Club Local Rules

The following will be in effect for all regular course play and member events.

1.     All water hazards are defined by yellow stakes.

2.     Lateral water hazards are identified by red stakes.

3.     Stones in bunkers are removable obstructions.

4.     Out of bounds is defined by white stakes (holes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17 & 18).

5.     You may take a 1 club length drop from all paths, roadways, tree roots on fairway & any fallen trees, no closer to the hole.

6.     Any ball coming to rest in damage caused by animals is entitled to 1 club length relief, no closer to the hole and in the same condition. For example, in rough, relief drop must still be in rough. If the ball is in the bunker take closest point of relief and you can rake and place your ball.

7.     Any shot striking an animal may be replayed without penalty.

8.     White tees on Hole 15 are the player’s choice if all in the party agree, unless tournament rules dictate otherwise.

9.     In order to respect our location within a wildlife corridor, and other golfers using the facility, music must be contained within your own golf cart. The acceptability of the level of music being played will be at the sole determination of Fairmont staff with any requests to reduce volume needing to be completed immediately.

10.  The fescue on the left side of Hole 10 is considered a lateral hazard.

Club Rules - Approved in 2025:

1.     Pursuant to Golf Canada Official Rules of Golf Rule E1.1: All Par 3’s (except Stanley 2 & Tunnel 4) will use the designated drop zones if your ball goes into a hazard.

Also, Stanley #4 & #10 will use the forward tee box positions.

So, no need to re-tee. Please go quickly to the drop zone. Staff will be marking drop zones clearly. On Stanley #13, the drop zone is the Red tee-box. This is a pace of play consideration.   

This is in effect for ALL League events and Club Major Tournament matches.

2.     Pace of Play in League events is particularly important to maintain. 

Those out-front need to set a good pace. On Shotgun nights (and indeed every night) everyone should keep up with the group ahead of you.

Pursuant to Golf Canada Rule 6.7, failure to maintain pace of play may result in penalty and/or 3-step disciplinary action.  

Slow play will have consequences! We have asked Fairmont to have the Marshalls reinforce these Pace of Play rules during Club league events.

Pursuant to Club Policy, any chronic slow play, and “abuse” or ignoring of the Marshalls on the course will lead to a 3-step disciplinary process:

o   Step 1 (1st Offense) – Verbal warning from a Captain with the offending member.

o   Step 2 (2nd Offense) – Written Warning from the Club President to the offending member.

o   Step 3 (3rd Offense) – Suspension of BSGC Membership and Fairmont Playing privileges. 

3.     Pursuant to Golf Canada Official Rules of Golf Model local rules F9 (Relief from tree roots in the Fairway)  - The BSGC Rules Committee has determined that, if your ball comes to rest against a root hazard in or immediately adjacent the fairway, the player will be allowed relief. Relief should be taken as described under rule 16.1b. (1 club length) We are aware that there are only a couple of holes where this may occur. This is a safety issue.

4.     Pursuant to Golf Canada Official Rules of Golf Rule 16.1a – if your ball should go down a gopher hole and your playing partners witnessed such, the player will be allowed relief (drop within 1 club length and no closer to the hole).

5.     Pursuant to Golf Canada Rule F10, F12, or F13 – if your ball comes to rest in animal droppings, elk/deer antler damage, or hoof damage on the greens only, the player will be allowed relief (drop within one club length, no closer to the hole). 

Note: In the case where The Committee feels there is severe early season winter damage worthy of requiring relief, we will distribute a notice on the first tee indicating which holes and locations on the closely mown portion of the hole (fairway & apron only). You will be entitled to lift, clean and place your ball within one club length under no penalty.

6.     Match play during stroke play events. Players can play their match play game during a stroke play event (i.e. men playing a President’s Cup match during a Bray/McCullough tournament or ladies playing in the National Golf League (NGL) a stroke play event and playing their match at the same time are expected to putt out to complete the hole), just make sure once a hole has been conceded you both putt out.

7.     Major Tournament match play games: must be played on or before the cut-off date posted on the tournament sheets in the Men’s/Ladies’ Locker Rooms and/or on the members’ website. Failure to do so will result in disqualification for both players unless the Captain has ascertained that one player has made every effort possible to play by the match deadline. If a player cannot make the match date, they are to concede the match to his opponent. Extensions to the match deadline will not be granted for any reason as it affects the next round of play.

8.     Playing the same course earlier in the day of any league tournament prior to the tournament, will result in disqualification from the league tournament. The only exception being if the tournament is a two-round event. (e.g. playing the Stanley Thompson 18 in the morning, then playing it again in the afternoon during the Men’s Division Club Championship Final).

9.     “Gimmies” are not permitted in any league stroke play event. The player accepting a gimmie will be disqualified from the tournament. Putt-out on every hole!

10.  Playing from different tees is not permitted unless the tournament format allows for it. (e.g. playing from the Black tees during an event that is being played from the White tees).

11.  Handicaps are to be kept up to date on the Golf Canada app/site. Any player failing to enter scores during the season will face disqualification from further tournament play. Captains will be doing random checks!  

The Golf Genius tournament scoring system will apply your current “handicap index” based upon Golf Canada’s record of 2-3 nights before the tournament. Further, Golf Genius will automatically sync your score from a league event back into your Golf Canada profile. Be sure your Golf Canada profile is accurate, up to date, and active. 

12.  Weekly KP Pool (as applicable): This is generally for members-only. Anyone that wants to compete for the KP prizes on the Par 3’s, MUST tee-off from the designated tees. If you play from the yellow/red tees, there will be a specific yellow/red tee KP for such players.

Fairmont Course Additional Local Rules

Members, their families, and guests shall conduct themselves appropriately within the rules and regulations as set forth by the Club. In addition, Fairmont requires:

1.     Fairmont reserves the right to close, or limit access to the golf course and/or clubhouse.

2.     Alcohol not purchased at the golf course is prohibited by law from being brought onto the golf course property including: the parking lot, clubhouse, driving range, and golf course.

3.     Commercial advertisements and petitions shall not be posted or circulated in the Clubhouse or on Fairmont’s stationery without prior written approval of Fairmont (requests/submissions to be made to the Director of Golf).

4.     Dogs or other pets are not permitted on the Golf Course or in the Clubhouse. Exceptions: Service Dogs and the Director of Golf, Superintendent and Parks Canada may at their discretion take their dogs to the Clubhouse or onto the course, in such a manner that they do not interfere with golfers unless purposely working in a predetermined capacity (i.e. moving wildlife).

5.     Any complaints or suggestions relating to the Course, Course Operations or staff must be made in writing to the Director of Golf. Any complaints or suggestions relating to the Golf Club or their operations/events must be made in writing to the Golf Club President and/or presiding Club Captain (Men’s or Ladies’).

6.     Members and their guests may not abuse any of Fairmont’s staff. No member or guest shall reprimand any staff. All such issues should be reported to the Director of Golf.

7.     Members and their guest may not abuse any of the Club’s Board. No member or guest shall reprimand any Board Member. All such issues should be reported to the Club President.

8.     At the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, we strive to offer a dress code that aligns with our standard for luxury. Our goal is to ensure the comfort and style of all that golf at our course whilst maintaining this standard. While golfing, caddying, or riding along at the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course. 

The following items ARE permitted:

·       Hoodies with logos must be tasteful.

·       Collared, sleeveless and mock neck golf shirts, as well as golf attire sold at our golf retail establishment.

·       Soft spiked golf shoes and running shoes only (Shoes must be worn at all times).

The following items are NOT permitted:

·       Denim of any type or colour.

·       Clothing in a state of disrepair (ie, ripped or torn).

·       T-shirts, tank tops, halter tops, sweat/track pants.

The final decision and interpretation in regard to a golfer's dress code rests with our staff. In order to avoid discrepant dress code, we encourage you to speak with our reservations team prior to arrival for any questions or clarification.

9.     In order to respect our location within a wildlife corridor and other golfers using the facility, music must be contained within your own golf cart. The acceptability of the level of music being played will be at the sole determination of Fairmont staff with any requests to reduce volume needing to be completed immediately.

10.  Violation of any Banff Springs Golf Course rules or conduct not in the best interests of the Club will subject the member in violation to disciplinary action by Fairmont and/or the Club, in accordance with these Rules and Regulations.

11.  Fairmont and the Club’s Board will have full authority to enforce these Rules and Regulations.

12.  Fairmont and The Club will not discriminate against any individual due to physical disability, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Ladies Tournament Descriptions & Rules (Same as Ladies Section)]

Men’s Tournament Descriptions & Rules (Same as Men’s Section)

Mixed Event Descriptions & Rules (Same as Mixed Section)

Junior Event Descriptions & Rules (Same as Junior’s Section)

Guest Rules (Same As Guests Section)