Golf Lesson Rates and Policies

Rates & Policies
In effect April 1st until November 15th:
The same schedule as MGA Score Posting.
November 16th – March 31st will be considered “Off-Season Golf"

Tamarack Country Club - History
Tamarack Country Club was founded in 1929 after the construction of the golf course by Charles Henry Banks.  Charles Banks’ nickname was “Steam Shovel Charlie”, given to him by his colleagues because of his affection for the new machine in creating large features. Tamarack is a unique and special golf course and a wonderful example of Mr. Banks’ work. In particular, the large earthworks by the third, fifth, seventh, twelfth, and the “Big Bertha” bunker by the seventeenth green are fine examples of the bold and exciting features incorporated into Tamarack. Another common feature Mr. Banks incorporated into his designs included very large greens that could be segmented into distinct separate sections, which sometimes made putting extremely difficult.  In 2008, Tamarack’s design was revisited by renowned golf course architect Brian Silva, who dubbed Tamarack “a hidden gem” and restored many of the original Banks features that had eroded over time.  In 2022, the Club enlisted Renaissance Design and golf course architect Brian Schneider to continue the improvement of the golf course.  In September of 2023, the Club will begin to complete the Master Plan under the guidance of Brian Schneider, to be completed and ready for play in the Spring of 2024.  We recognize and appreciate the many contributions and accomplishments over the years of those who have donated their time and energy in making Tamarack one of the “Top” golf courses in Connecticut as ranked by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.   

Cellular Phones on the Golf Course
The use of cellular phones and other communication devices are always prohibited on the golf course except when used simply for viewing email, GPS, text messages, or in case of emergencies.    The use of cell phones in the clubhouse, except the locker rooms is also prohibited.  Cell phones can be used in the parking lot up (beyond the bag drop area).  

Care of the Golf Course
Members are REQUIRED to:- repair ball marks on the putting greens and fringes - replace all divots - pay strict observance to cart rules - rake bunkers before exiting them from the closest entry point - rakes should be replaced inside bunkers  - tap excess sand from shoes prior to walking on the green  

Dress Code on the Golf Course
Tamarack has a code of “proper attire” for the golf course and practice areas.  Long pants or Bermuda shorts are permissible, however tennis-style shorts, “short-shorts”, jeans and cargo pants (or shorts) are prohibited.   Golfers must wear collared shirts. Women may wear collarless shirts, provided they have sleeves.  Men’s shirts must be tucked in, and caps are to be worn front forward.  Tennis and swim attire, including tennis-length skirts, are not permitted as golf attire.   Dress Code for Other Events Monthly Club communications and the calendar will contain information about appropriate dress codes for upcoming events.  From time to time, special events may have special dress requirements which may be different from the usual rules.  Normally those special requirements will be posted. If you are unsure, please contact the office for clarification.  

Golf Course Emergencies and Dangerous Weather
You should be aware of Tamarack’s procedures and policies in the event of lightning or medical emergency.  Emergency call boxes are located behind the fourth green and by the fifteenth tee. It is recommended that at least one member of each group carry a cell phone in the event of emergency. Tamarack has a lightning monitoring system that detects dangerous storms in the area. 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!  

Safety on the Golf Course and Practice Areas
The safety of our members is the primary concern of our Board, our committees, our management and members themselves.  As enjoyable as golf is, the sport has some inherent dangers due to the nature of the equipment, the speed at which golf balls travel, and the vulnerability of golfers and bystanders who are not otherwise protected. In all cases it is the member’s responsibility to exercise prudence and judgement during play and practice. If a staff member is not present, any member observing unsafe activity should inform the pro shop or starter immediately.  If there is imminent danger, members need to use their best judgement whether to intervene.   -   No one should play his/her shot until they are sure that the group in front is completely out of range.  Remember that this includes balls landing near or close to the group in front.  It is the member’s responsibility to be aware of other golfers and to shout “FORE” in the event that an errant shot could potentially hit another player or bystander. -   Be aware of the positions of other golfers both on the driving range and in the short game area.  Skulled shots can put other players in harm’s way. -   We welcome children on the golf course and driving range, but we rely on parents/ guardians to keep watch over them to make sure that they are not wandering into unsafe areas, nor are they engaging in unsafe behavior. When you’re on the range with a child, you are expected to actively supervise your child to insure the safety of others on the range.  For the younger golfers we would discourage you from hitting while your child is using the range/short game area so that you can adequately supervise them. -   We have a warning light that alerts golfers on the driving range of groups coming down the 13th fairway, and no golfer should hit towards that fairway while the light is on.  Common sense also dictates that golfers on the range should be on the lookout for groups on that fairway who have forgotten to set the warning light, for caddies who may precede groups onto the fairway, and for maintenance workers who may be crossing in that direction. -   There are private homes beyond the nets on the driving range and golfers are forbidden to hit over those nets.  There is a fine of $500 and potential suspension for golfers who do not obey this rule. -   Our tennis courts and swimming pool line the right side of our tenth hole.  Despite the nets, golf balls have entered both the pool and tennis courts endangering others.   We have recommended that members choose a club off the tee that cannot - reach into either of these areas.  There is a fine and suspension for violation of this rule. -   No child may operate a golf cart unless they have a driver’s license.

Handicaps
The backbone of competitive amateur golf at the club level is the Handicap system.  It is the one factor that permits members of all skill levels to play and compete against one another almost as equals.  Conversely, incorrect handicaps can give one player an unfair and illicit advantage over another. Even beyond Tamarack, golf organizations such as the USGA, WGA, etc. who run tournaments must rely on each member club to keep accurate handicaps.   Players at Tamarack may compete in net score events provided that they have a valid USGA Handicap.  The USGA has an expansive, specific, and very robust manual on how that system works and the duties and responsibilities of a club’s Handicap Committee in enforcing that system.   The most important part of that system is the member’s responsibility to post their score EACH AND EVERY TIME they play unless they play alone.  In the event of a failure to post, under USGA rules, the Handicap Committee has the following options:   -   Post the actual score made by the player. -   Post a penalty score equal to the lowest/highest Handicap Differential in the scoring record; -   Post the actual score and a penalty score   In addition, the Committee has the authority to ASSIGN a handicap index to a player, both member or guest, (higher or lower than that on the system) if the committee believes that the scores do not accurately reflect a player’s ability!   Repeated failure to post scores could result in ineligibility for handicap-based competitions at the Club (including member-guest functions).  ForeTees generates weekly reports of scheduled rounds and compares them with GHIN postings.  The Golf Committee has formed a subcommittee to specifically monitor the posting of handicaps.  Written warnings will be issued to members who are in danger of handicap sanctions.   Only members with current MGA handicaps may compete in handicap events.  For member-guest functions, each guest’s handicap will be verified by the Golf Shop and/or Golf Committee prior to the competition.  Guests without a valid or verifiable handicap may still play in such tournaments; however, they will play with an assigned handicap.    Please see the golf shop to make sure that you are enrolled in the handicap system.  There is an annual fee for this service which is automatically billed to your account.   After each round, you may hand your scorecard into the pro shop with each player’s name and Tamarack handicap number clearly printed) and as a courtesy, the staff will post your scores.  All tournament scores will automatically be posted by the pro shop.  Every member is responsible to see that every one of his/her scores are posted to the handicap system.  If you are playing a round of golf at another club, you are responsible for posting that score as well.  If you are unsure about how to post an “away” score, please consult one of the golf professionals.  Scores during the winter “off” season can sometimes be posted at the course you played, using your GHIN number.  If they cannot be posted at the time, you can post them at the beginning of the Tamarack season.  

Weekly Golf Course Schedule
(The Foretees system opens for reservations 14 days prior on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and 7 days prior of Friday.  Weekends and Holidays it opens at 8:00 am the Tuesday prior)
It is always a good idea to consult the Foretees system, the Tamarack website, or the golf shop for any last-minute changes to the schedule.   

Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 
(Foretees opens up at 8:00 am the Tuesday prior)
7:00am to 10:30am
Open tee sheet is in effect for Certificate Holding, Senior Certificate, Senior, Regular, Junior and Intermediate members. No guests are allowed prior to 10:30 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day Weekend.  (Before Memorial Day Weekend and after Labor Day Weekend, one guest per member is allowed prior to 10:30 am).  Only special exceptions will be allowed with prior approval from the Golf Committee.     10:30am to dark
Open play. 
One guest per member will be allowed from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm; after 12:30 pm, up to three guests are allowed per member.    
After 3:00pm
Under 14 accompanied with adult.  

Monday  - or Tuesday after a Holiday Usual outing day. 
Check monthly schedule. Course closed until conclusion of outing.      
12:00pm to dark
If no outing, course open, no carts, golf shop, club services, or locker room services.    

Tuesday  - Except after a Holiday      
8:00am to 9:30am
Tee reserved for children family members from late June to the end of August      
9:30am to dark
Open play- Guests permitted.  
Associate Members permitted.
All juniors must notify a member of the Golf Shop before starting play.  On certain occasions, the Golf Shop may permit juniors to play at times other than indicated in this schedule.
All day Under 14 accompanied with adult allowed      

Wednesday    
Until 11:30 am
Women’s 18 Holer and Open Play have tee time preference.  Members may consult with the Starter or Golf shop when deciding to play on a Wednesday morning, provided that the Women’s group play is not disturbed or impeded.  Approval from the Starter or Pro Shop is required and is not optional.  Unused tee times will be released to the rest of the membership.  11:30 am to dark
Open play- Guests permitted. 
Associate Members permitted.  
After 3:00pm
Under 14 accompanied with adult allowed        

Thursday      
8:30am to 10:00am
Women’s 9 Holer- Front or Back nine as designated by the Golf calendar.  Other arrangements can be made between 8:30 am and 10:00 am with the Golf Shop provided you do not interfere with the Women’s 9 Holer events.  Unused tee times will be released to the rest of the membership.     
10:00 am to dark  
Open play-Guests permitted. 
Associate members permitted    
After 10:00am
Under 14 accompanied with adult allowed          

Friday        
7:30am to dark
Open play-Guests permitted
Associate play permitted before 11:00am and after 4:00pm    
After 3:00pm
Under 14 accompanied with adult allowed       

*Please note that the foregoing schedule may be modified from time to time by the Board and is subject to change for special events such as interclub matches, junior golf events, and golf association events. Please consult your monthly calendar for special Club events.*  

Junior Rules and Use of Golf Facilities
No child may operate a golf cart unless they have a driver’s license. Children that are not allowed to use a golf cart may carry their own bag when playing. Golfers with a driving license may carry their own bag any day after 3:00pm, otherwise they must use a caddie or a golf cart.  Long pants or Bermuda shorts are permissible; however, tennis-style shorts are prohibited.  Boys must wear collared shirts tucked in with shorts or pants.  Jeans and cargo pants (shorts) are prohibited.  Caps must be worn face forward. Unsupervised children are not allowed on the driving range.  Adults supervising children on the driving range should refrain from personally hitting golf balls while children are hitting.  Children must let faster golfers play thru on the course. Children ages 15-24 may play unaccompanied as provided in the weekly schedule. Children ages 14 and under may play unaccompanied if they have a handicap less than 21 or if they have permission from the golf professional staff.  All other circumstances require they be accompanied by an adult.  

Tournament Eligibility
Children of members over 16 years of age may compete in certain Tamarack tournaments where the field is not limited as to the number of entries.  Members who wish their child to compete in such tournaments will be expected to pay a prize fund fee for each participating child. 

Starting Times
Tamarack installed an automated tee time system in 2006.  The system is called “Foretees” and can be accessed directly through the Tamarack Website.  
Foretees Instructions
To access Foretees, go to the Website and log in.  On the left, click on Tee-Times and you will be in the Foretees system.  You may access Foretees through the internet 24 hours per day.  For weekend and holiday starting times, Foretees will become available at 8:00am the Tuesday before.  Tee times are issued on a first come-first-served basis.  Groups may reserve one or two times.   For other times, you may view the signup sheets on the website and sign up along with your playing partners.  You may indicate your preferences for walking or riding and all Foretees transactions will be confirmed by email.   You may only edit your own entries in Foretees.  You may not delete a playing partner or change his/her time unless you made the tee time.  This may only be done by the individual golfer or by the pro shop.  Foretees has been programmed with the Tamarack play rules and will only allow reservations to be made as permitted by your membership classification.   If you enter a starting time with an incomplete foursome, you are essentially inviting someone to join your group, and someone may in fact do so over the internet.  If you are joining a threesome by this method, it would be wise to contact a member of that threesome to avoid an embarrassing situation if they have asked a fourth without recording it on the system. To hold a spot in your group open, you may do so by placing an “X” in the blank spot.  Be aware that the “X’s” will convert to open spots 48 hours before the tee time and other members may sign into that group.   If you have scheduled a tee time and you, your guests or playing partners cannot make it, please cancel your reservation to allow the tee time to be filled by other members.  Failure to show up for tee times can result in loss of “prime time” privileges.  Also, if you are part of a foursome and cannot make it especially on weekend mornings, please cancel yourself so other members can play at these prime-time hours.   In addition to making weekly times, you will be able to sign up for all the golf events during the season.  Pay attention to the dates and times that you may sign up for these events.  Starting times are required for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays.  You may enter your starting times for other days directly through Foretees.  Starting times may also be obtained by calling the Golf Shop (203-531-7364) or making a request in person at the Golf Shop.  No guests are allowed prior to 10:30 am on Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day Weekend.  One guest per member will be allowed from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.  After 12:30 pm, up to three guests are allowed per member.  (Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, one guest per member is allowed prior to 10:30 am).  Only special exceptions will be allowed with prior approval from the Golf Committee.  Members with 2 or more guests shall be required to always take at least one caddie or forecaddie.   

Golf Shop Assistance
If you wish to play Saturday or Sunday mornings but have not arranged a game, call the Golf Shop for help.  If you are a single, a twosome, or a threesome, see if the Golf Shop can help you complete a foursome.  This will make your game more enjoyable and speed up play by having one less group on the golf course.  

Tipping 
Tipping is not allowed in the Clubhouse, but is permitted for locker room attendant, starter, and bag room employees.     

Golf Cart Usage
Damage to our golf course from the improper use of carts is a significant maintenance problem.  Our bylaws provide for charging a member’s account to pay for any damage caused by improper cart use, including replacement of damaged sod, sprinkler heads and the like.  In addition, violators will receive a letter from the Golf Committee and be posted in the Golf Shop and could also result in the loss of cart privileges.
1. Obey all cart signs, particularly as you approach the green complex.  There are markers on the sides of the fairway to indicate where the carts must exit and rejoin the cart path.
2. All par 3 holes are cart path only, regardless of the weather.
3. Please scatter carts as you leave each tee.  Scatter means trying to enter the fairway on a different angle from other carts that have entered the fairway before.  It will be evident from cart tracks where other carts have been. This will prevent wearing out of a particular part of a fairway.
4. Regardless of weather, certain areas should never be driven upon, including the areas directly in and around bunkers, tees or greens, fescued areas, and portions of the golf course that are wet and/or soft.  Occasionally areas are roped off or stakes placed in the ground to prevent cart traffic.  Those ropes and stakes are not to be driven over or removed. If during play, ropes or stakes need to be removed to play a shot, those stakes and ropes should be replaced when you finish playing your shot.
5. Some players may have blue flags on carts due to medical or other issues.  These players are permitted to approach greens and tees beyond where other carts may go.  However, players must still exercise judgement and must be alert to potential damage their carts can do. 6.      Golf carts are not to be used for taxi service to the pool or parking areas.
7. Avoid wet spots, puddles and USE COMMON SENSE.  Pay particular attention to our perennial wet spots such as the right side of hole #4 or #14, even when cart use is unrestricted. 8.      Individuals are not permitted to operate a golf cart unless they have a driver’s license. 9.      No carts should be operated for any purpose without the specific knowledge of a member of the Golf Shop staff. Carts may not be rented after 6:30 pm.
10. Carts must be returned to the Golf Shop no later than dusk to ensure the safety of the operations as well as the staff who must secure them to prevent excessive deterioration and vandalism.  Violation of this rule will result in loss of cart privileges.    

Walking the Course
Members and their guests may walk the golf course within the confines of the weekly schedule.  Players may always walk and carry their own bags on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  On Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday’s, players may walk and carry their own bag after 3:00pm, or whenever a caddie is not available.  Push/pull carts are prohibited from April 1st until November 15th but may be used during the “off season”.   

Hole-In-One Insurance
The custom of having the member scoring a hole-in-one buy a drink for all members on the course or in the Clubhouse at the time of the great event will continue. This hospitality and plaque recognition will be underwritten by a Hole-in-One insurance fund maintained by an automatic assessment at the time the hole-in-one occurs.  Hole in One insurance covers the primary member.  Once the bar tab is paid, the remaining funds will be issued in Golf Shop credit and each membership will be automatically assessed to replenish the fund.   

Speed and Pace of Play
Please be considerate of your fellow golfers, in your speed of play, in the interval maintained between groups on the golf course and in your treatment and care of the golf course.   The Committee believes the expected time for completion of a round for a foursome is four hours, subject of course to conditions.  As George Carlin once said, “Everyone going slower than you is an idiot.  Everyone going faster than you is a maniac.”  Although he was talking about driving a car, his point is that everyone believes that they are moving at the ideal pace.   Letting faster groups play through is not always an efficient solution as this can often slow down the whole course.  It is most important to maintain your position behind the group in front of you and maintain that position by preparing for your own strokes while walking or riding directly to your ball, or while waiting for others to play.  Note the position of yardage markers as you approach your ball.  Avoid traveling in “packs” and walk or ride to your own ball.  If you periodically check both behind you and in front, you will have an idea whether you are going too slowly.  If people behind you are waiting on every hole, and you are not, then you likely are moving too slow and should pick up your pace. Pace of play is a very sensitive subject and members should be sensitive to the way slow play can disturb an otherwise enjoyable round.   
To enhance the golf experience, the Golf Committee, with the support of the Board of Governors, will enforce the following Pace of Play Policy at all times, on all days, for all golfers: ·       
For tee times before 8:00 AM, rounds must be completed in no more than 3 hours and 45 minutes. ·       
For tee times after 8:00 AM, rounds must be completed in no more than 4 hours ·       
The 9-hole pace of play will be 1 hour and 52 minutes before 8:00 AM, and 2 hours after 8:00 AM  
Acceptable pace of play will be defined as a round played within the faster of:
1)     The maximum times listed above, or
2)     within 10 minutes of the group in front of you if they finish more than 10 minutes faster than the above maximum times.
For example, to be in the correct position assuming a 9:00 AM tee time, if the group in front of you plays in 4 hours, you must finish in 4 hours.  However, if the group in front of you were to play in 3 hours and 40 minutes, you would be out of position if you played your round in more than 3 hours and 50 minutes.    
The best way to insure you are in the correct position on the golf course is to always remain directly behind the group in front of you.  
The Pace of Play Policy is in effect on all days and at all times (including competitions), and applies to men, women, juniors, and guests.   The Professional Staff has been instructed to monitor all groups on the course and to issue a warning to any group falling behind to increase their pace and return to the correct position. If the staff needs to come out a second time, they will move the group back into position, which may require the group to skip a hole. Any discourteous behavior towards the Professional Staff will be addressed by the Membership Committee.  
Penalties for violating that Pace of Play rule are at the discretion of the Golf Committee and may include, but are not limited to:         
A warning letter 
A required meeting with the Golf Committee prior to further play        
Tee Time restrictions       
Guest restrictions         
Slow play is rarely a function of a golfer’s handicap or playing ability.  Rather, slow play is generally the result of golfers being inefficient between shots, failing to be ready when it is their turn, and not playing ready golf.  The Pro Staff is available as a resource to help provide strategies to increase your pace.   The USGA is on a mission to help speed up play, and we encourage you to go on the following link to understand how you can be proactive in speeding up play:  http://www.usga.org/pace-of-play-resource-center/tips-and-suggestions-for-improving-pace-of-play.html   Please also note that on weekend mornings, the early tee times (before 8am) generally are lower handicappers and finish their rounds in well under four hours.  Please be conscious of that when making tee times and if you play at that time, please adhere to that faster pace.   Fivesomes will be permitted at the discretion of the golf professional staff.  

Guests, Guest Fees and Member Responsibility
Members must accompany their guests while on the Club grounds.  If a guest is to arrive at the Club in advance of his or her host, the host should notify the Club and provide the Club with the guest’s name.  Guests attending functions in private rooms are to proceed directly to that room and will not be admitted to other parts of the Club. All guests must register at the Golf Shop.   Members are responsible for the conduct and appearance of their guests while using the facilities of the Club.  Please inform your guests of Tamarack’s cell phone, dress, and smoking policies in advance of your round.  If your guests are improperly attired, they will be asked to purchase the appropriate attire from the pro shop or they will not be permitted to play.  An infraction committed by a guest is tantamount to any infraction committed by the inviting member. Members may bring up to seven guests on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Seven guest days must be scheduled in advance by calling the Golf Shop.  Otherwise, members may bring more than one guest (3 maximum) except before 12:30 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays.     A $100 guest fee for weekdays and $125 for Friday, Saturday, Sunday & holidays will be charged for each guest playing golf.   No guest will be permitted on the golf course more than three times in a month regardless of which member is bringing him or her.  Any guest playing golf must be accompanied by a member or a Family Member.  With the prior consent of the golf committee, a member may invite a foursome of unaccompanied guests.  The fee in this instance is $250 per golfer and a caddie or fore caddie is required.  

Family Members’ Use of the Golf Course
A “Family Member” is a spouse of a Regular or Certificate Holding Member, or an unmarried child or grandchild under age 25 of a Regular or Certificate Holding Member.  Family Members shall be permitted use of the golf course as provided in the Weekly Golf Schedule, subject to special events scheduled from time to time.  No child under age 14 shall play golf or use the putting green unless accompanied by an adult or unless authorized by the Golf Professional Staff.   

Outings-Requests
Scheduled outings will appear on the monthly calendar. 
An outing is:
1.  A player ratio of more than seven guests per member- two foursomes.
2.  A group- business, professional, or social- of more than eight, regardless of ratio of members.
Requests for outings must be submitted to the Chairman of the Golf Committee and such request will be evaluated by the Golf Committee and presented to the Board of Governors for approval.  Prior to requesting such authorization, please check with the Club Manager regarding availability of the Clubhouse facilities.  Requests should generally be made in the fall of the year for the next season’s outing. It is the member’s responsibility to notify their outing guests that Tamarack is a non-metal spikes golf course and of the rules regarding cell phones.  

Golf Tournament and Events Schedule
Mondays are reserved for outings that will appear on the monthly calendar so that our members can make their plans with as much knowledge as possible.  However, there may be changes or additions to the events schedule. Notice of any revision will appear in Club mailings.  It is also a good idea to check with the Golf Shop or on-line if you are unsure of the schedule. Outings are scheduled to cause minimum disruption to member play.  Please check with the Golf Shop in the event you have questions about availability of the course for play. In those few instances when an event forces us to close the course to open play, it is also noted in the schedule.