Golf Rules of Play
The following guidelines have been established for Great Parks of Hamilton County golf courses to help ensure a positive and enjoyable golf experience.
Tee Time Reservations & Play
Tee times can be made up to 10 days in advance either online or by calling the course. Groups of less than four may be paired together.
Players must check in within 10-15 minutes prior to their starting time or risk forfeiting that time.
Play is for 9 or 18 holes, riding or walking. Two riders per cart; single rider requests may incur an additional charge during select times. Push carts are available.
Alcohol must be purchased from the facility. Carry-on alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Coolers are permitted for non-alcoholic beverages.
Guests are asked to check into the pro shop before accessing the practice ranges at Little Miami Golf Center, Miami Whitewater Forest and Meadow Links & Golf Academy.
Etiquette, Speed of Play
- Play “ready golf.” Be prepared for each shot and keep up with the group directly ahead of you. On average, a foursome should play each hole in 15 minutes or less.
- Replace divots, repair ball marks and rake sand bunkers.
- 18-hole players should be efficient while making the turn. An undue delay may result in a loss of access to the next tee.
Rules of Play
- Each golfer must have a receipt from the golf shop.
- Each golfer must have his/her bag and clubs.
- Fivesomes or more are not permitted on the golf course at any time unless approved by the golf professional.
- Holes must be played in sequence. Players should not hit until the players ahead are out of range.
- The golf staff will group players into foursomes whenever possible.
- Playing more than one golf ball per golfer is not permitted on the golf course.
- The golfer is responsible for any damage or bodily harm caused by the ball or club.
- Great Parks is not responsible for injuries on the golf course. Play is at your own risk.
- Pets are not permitted on the golf course, driving range or practice areas.
- Spectators are required to sign a Non-Player Agreement and are responsible for the applicable non-player fee.
Certain exceptions apply:
Parent/guardian/adult who accompanies a playing child (17 and younger) as a chaperone; Parent/guardian/adult observing a scheduled school match or tournament as a walker. Riding carts, if available, are allowed for these events at the discretion of the Golf Professional or the administrator of the event. Carts, if available, will be allowed for those who qualify under the ADA. The applicable non-player fee will apply, per rider, for those taking a cart. If the non-player is under the age of 18, an adult must sign the agreement. Non-players are subject to all course rules and policies.
Golfers who qualify under ADA are allowed use of the SoloRider golf cart or receive a handicap flag/placard for use with a regular golf cart. Certain restrictions apply.
Tee Reservations
- Tee time reservations may be made 10 days in advance. Golfers who are part of the GHIN handicap service receive coupons allowing them to make tee time reservations in person 14 days in advance.
- Reservations are limited to three tee time reservations per caller during certain times. Groups needing more times than this should contact the golf professional.
- Tee times are not required, but are highly recommended during busy times. The golf staff will often pair players into foursomes.
- On weekends (Friday-Sunday) and holidays before 11 a.m., only 18-hole reservations will be accepted (in season.)
- Golfers with starting times must be paid, ready to play and report to the tee at least 10 minutes prior to the tee reservation.
Open Play
- For any periods when starting times are not in effect, players will tee off on a first-come, in-person basis.
- When a wait exists, one person may hold a spot for a maximum of one foursome. If other groups are ready, order of play may be adjusted as needed.
Ages
- Great Parks offers senior rates Monday-Thursday (except holidays.) The rates do not apply to contractual leagues, outings and tournaments. During winter rates, the senior rate is in effect every day.
- The senior rate is for players 60 years or older. Proper I.D. must be shown upon request.
- Junior rates (17 and younger) are available weekdays and during select times on weekends.
- Children must be five years of age or older in order to be a spectator on the course. A Non-Player Agreement must be signed by a parent or adult.
- Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by a parent or adult.
Power and Hand Carts
- Golf cart drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
- Proper I.D. is required upon request.
- Golf cart drivers are liable for any damage or bodily harm caused by the cart.
- Two riders maximum are permitted in a golf cart.
- Power carts must be kept at least 30 feet from the greens at all times.
- Golf carts must drive on paths and in roughs. Carts may cross fairways at 90º angles (unless restricted due to weather conditions.)
- Pull carts must be kept off greens, collars, and tees.
- Privately owned motorized/non-motorized vehicles (except battery-operated pull carts) of any type are not permitted for use on any of the golf courses.
Dress Code
- Shirts must be worn at all times. It is recommended that all shirts have collars.
- Proper footwear must be worn at all times.
Alcoholic Beverages
- Alcohol must be purchased from the facility. Carry-on alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
- Coolers are permitted for non-alcoholic beverages.
Weather / Rain Checks
- Great Parks lighting detection system will attempt to notify golfers of potential lightning in the area by sounding one long blast. If the signal is heard, guests are strongly recommended to seek shelter or vacate the course immediately.
- Short blasts indicate a reduced lightning danger. If the weather appears to be threatening and no alarm is heard, guests are also recommended to seek shelter or vacate the course immediately.
- This system is designed to help guests assess conditions. Neither the signal nor the system is intended to guarantee that conditions are safe. Golfers are responsible for removing themselves from any situation which they deem dangerous.
- If inclement weather causes players to cancel the round, players are eligible for a refund if they have not begun their round. Once players have started, they are eligible for a rain check only. A receipt is required to receive a refund or rain check.
- Weather permitting, the golf courses will make every effort to be open for play on a daily basis.
- Rain checks will not be issued for Natural Turf at Meadow Links after one hour from the time of purchase.
- A valid Great Parks’ Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter the parks.
Golf Tournaments / Special Events
Throughout the year, each of the golf courses will host a variety of golf events and tournaments. During these events, tee times may not be available. The golf course will make every effort to have nine-hole or eighteen-hole times available before or after the event.
Natural Turf Usage Fee at Meadow Links & Golf Academy
The Natural Turf Usage Fee at Meadow Links & Golf Academy is for unlimited practice balls and unlimited time of use. Usage time and practice ends when you leave the facility.