Code of Conduct

Representing the North Carolina Golf Panel

Below are a half-dozen guidelines (besides rating courses, of course) for remaining a Panel member in good standing. If you have any questions or concerns, email the executive director at kbrafford@ncgolfpanel.com.

1. 1. At the beginning of each season, the executive director will email you a one-page PDF with the mailing addresses of all the current year’s host clubs. This is for your use in mailing a handwritten thank-you note to the club after you’ve played its course. This is one of your few responsibilities as a member, as these notes take little time to write but mean a great deal to the person that receives them.
   2. Registration for our formal outings typically are open for seven days. In the schedule that’s posted on our website, you’ll see the registration period relative to each outing. In a few instances, we may have a limited number of playing spots available. If necessary, we’ll conduct a lottery to determine who gets in and will post the field at least a few days prior to the outing.
   3. If you are scheduled to play in an outing and your plans change within 48 hours of the outing, let the course know ASAP with a phone call or email (and copy the executive director on the email). Prior to 48 hours you only should let the executive director know. Nothing makes us look worse and is more inconsiderate than not showing up when expected – it affects pairings and in many cases there is F&B expense on the host club’s part.
   4. Please do not request specific playing partners for outings. Part of what makes being a Panel member special is building new friendships, and you can’t do that if you’re always playing with the same people. Two or three times a year, the executive director will pair you with your best buddies.
   5. Be a courteous and considerate guest. Obey all cart signs and directives from the staff, etc. If a club has a specific request (such as not changing into golf shoes in the parking lot), the executive director will share such requests in advance. Also, while a portion of your annual dues is used to tip the staff at the host clubs we visit, you may tip additionally at your discretion.
   6. Do not abuse the privilege of being a panelist. Some clubs will invite you to play their course at another time, but for most clubs, the Panel day is the day. Also, some clubs not formally scheduled to host in a year will welcome you to play a complimentary round at your convenience. Such visits should be coordinated by the executive director, require at least one week’s notice, and should be for weekdays only, excluding holidays.