Mission Statement
  • The mission of Tamarack Country Club is to provide an excellent recreational and social experience for its members and their families.
  • We are committed to fostering a family friendly atmosphere in our golf, tennis, pool, and clubhouse operations.
  • We strive to provide excellent service in our dining and social offerings and will maintain our facilities in superior condition.
 

Membership
Membership is a privilege to be enjoyed and respected.  An understanding of our history and the continued adherence to our traditions and compliance with club etiquette and rules ensures that Tamarack will remain among the finest clubs in the Northeast.  Furthermore, all Members must ensure that their families and guests are informed of, and abide by, the guidelines that appear here.  In this manner, everyone can take full advantage and enjoy the club and its wonderful facilities.  
 

History
Tamarack is a unique and special golf course. Her architect, Charles Henry Banks, graduated from Yale University in 1906 and subsequently became an English teacher and track coach at the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut.  At Hotchkiss, while Architect Seth Raynor was building a 9-hole course for the prep school, Banks became so enamored with golf course design that he resigned from Hotchkiss to work with Raynor.  He eventually became Raynor’s partner along with Charles Blair MacDonald, the father of golf course design in America. Charles Banks’ nickname was “Steam Shovel Charley”, given to him by his colleagues because of his affection for the new machine used in creating large undulating built-up greens protected by deep greenside bunkering.  Tamarack has wonderful examples of his work including the large earth works by so many of our putting surfaces like, among others, the third, fifth, ninth and eighteenth greensides, and the “Big Bertha” bunker by the seventeenth green. Banks’ architectural philosophy seems very fair.  Unlike many of the architects of that day, he did not approve of blind shots and included them only when the topography dictated.  His greens always had a slight tilt toward the fairway.  The shot values on his courses were balanced and, as much as possible, he tried to have golfers use their entire set of clubs while playing the course.  Fairway bunkers were fair and strategic, although negotiating their lips required thought in club selection.  More than anything else, he was a firm believer in a tee box elevated enough so that the golfer would be able to view the problems of the hole before teeing off.  Perhaps the most interesting concept that Banks carried on from MacDonald and Raynor was the tradition of including adaptations of famous European holes into his layouts.  There are many examples of this tradition at Tamarack.During his short career, Banks was involved with some of the finest courses to be found anywhere.  His last project, prior to his death in 1931, at the age of 48, was Castle Harbor in Bermuda.  Other courses designed by Banks include Essex Country Club, Westhampton Country Club, Forsgate Country Club, The Knoll, Waialea Country Club (Hawaii), the Country Club of Bogota (Venezuela), The Junko, Cavalier Golf Club (Virginia), and one of the lost jewels of its time, Lido Links.A Charles Banks course is bold and exciting to play.  The features are dramatic and visually appealing.  There is no mistaking the architectural characteristics passed from MacDonald to Raynor to Banks.
 

Cellular Phones
The use of cellular phones is strictly forbidden on the golf course, in the dining facilities or in the clubhouse except in the locker room.  Cellular phones may also not be used in the parking areas close to the club house or adjacent to Hole #10’s tee box.  
 
 

Dress Code

Please note the following and remind your guests before they get to the club.

  • Men are not permitted to wear flip flops or open toed sandals anywhere on Tamarack grounds except at the pool.
  • Men are not permitted to wear hats in the grill room, bar or portico…a good rule of thumb is to remove your hat when entering the clubhouse.
  • Hats must be worn with the brim forward only.
  • Ladies are permitted to wear white and black denim.
  • Shorts must be Bermuda length (to the knee).
  • Gentlemen must always wear a shirt with a collar when in the clubhouse or on the golf course. T-shirts are only permitted at the pool and in the fitness facility.
  • Shirts must always be tucked in at the clubhouse and on the golf course.  “Cuban” style shirts (no tails) are permitted to be worn untucked.
  • Children and guests and their children are expected to follow the same dress code as adults.
  • Cell phones can be used to text or email when on “silent” mode…they can be used for other general purposes in the locker rooms or in the parking lot only.
  • Blue jeans are never allowed at Tamarack between April 1st and November 1st unless designated for special events.

The staff is responsible for enforcing this policy and have the authority to deny service if the dress code is not adhered to so we do ask for everyone’s cooperation.  
 

Children
Members will be held responsible for the conduct of their children and their children’s guests.  Generally, children under age 16 are not permitted in the Clubhouse unless accompanied by an adult.  The club is a place where children can take advantage of the facilities.  However, they should be aware that the parent is responsible should they destroy or deface club property.
 

Tamarack Etiquette
Proper etiquette shows respect for the game and for fellow players. Poor etiquette on the golf course is the quickest way to find yourself unable to make a game.  Nothing is more irksome to fellow golfers than playing with a member who is unfamiliar with proper etiquette on the golf course.  Do you know the basics: Where to stand on the tee while others are preparing to hit their ball, or on the green when someone else is lining up a putt?  Do you know how to enter, exit, or rake bunkers properly?  To avoid embarrassment and brush up on your etiquette before venturing out, we have enclosed a video entitled “The Spirit of the Game.”  It is an entertaining and informative look at the game of golf, its rules and etiquette.  We strongly suggest that all new members and their families view this video. 
 

Rules
Like good etiquette, most of the members you play with will expect you to have a basic knowledge of the Rules of Golf.  You don’t have to be an expert on every USGA decision, but you should be able to deal with most of the typical situations that may occur during a round of golf.  Do you know what to do if your ball is lost or out of bounds or in a water hazard? A USGA Rules Book and “Golf Rules in Brief” are enclosed for you to review.  You should always keep a copy of the Rules in your golf bag.  With regard to specific games played at your club, the same applies.  Make sure you know what formats and games are played most often, and that you understand the stakes and scoring.  All of this will make you a good partner and keep the pace moving.
 

Slow Play
Slow play is the number one complaint at most clubs.  No study on the subject of slow play has ever shown that playing at a good steady pace will “ruin your game” or “upset the rhythm.”  Think about it - nothing is more infuriating than having to wait on every tee.  On the contrary, if everyone moves around the course at a good pace, everyone will enjoy his or her games more. 

There are few starting time restrictions at Tamarack.  To help preserve this tradition, we ask all Members, their families and guests to complete a friendly round of golf in 3:50 hours or less.  Individuals and groups who consistently take longer to play will lose their tee times for a period of up to four weeks. 
 

The Foursome
The foursome constitutes the basic unit of golf and each foursome should keep pace with the group ahead.  When singles, twosomes and threesomes find themselves behind foursomes, particularly on weekends, they should not press foursomes to “go through”.  Equally important, the group playing through should return the courtesy by playing rapidly with a minimum of delay.  Fivesomes are not allowed.
 

Etiquette

Following are the guidelines of etiquette regarding priority on the course, care of the course, consideration of others, safety, and pace of play as presented in The Rules of Golf.  “Committee” is defined as the people in charge of a tournament or in charge of the course.

Priority on the Course
Priority on the course is determined by a group’s pace of play.  If you fall behind, priority goes to the group behind you. Any group playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round. The exceptions are determined by the Committee. Our weekly 9 Holers starting times and tournaments are exceptions.

Care of the Course

  • Before leaving a bunker, fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints, yours and those of others if nearby.  If the rake is within reasonable distance, use a rake.
  • Carefully repair divot holes you create, and repair any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball, whether or not it was your ball.  When the hole is finished, players should repair any damage caused by golf shoes.
  • Prevent damage by not creating divots with practice swings and by not hitting the head of a club into the ground. On the putting green, be careful with bags and flagsticks. Don’t stand too near the hole and be careful replacing the flagstick. Remove a ball from the hole carefully. Don’t lean on your clubs when you are on the putting green.  Observe the notices for golf carts.

Consideration for Other Players

  • Do not disturb or distract others by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise. Wait until it’s your turn to tee the ball.  Do not stand close to or behind the ball or directly behind the hole when a player is about to play.
  • On the putting green, do not stand on another’s line of putt or cast a shadow over his line of putt. Players should remain on or close by the green until all players have holed out.
  • In stroke play, if you are acting as the marker, and if it is necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the player concerned and record it.

Safety

  • Make sure that no one is in range of being hit by your club, your ball or any twigs, rocks, etc. made by your stroke or practice swing.
  • Wait to play until the players in front are out of range.
  • Alert greens staff nearby or ahead when you make a stroke that might endanger them.
  • If your ball goes in a direction where there is danger of hitting someone, shout a warning.  The traditional warning is “fore.”


Pace of Play
A group must keep up with the group ahead. If it falls behind a clear hole, it should invite the group behind to play through with no regard to the number of players. A group must be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play.  When on or near the putting green, it should leave bags or carts in position for a quick exit  and leave immediately after completing play of the hole. To save time, you should play a provisional ball if you believe your ball is lost.  The players looking for the ball should signal the group behind them to play through as soon as it seems the ball will not be easily found. They should not search for five minutes before doing so. They should not continue play until the passing group is out of range.  

Spirit of the Game
The overriding principle of etiquette is that consideration should be shown to others on the course at all times. Because the game is played without supervision of a referee or umpire, it relies on our integrity to abide by the Rules, show consideration to others, demonstrate courtesy and sportsmanship at all times in a disciplined manner.

Penalties for Breach
If you consistently disregard the guidelines of etiquette, it is recommended that the Committee take appropriate disciplinary action including prohibiting you from play for a limited time or from playing in a certain number of competitions. If you are guilty of a serious breach of etiquette in tournament play, the Committee can disqualify you.

Suggestions For A Good Pace Of Play
Slowpokes are a menace to Tamarack’s daily pipeline of eager players who depend on the players ahead of them to maintain the pace.  If given priority of play, such as our 9 Holer morning, we are particularly obligated to maintain pace.  Some of these suggestions will save only a few seconds.  But seconds multiplied by nine holes quickly add up to minutes.  These minutes saved keep the pipeline moving.

  • Take lessons from our pros to become a better, faster player.  You will make fewer strokes, lose fewer balls, play a shorter round, and have more fun.
  • Practice putting and hitting before you play. Warming up on the course creates more strokes, more lost balls and more time needed to play a round.
  • Make a note of exactly when you start the first hole, and keep your eye on your watch to make sure you are maintaining the expected pace.
  • Whenever appropriate, play “ready golf.”
  • When the cart must stay on the paths, always take plenty of clubs to your ball to avoid having to travel back and forth to the cart for the appropriate club.
  • Stay focused on maintaining pace by always keeping an eye on the group ahead and communicating to your group if it needs to speed up.  If you seem to be holding up the group behind you, offer to let them play through.
  • Drive the cart all the way up to the ball.  It’s faster than walking.  If your partner’s ball is near by, she should take the clubs she might need and walk to her ball while you prepare to hit yours.
  • If possible when returning a club to your bag, retrieve the club you will need next. For example, after chipping onto the green, return your wedge to the bag and get your putter out instead of waiting until you drive to the green and walking around to the bag to retrieve your putter then. Another example is to retrieve the driver for the next hole after you return your putter to the bag.
  • Anticipate the next stroke and try to have the right club with you. For example, if you are hitting out of a hazard onto the green, have your putter with you so that you won’t have to return to the cart to retrieve it.
  • Help avoid lost balls and time looking for them by keeping an eye on your partner’s ball after he makes his stroke. 
  • To avoid losing your ball after hitting it from somewhere other than the tee, keep your eye on it and look for a visual cue of a tree, plants, etc. to mark it. Then glance backwards for a visual cue so that you imagine a line between where the ball was hit and where it landed. 
  • Limit detailed discussion of drives and putts so that the next player can begin play. Avoid any behavior that slows the pace of the player who hits next. 
  • While a fellow player makes his shot, prepare mentally for yours. Decide which club is appropriate, judge breaks, establish the yardage, etc. Use down time to prepare for your next shot. 
  • On the putting green, don’t stay off to the side waiting for others to putt.  Instead, go stand behind your ball as soon possible, and prepare for your putt by judging the break, lining up the putt, etc.  You will save time and help get your group on and off the green in a timely manner.
  • Make only one practice swing.  Making two slows the pace of play, and it won’t improve your shot.
  • Know the rules.  You will save time by knowing what to do in various situations.
  • Keep up with the pace of your fellow players if you fall behind by picking up your ball, playing faster, walking faster, etc.  Don’t drag down the pace of your group.
  • Don’t fight it. Pace of play is one of the five tenants of etiquette. To slow the pace of other players by playing slowly is selfish and rude, and it can incur disciplinary action.
 

Greens Etiquette
The putting green is where we encircle a small hole in the ground and experience extremes of apprehension, elation, despair, helplessness, anger, joy... you name it.   Warning!  These emotions crowd the brain and could make us forget our manners!
We must strive to hardwire the following tenants of good greens behavior into our crowded brains to save time, protect the surface of the green and prevent frayed nerves. The list seems long, but you are familiar with most of these logical, considerate behaviors. Check it twice and see if you've been naughty or nice. 

Pace of Play
  • Park your cart or leave your bag in a place that allows you to leave the green as quickly as possible. Plan your departure as you approach the green.  It will allow the players behind you to proceed quickly after you are out of range.
  • If you are on the green and see a fellow player's ball mark the surface, try to repair it as the other player approaches.  If you can't, point the mark out so she can repair it.
  • Walk immediately to your ball and stand behind it.  As you do so and as you wait your turn, plan your putt.  Use the time to read the green, judge distance, etc.  Be ready to putt when it's your turn. 
  • Play Ready Golf to save time and putt out of turn if it doesn't disrupt others' putting. 
  • If you have extra clubs, quickly try to place them outside the green on the path to the next hole or your cart.  If you can't do so immediately, try to do so when you are closer to your exit point.   If it isn't convenient, keep them with you as you putt so you can leave the green quickly instead of having to walk across the green where you left them and then back toward your exit point.
  • Stay on the green until all the putts are finished, and then leave quickly. 
  • If it will save time to pick up the clubs of others, do so and hand them away as you leave. 

Protecting the Fragile Surface of the Green

  • Look for and repair your ball marks and those of others.  As you watch your ball land on the green, remember where it hits so you will know where to look for its mark.
  • Don't assume the ball landed too softly to create a mark.
  • Be careful to pick your feet up when you walk on the green. Your cleats will create clean, harmless punctures, or they will act as a comb that scrapes and tears the surface of the green.   Avoid stepping closely to the hole and creating an uneven surface for putts.
  • Don't lean or place your weight on your putter as you wait to putt or when you retrieve your ball from the hole.
  • When you lift the flag stick, lay it down carefully.  Don't rest the bottom of the flag stick on the surface of the green. Don't let the stick fall onto the green.
  • If you carry extra clubs, gently lay them down and pick them up.
  • Be careful replacing the flag stick to make sure it's standing straight and positioned correctly.  Sloppy placement can cause it to damage the fragile sides of the cup.

Courtesy to Others and Helpful Tips

  • Don't step on another's putting line.  You could create an indentation that affects others' putts.  You should look at the putting lines from the balls to the hole and avoid stepping near them.  It's usually possible to walk around other balls on the way to yours, but if not, be careful to take a wide step on either side of all putting lines.
  •  Mark your ball and lift it so it will be out of the way.  Place a marker, coin or a thin object with a smooth, flat surface as close to your ball as possible to mark the spot where your ball came to rest.  The most commonly marked spot is directly behind the ball on a line to the hole.  Return your ball to the same place in relation to your mark.  You must mark your ball before you lift it from the green to clean it.  You must mark your ball before you lift it to position it for the putt. 
  • Don't stand in another player's target line.  If you are standing directly opposite another player on the other side of the hole, step to the side to avoid distracting her visually.
  • Don't distract your fellow players with movement, noise, questions or comments. 
  • Don't track sand onto the green. If you've coming from a sand trap onto the green, tap your shoes with your club to release sand from the soles and cleats before you walk on the green. 
  • If you leave clubs on the path to the next hole or your cart before you putt, lay them directly across the path to make sure you see them when you leave the green. 
  • Make a quick visual scan of the green when you leave to make sure the flag stick is replaced and no clubs are left behind.

Practice Areas
Members and guests are expected to exercise the same proper etiquette and care while using the practice areas as they do on the golf course.  Members are forbidden to hit practice balls over the driving range fence.  This could be very dangerous to our neighbors and could make us liable for damages to life and property.  The Club practice areas and putting greens are to be enjoyed as an integral part of our facility.  When there is a wait for teeing space at the range, you should limit your practice time to allow others to practice.  When chipping, pitching or hitting sand shots onto the practice green, please check for and replace all ball marks.       
 
The Golf Course is your responsibility
The golf course is our most precious physical asset.  Tamarack is a hidden gem among the many fine golf courses in our area. The layout has a delightful charm with beautiful views and unmistakably bold and spectacular features, wonderfully designed to accommodate every level of player.  Consequently, our members and their guests play about 25,000 rounds of golf on it annually.    Keeping the golf course beautiful is the difficult, expensive and time-consuming job of the Golf Committee, the Greens Committee and the Golf Superintendent and his staff.  That job starts, and is made much easier, with the help of our members and their caddies.  Members, guests and caddies are therefore requested to help maintain the fine condition of our golf course by repairing ball marks on the green (fix your own and one other), replacing divots and raking sand traps.  Divots or ball marks not replaced take one-two weeks to return to their form.  Replaced divots and ball marks take one-two days.
 

Playing Your Game
If you do not have a USGA Handicap Index, you should ask the Golf Professional or Handicap Chairman how to establish one at the club.  A handicap index levels competition making the game more enjoyable for everyone.  If you already have a Handicap Index from another club you should make sure that you inform the Pro Shop so they can notify the MGA and change your home club on the computer system.  Your GHIN number should remain the same.  Familiarize yourself with the score posting procedures at the club by inquiring in the Pro Shop.  Above all, post all scores!
 

Tee Times, Carts And Caddies
During weekends and other prime times, Tamarack requires that you have an assigned tee time, so please call the Pro Shop in advance to insure your ability to play.  Golf at Tamarack always starts with the Caddie Master and you must check in with him before you start a round of golf.  Prior to your tee time, you should make caddie/cart arrangements with the Caddie Master.  If you ride, you will usually share the cart as well as the cost with another player.  Should you choose to take a caddie, you generally will share him with a companion.  Caddies are considered independent contractors.  As such you will have to pay them directly in cash.  The Caddie Master will advise on the recommended pay scale and common tipping practices.
 

Safety
Like Rules and Etiquette, you should be aware of your club’s procedures and policies in the event of lightning or medical emergency.  Emergency call boxes are located behind the fourth green, by the fifteenth tee and on the tenth tee.  The signal for stopping and resuming play is a high-pitched siren.  When you hear the siren you must leave the course immediately.  Safety is an important issue in every area of the club, but the golf course is especially vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.  Be prepared!
 

Guests and the Golf Course
The first advice is to choose your guests like you choose your friends: wisely.  Remember that the conduct, behavior and charges of guests are your responsibility.  Tamarack’s general guest policy is detailed in the pages that follow. But, it bears revisiting when talking about golf since it is the most used policy when it comes to golf.    Guests are allowed to play golf on Tuesday from 9:30am till close, Wednesday from 1:00 till close, Thursday from 11:30am till close, Friday all day with the exception of 11:00am till 12:30pm, and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 12:30pm till close (1 guest per member is allowed in the morning).
If your guest is arriving before you, make sure he knows where to leave his bag, where the locker room is and the attendant’s name.  Confirm whether or not he can have lunch and how to sign for it.  Explain in detail what the dress code is, including his golf shoes which must be spike-less!  In other words, think like a guest and you will both avoid any awkward moments and have an enjoyable time.