Members Code of Conduct

Princes Risborough Golf Club - Members Code of Conduct

- A Shared Commitment to Respect, Fairness & Enjoyment

Why This Matters

At Princes Risborough Golf Club, we believe golf is best enjoyed in a respectful, inclusive, and friendly environment. This Code of Conduct is here to help us all play our part—whether you're teeing off, chatting in the clubhouse, or posting online. It’s based on England Golf’s best practices and tailored to reflect our club’s unique character as a proprietary, family-run business.

1. Respect & Courtesy

We’re proud of the welcoming atmosphere at our club—and it starts with how we treat each other. As a member, we ask that you:

  • Be courteous and respectful to staff, fellow members, and guests
  • Avoid aggressive, abusive, or discriminatory behaviour
  • Respect the authority of the Proprietor and PRGolfClub.com Ltd to manage the club - in no circumstance should an employee be reprimanded (or interfered with in conducting duties) by a member
  • Do not enter areas reserved for staff members only, including but not limited to; bar serving area, kitchen, greenkeeping sheds
  • Do not enter areas reserved for outside functions
  • Recognise that our staff deserve a safe, professional & respectful working environment
  • Use the Customer Service Book in the clubhouse to share praise, suggestions, or constructive feedback. If something needs discussing, please speak privately and politely with a member of staff.  Please remember that they may be in the middle of providing customer service to others when you may wish to speak to them.  We ask that you are patient and considerate or simply use the customer service book and politely request that someone contacts you.

    This approach helps us build a culture of mutual respect, open communication, and continuous improvement.  We welcome comments that will help you and others to enjoy the club as much as possible.

2. Digital Communication & Data Protection

Whether you're sending an email or posting on social media, we ask that you:

  • Use polite, professional language
  • Avoid sharing anything offensive, defamatory, or inappropriate
  • Keep club matters and personal information private unless you have permission
  • Respect everyone’s privacy—online and offline

    GDPR Matters

    We take data protection seriously. Please:

  • Don’t collect or share personal data without consent
  • Avoid forwarding private emails or contact details
  • Report any suspected data breaches to the Proprietor or Welfare Officer.
  • Failure to follow GDPR rules may lead to disciplinary action—or in serious cases, referral to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
    Volunteer GDPR Commitments

3. On-Course Conduct

Golf is a game of honour—and we keep it that way by:

  • Following the Rules of Golf and Club Bye-Laws
  • Maintaining a good pace of play
  • Respecting the course and the players behind; repairing divots and pitch marks and raking bunkers as you go
  • Avoiding disruptive behaviour that affects others’ enjoyment
  • Reporting any damage or hazards asap
  • Following the Rules of Handicapping Appendix A, which state (along with following the rules of golf) that members should:
    • Play to the best of their ability
    • Certify scores accurately for fellow players after witnessing a round.
    • Have only one handicap record, administered by a home club.
    • Return all acceptable scores, making the best possible score on each hole – submitting competition scores promptly after play and general play scores before midnight on the day of play.

See: Local Rules - Local PRGC Rules - Princes Risborough Golf Club

4. Inclusivity & Equity

We’re committed to making golf accessible and enjoyable for everyone. That means:

  • Supporting a non-discriminatory environment
  • Welcoming people of all backgrounds and abilities
  • Upholding England Golf’s Equality Policy
    EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION POLICY - Princes Risborough Golf Club

    • If you witness any form of discrimination, please do not condone it or allow it to go unchallenged, and report the matter to the owner/clubhouse manager or Welfare Officer as soon as possible.)

5, Safeguarding

We all share responsibility for keeping our club safe. Please:

  • Respect safeguarding policies for children and vulnerable adults
  • Report any concerns to the Club’s Safeguarding / Welfare Officer
  • Avoid any behaviour that could compromise someone’s safety or wellbeing
    Safeguarding Policy

6. Disciplinary Process

If a member breaches this Code, the club may take action, including:

  • Verbal or written warnings or being asked to leave the course or temporary suspensions
  • Suspension or termination of membership
  • Referral to England Golf or legal authorities for serious misconduct

All disciplinary matters are handled fairly and in line with our constitution and England Golf’s Model of Disciplinary Regulation.

If the matter relates to being rude to or behaving inappropriately to staff, members or guests, the Management reserves the right to provide a warning or temporary suspension pending next steps.  Our priority is to protect our staff and the environment they work in / provide for the membership.  This overrides normal disciplinary protocols.

Disciplinary Procedure

7. Your Commitment

By joining Princes Risborough Golf Club, you agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and all related policies. The Proprietor may update this code as needed, and any changes will be shared on the club website.

Final Thought

This isn’t just about rules—it’s about creating a club where everyone feels welcome, respected, and proud to belong. Thank you for helping us make Princes Risborough Golf Club a place where golf thrives and people flourish, whether they be staff, members or guests.