Why not join the club to take advantage of these many offers which we have arranged on your behalf .

To get the ball rolling we need your name, address, tel nos, date of birth, email address, whether you are or have been a member of another golf club and your CDH number if you have it. We look forward to hearing from you.

An exciting offer at Royal Tarlair we would love you to get involved. Join today.

you will all be very glad to know that you have nothing to do in the administration of the New World Handicap System, it will all happen seamlessly behind the scenes and on the morning of the 1st of Nov 2020 an overnight calculation will have been done and your new handicap will be visible on your scottish golf app. I have reproduced below the handbook which is the guide for players on how the system operates there will also be links to videos which will follow in due course so look out for these.

Since the new software and scottish golf app was introduced this year you are all now by and large managing to enter competitions, book tee times and pay for guests, however, there continues to be a problem signing for and verifying your competition scores. It has been difficult to properly address these issues because of covid. It is however essential that this be sorted in advance of the new season. To this end over the winter months we are prepared to offer the chance for small groups to participate in test competitions so we can go through in detail what you should be doing to ensure that a score is properly recorded either on a mobile device on the course or on the terminal in the clubhouse at the end of the round. The processes are really quite simple and from next season any scores that are not correctly signed for will unfortunately, result in disqualifications, which of course we do not want. If you have any questions at all let me know and if you would like to assemble a group to go over what you should be doing again let me know so we can organise sessions. regards Gordon Winton (Captain)

        Golf now included in Government’s relaxing of lockdown restrictions Phase 1 – 29 May 2020 The Full Scottish Golf advice.

         Introduction

We understand that a break from the game we miss will have had a significant impact on both the physical and mental health of thousands of golfers in Scotland.

These safe golf procedures focus on how golf clubs can re-introduce golf as part of the Government’s Phase 1 relaxed restrictions in the first instance and have been prepared in consultation with Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland.

The golf community has been extended the opportunity to be an early sporting recipient that benefits from the relaxed restrictions. We urge everyone to be respectful of the preliminary guidelines and to apply good individual judgement, to ensure that in time we can move to a fully phased reintroduction of the game as we all know and love it.

It should be noted that the Scottish Government continues to monitor the situation closely and has not ruled out the reintroduction of restrictions, which could see golf suspended once again if public health measures dictate, or if the guidelines are not followed.

It is therefore imperative that golf clubs take the necessary steps outlined in this document prior to opening their courses for play and adhere to the guidelines, which could be subject to update or change at any time.

To support all golf clubs and golfers during this period, we have set up a designated area on the Scottish Golf website to ensure updates are clear and accessible to all. Click here to access our COVID-19 updates and through time additional phases of the re-introduction to golf in Scotland.

There may be a variance in guidelines and procedures throughout the UK, it is therefore important that golf clubs and golfers in Scotland follow procedures outlined by Scottish Golf and the Scottish Government.

Page 1

         Procedures for “Golf Clubs”

The following safe golf procedures set out the basis on how golf clubs can open and provide a safe environment for golfers as outlined by the Scottish Government’s Phase 1 relaxation of restrictions. Procedures are subject to change, and we would ask all golf clubs to regularly check here for updates.

For Golf Clubs to open their course they should first ensure that:

 • All activity should be consistent with current guidance on health, physical distancing and hygiene – facilities should also make sure they can adapt to changes in guidance at short notice.

 General Guidelines:

• Travel restrictions outlined by the Scottish Government should always be adhered to by members.

• Physical distancing rules outlined by the Scottish Government should always be adhered to.

• Members who are in the highest risk (shielding) group outlined by the Government should stay away from the golf course.

• Members with colds or any symptoms of COVID-19 should not be allowed on the premises of the golf club.

      Preparing the Golf Course:

• Golf courses have been permitted to carry out essential maintenance during the period of course closure. As Golf Clubs prepare to open, routine maintenance practices can be restored, with the primary consideration being to ensure staff safety.

Tee Times and Access to Course:

  • Tee-times should be managed and booked in advance – there should be no turn up and play allowed

 • Daily timesheets and intervals are at the discretion of the golf club – the following groupings will be permitted on resumption of play:

 o Individuals playing golf on their own.

o Two ball games, with household members or with a non-household member so long as they adhere to the Government’s physical distancing rules.

o At the discretion of the golf club and subject to adherence of only mixing with one other household group play in groups of three or four-balls is permitted.

 • If the golf course(s) are set up accordingly, two-tee start times are permitted.

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         • Competition play is not recommended in phase 1 of re-introduction. If clubs choose to run any competition, they should be for members only, and should follow the R&A guidelines set out in schedule 1

• Tee timesheets should be kept for a period of at least 6 weeks to assist with contact tracing should the need arise.

 Clubhouse, Equipment and Course Set-up:

 • All clubhouse facilities must remain closed. Starter facilities can operate, providing that all physical distancing measures are adhered to and appropriate measures are put in place.

• Risk assessment – should be carried out and documented.

 • Physical distancing – the 2m rule applies to all these settings. Facilities need to adapt to encourage social distancing.

• Workforce – ensure the relevant workplace guidance is followed for staff, and any existing health and safety advice is maintained and aligned.

 Cleaning – hand and respiratory hygiene are core measures and provision should be made for these. Clear guidance and plans are needed for cleaning facilities and equipment, and waste disposal. More detail is available in the governments non-healthcare guidance Click Here and we would encourage more detail to be provided/signposted to on this.

 • There are no social gatherings, of any size, at the facility.

• Buggies, electric or pull trolleys, clubs should not be available for hire unless safe sanitising practices can be guaranteed.

• Where practice putting greens are open, the holes should be filled in, covered, or the cup raised and procedures for use should be considered, for example giving priority of use to the players in the next group due to tee off.

 • Signage should be erected to reinforce physical distancing rules.

• Hand sanitisers should be made available.

• Bins, fountains, ball washers, rakes, benches, divot boxes and non-essential furniture are removed from the course. Where such fixtures are permanent, they should be taken out of use.

• Holes/cups should be altered to facilitate easy retrieval of golf balls.

 Advance Planning and Communication with Golfers:

 • Agree to put in place proper management procedures to ensure golfers comply to this protocol.

• Communication to all members that they should follow the “Procedures for Golfers.” Provide golfers with regular updates on any changes made.

• Members are instructed not to touch the flag / flagstick, or the flagstick should be removed.

Page 3

         • Caddies are not permitted (exception: where the group of golfers and the caddies are from the same household).

• One-off appointments for members who need to retrieve equipment from the locker rooms and/or trolley store should be agreed in advance of booking a tee-time. The locker rooms will not be in use and the appointment would be to ensure safe removal of all equipment from the facility.

 Page 4

         Procedures for “Golfers”

The following procedures, which have been established to ensure a safe environment for all golfers and all on-site staff, set out the basis on how golfers can return to the fairways in a safe environment as outlined by the Scottish Government’s Phase 1 relaxation of restrictions. Not only are Golfers expected to comply with the rules they must also observe the government and public health restrictions Click Here. Both sets of regulations / procedures are subject to change, we would ask all golfers to regularly check with Scottish Golf and their Golf Clubs for regular updates.

To ensure the safe return to golf in Scotland, golfers should adhere to the guidelines:

 In advance of play:

• Travel to the golf course from your home must be in line with Scottish Government guidelines – in phase 1 local travel is noted as broadly 5 miles from home , this has since been relaxed!

• If you are in the highest risk (shielding) group outlined by the Government, then you should stay at home.

• If you are ill or have any symptoms of COVID- 19 then stay at home.

• Schedule your tee-time in the manner prescribed by your golf club. Under no circumstances should you arrive at the club without booking in advance.

• Tee group sizes will be determined by the Golf Club.

• Ensure you have enough golf balls, tees etc. as the facilities at the Golf Club may be closed and you should not exchange equipment with other members.

• Aim to arrive at the Club no more than 15 minutes prior to play.

• Park your car in such a way as to facilitate physical distancing.

• Change your shoes in the car park

On the course:

• Do not arrive at the first tee more than 5 minutes before your allotted tee time.

• Always observe social distancing rules on the course.

• With no rakes allowed on the course, golfers to make their very best efforts to smooth the sand using their club and/or their feet.

• Following play of a hole, do not enter the next teeing area until the all members of the group in front have played their tee- shots and exited the teeing area.

• Do not share equipment, food or drink with other players during your round.

• Do not use on-course water fountains, ball cleaners etc.

• Do not touch the flag or flagstick. Putt with the flagstick in and remove your own ball from the hole. Remember not every putt needs to be holed out in casual golf.

 Page 5

        After your round:

• Return directly to your car, change your shoes, put your equipment in your car and leave. Do not store your equipment in your locker.

In addition, following guidelines should be observed:

• Use toilet facilities at home before you leave.

• Bring your own hydration / food to the course.

• Bring your own hand sanitiser to the course and use regularly during the round.

 Closing Remarks

Scottish Golf will remain in regular dialogue with Scottish Government, with regards to the procedures outlined in this document that are for playing golf during Phase 1 of relaxed restrictions. In addition, we will continue to work collaboratively with the UK Golf Industry for the safe return of our sport as and when it is determined by Scottish Government that it is acceptable for restrictions to be further eased in Scotland as outlined in the roadmap published on 21 May.

As we take to the fairways again, we must remember that it is our shared duty as custodians of golf to ensure that we all play our part in following the protocols set out in this document to ensure that a phased return to the game is managed in line with Scottish Government guidelines.

Given the fluidity of the current situation there may be a requirement to update and re-issue this guidance at regular intervals to reflect future government advice.

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        R&A – Rules of Golf Related Matter

Schedule 1

Until further notice, R&A have released the following provisions as acceptable on a temporary basis

Forms of Play and Scoring

• It is recommended that non-competition play is used during the initial period of golf being played, and that stroke play competitions involving players in different groups are avoided.

• If competitive stroke play is played, a method of scoring needs to be used that does not require any handling or exchanging of scorecards.

• Committees may choose to allow methods of scoring in stroke play that do not strictly comply with Rule 3.3b, or do not comply with the normal methods used under Rule 3.3b. For example:

o Players may enter their own scores on the scorecard (it is not necessary for a marker to do it).

o It is not necessary to have a marker physically certify the player’s hole scores, but some form of verbal certification should take place.

o It is not necessary to physically return a scorecard to the Committee provided the Committee can accept the scores in another way.

• As provided in the Rules of Golf, scorecards can be electronic, which could include emailing or texting scores to the Committee if acceptable to the committee.

Bunkers

• If golfers take due care when smoothing bunkers, there should be no need to provide a Local Rule for bunkers. But if the Committee feels that the enjoyment of the game is being significantly affected by there being no rakes, it may introduce preferred lies in bunkers and provide that a player may place a ball in the bunker within one club-length of the original spot and not nearer to the hole than that spot.

Flagstick

• Golfers are always required to leave the flagstick in the hole and not to touch it. It is a matter for the Committee to decide whether it establishes this policy by way of a Code of Conduct or Local Rule, and whether it provides a penalty under the Code of Conduct or for a breach of the Local Rule.

• As a temporary provision, flagsticks can be used for the purpose of player safety which do not meet the specifications in Part 8 of the Equipment Rules.

Page 7

        Hole and Holed

• The hole liner (sometimes referred to as the hole ‘cup’) is to be set in a way that means that all of the ball cannot be below the surface of the putting green, so the ball is considered holed if any part of it is below the surface of the putting green.

• To minimise the need to lift the ball from the hole, it is recommended that the Committee provides that a ball is holed with the next stroke if it is within 12 inches of the hole (which is just over the length of a standard putter grip). This does not prevent a player in match play conceding a stroke that is outside this length.

• The Committee may decide to have the hole liner sitting above the surface of the green and treat a ball as holed if it strikes the liner.

Page 8

We are taking steps at Royal Tarlair to encourage as many Ladies and Girls to take up the sport of golf as we possibly can and already have a growing number who are enthusiastically setting about the operation of what I am sure will turn out to be a thriving section for years to come. They have their own contacts group now established, are planning coaching sessions, get togethers and competitions and we would welcome any new enquiries to join in the fun. I am sure you will be made most welcome here and we look forward to receiving any noted interests through our contact email info@royaltarlair.co.uk or via the enquire button in the “club section“ above.

Dear members, 

Another step down the road this week will see the re- opening of the bar facilities albeit on much reduced hours, which will of course remain under constant review.

For now, the following hours have been agreed:

Friday 
6pm – 11pm (with option to close early if no-one in but no sooner than 10pm)

Saturday 
11am – 12 midnight (but with the option to close early but not sooner than 10pm)

Sunday 
11am – 7pm

A clearly signed one-way system will be in operation which we would ask you to strictly observe and you are also asked to take heed of any and all the other signage which you will find prominently displayed and to listen to the instructions of the Bar Staff if there is found to be a need.

There is a requirement for the Club to record the name and contact telephone number of all those who enter the Bar area so please ensure that this is done.

There is a maximum capacity of around “44” and given this reduction I think it would be appropriate for access to the Bar to be reserved for Members and those Visitors paying Green Fees.

It will not be possible to stand in the Bar area and drinks will be served at your table where you are asked to remain seated and your orders will be taken, if there is no table at which you can sit then the capacity will have been reached and you will be unable to access the facility, we ask too that you use where possible contactless card payment. 

The toilet facilities will be open only during the above hours and you are asked to ensure that the toilets operate on a single occupation basis only.

Please pay extra attention to hygiene and if you have any symptoms of Covid 19 you should refrain from visiting either the club or indeed the course.

Any member who refuses to conform to the various requirements that we have had to put in place will be asked to leave.

The locker rooms sadly will for the time being also remain closed. 

I trust this all meets with your approval.

Regards Gordon Winton (Captain)

Royal Tarlair Golf Club are proud to have a Defibrillator installed outside our Club.

This defibrillator has been made possible by Tarlair Developments. We would like to send our sincere thanks to the above for their help in providing Life Saving Equipment to our club and it’s community.

The Defibrillator has been registered with the Scottish Ambulance Service, where all the details to access the defibrillator will be given via a 999 Call. Nobody ever wishes to use such a device however the positioning of this is accessible for our whole community and we hope that if a time ever comes, this can be used to help save lives.

Pictured above are Alex McHardy (Back Left) and Alan Still (Back Right); Representatives of Tarlair Development, Tony Gallon (Front Right); Royal Tarlair Golf Club Representative and Stuart Gordon (Front Left); SMG Safety

For all the latest news on whats happening in the seniors section be sure to look back here regularly.
Back with a bang last Friday great weather and some great Scoring.
Old Pals are the Best Pals so come and join in next FRIDAY and make some New Pals.

Another good turnout expected tomorrow Friday 19th June great to see new faces this year, the more the merrier I hear Duncan John Smith will be working for the rest of the summer shortly, we will be thinking about you very Friday !

Mon 24th May: Well we are finally on the way back, Seniors Golf resumes this Friday the 28th of May, I hope to see as many of you there as possible, it certainly seems like an eternity already and no amount of rain dances by the wife can dampen the excitement of getting out on the course again roll on Friday.

If you haven’t already obtained your login for Scottish Golf you need to organise this as soon as possible this will enable you make use of the Scottish Golf App and book tee times at Tarlair’s new website.

Proposed Amended Fixture List for 2020

June 
Saturday 27 Bon Accord Cup
Sunday 28 Convenors Cup Round 1

July
Saturday 4 Hector McKay Trophy
Sunday 5 DJ Simpson (over 50’s)
Saturday 11 Monthly Medal 
Sunday 12 Convenors Cup Round 2
Saturday 18 Ford Punchbowl
Sunday 19 Johnny Smith Stableford
Saturday 25 Club Championship Round 1
Sunday 26 Club Championship Round 2

August 
Saturday 1 Club Championship Round 3
Sunday 2 Club Championship Round 4
Saturday 8 Merchant Navy Round 1
Sunday 9 Merchant Navy Round 2
Saturday 15 Monthly Medal 
Sunday 16
Saturday 22 Fife Cup
Sunday 23
Saturday 29 Doune Trophy
Sunday 30 Fisherman’s Cup


September 
Saturday 5 Sponsors Day (or maybe Golf Plus)
Sunday 6
Saturday 12 Presidents Prize Round 1
Sunday 13 Presidents Prize Round 2
Saturday 19 Monthly Medal
Sunday 20
Saturday 26 Bill Fraser Trophy
Sunday 27

October
Saturday 3 Monthly Medal
Sunday 4
Saturday 10 NSRC
Sunday 11
Saturday 17 Gordon Cup
Sunday 18

Competition Formats

Bon Accord Cup – 1 round, handicap Stableford Competition

Captains Cup – 1 round, handicap stroke play competition

Conveners Shield – 3 rounds stroke play, handicap changes each round, best 2 rounds decide the winner

DJ Simpson – 1 round, handicap stableford competition – over 50’s only

Doune Trophy – 1 round, handicap Stableford Competition

Fife Cup – 1 round, handicap stroke play Competition

Fisherman’s Cup – 1 round, handicap stroke play Competition

Ford Punch Bowl – 1 round, handicap stroke play Competition

Gents Championship – 4 rounds, Scratch stroke play competition

Golf Plus – 1 round, handicap stroke play Competition

Gordon Cup – 1 round, handicap stroke play Competition – only medal winners and runners up eligible to win

Hector McKay – 1 round, handicap stroke play Competition

MacMillan Trophy – 1 round, handicap stroke play Competition

Merchant Navy – 2 rounds, handicap stableford competition. Handicap stays same for both rounds

Monthly Medals – Handicap stroke play competitions.

Moray Cup – 4 rounds, handicap stroke play Competition. 1 section with handicap changes apply for each round. Played along with club championship

NSCR – 1 round, handicap stroke play Competition

Presidents Prize – 2 rounds, handicap stroke play Competition

Sharman Trophy – Played along with monthly medals. Points awarded during each medal from 10 down to 1.