Guidance Notes for Golfers Visiting Hoylake

Handicaps

All visitors are expected to be competent golfers who hold a current Club or Society handicap. As the Links provide a difficult test of golf, maximum handicaps allowed for visitors are: Men – 21, Ladies – 32. Proof of playing ability is required prior to play.

Starting Times

All tee times are allocated in advance. The Club’s official Starter controls access to the tee. The Club reserves the right to adjust starting times as required.

Playing Restrictions

All play starts from the first tee. Members have exclusive rights to the tee at set times. The Club may insist on 2-ball or 3-ball play.

Tees

Gentlemen have the option depending on their ability to play from the Green tees or from the Yellow tees. Ladies play from the Red tees. Winter tees will be in use from 1st January to 31st March (slightly shorter course).

Practice Range

Practice facilities are available to visitors including both short and long game areas with practice balls available with our compliments. We also have a large, practice putting green in front of the clubhouse.

Etiquette

Visitors are requested to conform to established golfing etiquette, be aware of other players and call other players through if necessary. Visitors should play briskly and always maintain their position on the course. Marshalls patrol the Links to ensure an appropriate pace of play.

Catering

A comprehensive Bar Menu is available from 09.30am to 5.30pm.
The Club offers Lunch in the Dining Room from 12.30pm – 2.30pm and table reservations can be made when you book your tee time. Evening catering is available for parties of 24 or more at a minimum charge of £600. Menus are available on request.

Changing

Visitors are requested not to change into/out of golfing attire in the Car Park; facilities are available within the Clubhouse.

Professional Shop Facilities

The Professional acts as Caddy Master. The following are available by prior booking :-

  • Caddies  –  £75.00 plus gratuity (subject to change)
  • Electric Trolleys  –  £25.00 (subject to change)
  • Pull Trolleys  –  £5.00 (available on the day of play)
  • Buggy Cart  –  £30.00 (Limited to medical certificate holders only)
  • Hire of Clubs  –  £40.00 (subject to change)

Mobile Telephones

Since the Club is a place of relaxation and leisure, other than for Doctors on-call, mobile telephones must be switched off when on the course or in the Club House. Essential calls can be made in the Main Reception only.

Security

Closed circuit television is installed but the Club regrets that it accepts no liability for the loss or theft of visitors’ property on the course, in the car park, or in the Club House.

Dogs

Are not permitted in the Club House or on the Links.

Dress Code

On The Course: Conventional golf wear is required and shirts should be tucked in.  Shorts, if worn, should be tailored,  knee length and may be worn with short white (only) sports socks.

In The Clubhouse: Golf wear can be worn throughout the Club until 6.00 pm, but shorts should not be worn upstairs at any time.   Thereafter, jacket and tie (or equivalent dress for ladies) is required upstairs.  There are restrictions on where golf shoes, caps and outer garments can be worn.  Visitors are particularly requested to dress appropriately in the Dining Room.

Denim jeans, cargo style trousers or shorts, beach wear, training shoes and round neck T-shirts are not permitted either on the course or in the Club House.

In deciding what dress is acceptable or not, as for other sports, if apparel is specifically designed for golf or sold in the Club Professional’s shop, then it is likely to be acceptable. Members are requested to ensure that their guests comply with this guidance.