHIN fee by the last week of the year will be removed from the “Active” list.
Handicaps will be computed by the USGA GHIN Section, in accordance with the current USGA Handicap System Manual. Copies of the USGA Handicap System Manual are available from the USGA or at the USGA website.
To establish a handicap, a member must have turned in a minimum of five scores. Members are responsible for turning in all their scores on a daily basis.
The Handicap Committee and Club Professional will assist any members needing help with the posting procedures.
Accurate records are to be kept of scores turned in and recorded for all full rounds played. The Handicap Chairman shall determine if there are violations by members in turning in their scores.
Every player is responsible for:
trying to make the best score at every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played,
posting every acceptable round for peer review, and
Scores to post - A score is acceptable if 13 or more holes are played. The scores for unplayed holes shall be recorded as par plus any handicap strokes that the player is entitled to receive on the unplayed holes.
Scores on all courses - Adjusted gross scores from all golf courses with a USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating. Both home and away scores must be posted by the player with the corresponding USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating. Tournament scores should be posted by the Tournament Committee. In the event a Tournament Committee fails to post a score, the player should post the score himself.
Scores in all forms of competition - Scores in both match play and stroke play must be posted for handicap purposes. This includes scores made in match play, in multi-ball, or in team competitions in which players have not completed one or more holes or in which players are requested to pick up when out of competition on a given hole. In these cases, the score posted should be the most likely score, but shall not exceed the player’s ESC limit.
Scores made under the Rules of Golf - Scores must be made in accordance with the principles of the Rules of Golf.
The Club Handicap Committee will monitor who registers to play and who posts scores. Every player will be allowed 1 week to post the score of every round played in Palmas del Mar. By the end of the week, The Club will verify who played and who posted a score for every date played.
Players who play and do not post by the end of the week following the date of play, will be posted a Penalty Score equal to their lowest score on record, per Section 8-4.b. of the Manual of the USGA Handicap System.
Penalty Scores can only be removed from the player’s record by the Handicap Committee, upon verification of the score reported by the player with the fellow golfers who played that round.
The Handicap Committee may inactivate and/or withdraw the GHIN Numberof a player who repeatedly fails to meet the Member’s responsibilities under the USGA Handicap System.
OFFICIAL CLUB COMPETITIONS
All official Club Competitions will be played following the USGA and Club rules.
Only members may participate in Club Championship competitions.
Sign-up sheets will be available at the Pro Shop, and will be removed on the Wednesday prior to the day of the event, unless otherwise stated. Admission to play in the event following will be subject to the Committee’s approval.
Members not having current handicaps shall not be allowed to compete in official Handicap Competitions in The Club. Members not having current handicaps may compete in official Club Gross Competitions and Calloway competitions, if applicable.
Members not having current handicaps will not be allowed to compete in official Handicap Competitions representing The Club in competitions with other clubs.
A copy of the PAC Handicap Policy is available at the Pro Shop for Club Member’s review.
BEACH CLUB FACILITIES RULES
Use of the pool and beach at any time is at the swimmer’s own risk. Any injuries should be reported to the Lifeguard or Pool Attendant immediately.
Everyone wishing to use the pool or beach facilities must first register before entering. Club Proper ID must be presented at registration desk.
Members may not have more than four (4) guests per month at the Beach Club, except for private parties arranged in advance or with the approval of the Club Manager.
The Club may, in its discretion, establish certain days or events when only members and immediate family members may use the Beach Club facilities. The Club will identify such days in its calendar and advise members in advance of such days.
Wristbands are required to all visitors in Pool and Bar areas for proper identification. Beach Club staff has the right to ask for Identification at any time.
Children sixteen (16) years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Children who do not swim must be accompanied by parent or guardian at all times.
Children must be three (3) years of age and potty trained to use the main swimming pool. Children wearing regular diapers are not permitted in the pools. Swimming diapers are available at desk.
Swimming is permitted only during designated hours. The pool is officially closed when a “Closed” sign is posted or by instructions of our personnel.
Showers are required before entering the pool to remove all suntan oils and lotions.
Glass objects, sharp objects, drinking glasses or cups, and personal coolers are not permitted at the beach and pool areas.
Food is only allowed in designated areas of the pool and beach facilities. All trash should be placed in the containers located throughout the pool and beach areas. No food and beverage from the outside is allowed.
All swimmers must wear bona fide swimming attire. Cut-offs, dungarees, strings swimwear, and Bermuda shorts are not considered appropriate swimwear. Shoes or other foot coverings and caftans or shirts must be worn outside the swimming pool and beach areas.
Animals are restricted from our Beach Club facilities.
Lifesaving equipment should be used only for the purposes intended.
Children sixteen (16) years and younger are not allowed in the Jacuzzi under any circumstances. Please observe Jacuzzi rules posted on area before having access to this amenity.
Lap pool should be available for swimming purposes at all times. Hanging on the lanes is not permitted.
Pushing, dunking, and other hazardous activities are prohibited. Pulling on or hanging on the pool basketball equipment is prohibited.
Diving is not permitted in any area of the pool.
The throwing of balls, Frisbees, tennis balls, or other objects, and tag games are only allowed at those areas of the Beach Club designated for these activities.
All persons using pool and beach furniture are required to cover the furniture with a towel when using suntan oils and lotions. The use of these oils could stain or damage our furniture.
All persons using the Beach Club facilities are urged to cooperate in keeping the area clean by properly disposing towels, cans, and cigarette butts, among others.
Smoking is permitted only in designated sections of the pool area. Smoking is not permitted inside the pool area or near the kids’ pool and playground areas.
Air mattresses and other flotation devices will not be permitted in pool area.
Persons who leave the pool or beach area for over thirty (30) minutes must relinquish lounges and chairs by removing all towels and personal belongings. Saving of chairs for persons absent from the pool and beach areas is prohibited.
Any person with a health problem which can be complicated by use of the pool is specially prohibited from using the pool.
Nude, g-strings, and topless sunbathing are expressly prohibited.
The Club staff has full authority to enforce these General Club Rules and any infractions will be reported to the Club Manager or Manager on Duty.
The Beach Club staff has the authority to expel from the pool and beach areas anyone who fails to cooperate in following the Beach Club Rules or whose conduct is otherwise unbecoming of a member.
In order to maintain the beach in its natural, pristine condition, members shall not disturb the natural vegetation or wildlife common to the area, including sea turtles, iguanas, and sea grapes. Certain wildlife are endangered species and are protected by national and local ordinances.
It is strictly prohibited to bring food or drinks from outside of the Club, so that any and all food and beverages must be purchased on site at the tennis club from the food and beverage provider at the Beach Club.
The violation of these rules may give rise to the disciplinary action determined by the Board of Directors, which determination may range from an admonishment to dismissal from the Club, depending on the severity and circumstances of each particular case and said action shall be of the exclusive determination of the Board of Directors.
BEACH BAR RULES
The Beach bar is for members only. Guests must register at Front Office Desk.
For safety, glass containers cannot be taken out of this area.
LOCKER ROOM FACILITIES RULES
Members must check in at the reception desk of the Beach Club.
Day lockers are available on a per visit basis. Locker keys must be returned at time of checkout. A fee will be charged for keys which are not returned.
We recommend you to not bring valuables into The Club. Each person assumes liability for the loss of any items stored in a locker or common closet and members release The Club from any such loss.
For fire safety reasons, all clothing and personal articles must be stored in a locker or common closet in the locker room and not under benches or in the common area.
TENNIS CLUB RULES
The Club may hold tennis tournaments or allow group play. During these events, use of the tennis facilities may be restricted. These activities will be held in a manner to limit the inconveniences to members and their guests.
The Rules of Tennis as adopted by the USTA shall apply at all times, except when in conflict with the local rules or with any of the General Club Rules herein.
All members and guests must register at the Pro Shop before starting to play. In the event the Pro Shop is closed, play will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, in increments of one (1) hour.
Players without a pre-arranged game are encouraged to call the Pro Shop, which will assist in forming matches.
Court reservations may be made by phoning or visiting the Pro Shop.
Court reservations will be held up to ten (10) minutes past reservation time, at which point the reservation may be canceled.
Please notify the tennis staff of any cancellation as soon as possible. Players who do not notify the tennis staff of any cancellation at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the reserved time may be charged the court fee as determined from time to time by The Club.
Group captains must give their name and membership number and the names of the players and their membership numbers, if applicable, of the group.
Members shall be able to reserve court times with nine (9) days of anticipation, for which reservations they must call the pro shop and reserve depending upon availability on a first come first serve basis.
No standing reservations will be accepted.
At the end of their playing time, all players must promptly relinquish their court to the next players. Once a member is off the court, the member may sign up for the next available court time.
Singles may play on a court for one hour, and doubles may each play on a court for two hours, subject to the availability of court times.
No skateboards, bicycles, roller skates, among others are permitted on the premises.
All trash or litter must be deposited in receptacles provided for that purpose.
Proper tennis attire as determined by the Pro Shop is required at all times. Colors are permitted, but cut-offs, bermudas, jams, bathing suits, tank tops for men, and slacks are not permitted. Shirts with sleeves and regulation tennis shoes required. No running shoes allowed on tennis court.
Proper tennis etiquette as set forth below should be observed at all times. Excessive noise, racquet throwing or profanity will not be permitted at any time.
The Club may reserve courts for special events when needed.
Use of tennis courts shall, at all times, be subject to the control of The Club.
The tennis facilities may be closed when necessary for maintenance operations or when dictated by safety considerations as determined by The Club.
The Club may implement temporary rules during peak play periods.
The Club will have the right to designate certain portions of the tennis facilities for member use only.
All league captains for teams which use the tennis facilities at Palmas Del Mar as a home team shall be club members.
All league teams shall be have no less than two thirds of its players being members of the Club, with the exception of the 4.5 and 5.0 teams.
It is strictly prohibited to bring food or drinks from outside of the Club, so that any and all food and beverages must be purchased on site at the tennis club from the food and beverage provider at the tennis center, except for the league play tables set up by the league team captains. Under no circumstances will hard liquor be allowed on the league play tables.
The violation of these rules may give rise to the disciplinary action determined by the Board of Directors, which determination may range from an admonishment to dismissal from the Club, depending on the severity and circumstances of each particular case and said action shall be of the exclusive determination of the Board of Directors.
TENNIS ETIQUETTE
All persons preparing to enter or cross a court should wait until play has halted, then proceed quickly and quietly to their assigned court.
All persons requesting the return of a tennis ball from another court should ask only when play on that court has halted. Players should not retrieve a tennis ball from another court themselves.
All persons should refrain from loud or offensive language on the court or while spectators. A low profile is both appropriate and appreciated.
Persons not playing should stay off the court surfaces.
Children should not play games in the area of the Pro Shop or courts.
Courts should be vacated promptly after the reserved playing time is over.
FITNESS FACILITIES RULES
All persons using the fitness facilities do so at their own risk and may be required to execute such forms releasing The Club from liability for their use of The Club’s Facilities as determined from time to time.
For member’s safety, no leg weights or wrist weights may be worn during exercise classes unless specified as part of the class by your fitness instructor.
It is the responsibility of all persons to obtain instruction on how to use the equipment prior to usage of such equipment, and the equipment is only to be used in accordance with such instructions.
It is the responsibility of all persons using the fitness facilities to consult with their physician, and such person should be in good physical condition and have no physical, medical or psychological conditions, disabilities, impairments or ailments, chronic or otherwise, which would preclude, impair or prevent the member from using the exercise equipment or amenities or engaging in active or passive exercise. Members assume full risk of loss and responsibility for damage to their health if the foregoing representations are not and do not continue to remain true.
Operating hours for the fitness facilities will be posted by The Club and may be changed from time to time.
Prior to use of the fitness facilities, a member and any guests may be required to sign a waiver of liability agreeing to hold The Club, its partners, directors, officers, employees, affiliates, representatives, and agents harmless from any and all injuries sustained from the use of the facility.
All members and guests must sign in at the front desk with their Membership Card.
Guest fees may be charged for use of the fitness facilities.
All weights and pieces of equipment must be returned to their proper places at the completion of use.
Casual workout attire is acceptable at the fitness facilities such as tee-shirts, tank tops, gym shorts or warm-up pants for men; and leotards, tights, tee-shirts, tank tops, gym shorts or warm-up pants for women. Athletic shoes are required. No sandals, slippers or street shoes allowed in fitness facilities. Only aerobic or court shoes may be worn.
Pregnant women should not use those fitness facilities that would elevate their core body temperature.
Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited at the fitness facility. No food may be brought onto the premises.
Children under twelve (12) years of age are not permitted in the fitness facility (except special programs or classes). Children ages twelve (12) to sixteen (16) years of age must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Horseplay, profanity, disruptive conduct and indiscreet behavior at the fitness facility are strictly prohibited.
Stereo, television, and tapes are not permitted in the fitness facility.
The violation of these rules may give rise to the disciplinary action determined by the Board of Directors, which determination may range from an admonishment to dismissal from the Club, depending on the severity and circumstances of each particular case and said action shall be of the exclusive determination of the Board of Directors.
MEMBERS ASSUME FULL RISK OF LOSS AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGE TO THEIR HEALTH.
