Course Rules & Guest Policies

Welcome

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is committed to providing a safe, enjoyable and respectful experience for all guests, players, members, visitors, contractors and team members.

These Course Rules & Guest Policies have been prepared to help protect the quality of the course, support safe play, maintain an enjoyable pace of play and ensure every person on site is treated with courtesy, care and respect.

By entering the premises, using the golf course, clubhouse, Pro Shop, driving range, golf carts or any other facility, guests agree to follow these policies, all posted signage, the directions of the Pro Shop, Course Marshall and authorised team members, and all applicable laws of Fiji.

Ownership And Management

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is part of the Natadola Bay Resort precinct, owned by the Fiji National Provident Fund through its relevant subsidiary and managed by InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa.

For the purposes of these Course Rules & Guest Policies, references to “Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course”, “we”, “us”, “our”, “management” or “the Club” include the owner, manager, authorised team members, employees, agents and approved contractors responsible for the operation of the course and its facilities.

1. Compliance With Fiji Laws And Course Rules

All guests are required to comply with the laws of Fiji, including applicable health and safety, occupiers’ liability, liquor licensing, public order, property, privacy and anti-harassment requirements.

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course may update, apply or enforce additional rules where required by law, safety, course conditions, maintenance, operational requirements, guest welfare or the protection of the course and facilities.

The Rules of Golf, as administered by The R&A and USGA, apply unless modified by the Local Rules of Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course or by the Director of Golf or Pro Shop for specific competitions, events or course conditions.

2. Assumption Of Risk

Golf involves inherent risks, including but not limited to being struck by a golf ball or club, slips, trips, falls, uneven ground, changing weather, interaction with wildlife or natural hazards, use of golf carts and exposure to sun, heat, wind or rain.

All guests use the course and facilities at their own risk and are responsible for taking reasonable care for their own safety, their property and the safety of others.

Guests must follow all posted warnings, course signage and directions from authorised team members.

Nothing in these policies is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified under the laws of Fiji.

3. Registration Before Play

All players must register at the Pro Shop before commencing play.

Play must start from the first tee unless otherwise directed by the Pro Shop, Starter, Course Marshall or authorised team member.

Guests must not enter the course to play, practise, spectate or accompany players unless registered or approved by the Pro Shop.

4. Tee Time Bookings And Arrival

Advance tee time bookings are required for all players. Walk-in play is not guaranteed and may be declined where the course is fully booked, reserved for private events, affected by maintenance or impacted by weather. During selected events, tee times or areas of the course may be reserved for private use. Please check upcoming event dates before planning your round. VIEW COURSE AVAILABILITY

Guests are encouraged to book as early as possible to secure their preferred playing time. Bookings should include the number of players, preferred date and time, rental club requirements, golf cart requirements and any other special requests.

Guests should arrive with enough time to check in at the Pro Shop, collect rental clubs or carts, purchase range balls, warm up and be ready at the tee before their scheduled time.

Late arrivals may result in a revised tee time, reduced playing time, cancellation or other changes at the discretion of the Director of Golf. The Director of Golf may also pair players with other groups, adjust starting times or amend play arrangements to support course flow and guest experience.

5. Playing Groups

No more than four players are permitted in a group unless approved by the Management.

All players must have their own set of golf clubs.

Players must not hit until the group ahead is safely out of range.

Guests are expected to show courtesy to other players, team members and visitors at all times.

6. Dress Code

Smart golf attire is required on the course and within the clubhouse.

The following are not permitted on the golf course:

Short shorts
Tank tops
Jeans
Tennis shorts
Bare feet
Inappropriate footwear
Offensive or inappropriate clothing

Polo shirts with collars must be worn on the golf course at all times.

Suitable golf footwear is required. The Management may refuse play if a guest is not appropriately dressed.

7. Pace Of Play

All players are expected to maintain a reasonable pace of play.

If a group falls one clear hole behind the group in front, the group must invite the following group to play through.

If play is delayed due to a lost ball, the following group should be invited to play through.

After completing a hole, players should replace the flag, leave the green promptly and record scores at the next tee.

The Course Marshall has authority to manage pace of play and may direct any group to speed up, allow others through, skip a hole or leave the course where necessary.

8. Course Care And Etiquette

All guests are asked to help protect the condition of the course.

Please:

Repair divots
Repair pitch marks on the greens
Rake bunkers after use
Dispose of litter responsibly
Keep carts 20 metres away from greens, tees and bunkers
Use cart paths (where available) near the tees and greens
Avoid unnecessary damage to fairways, greens and landscaped areas
Respect course signage, ropes and restricted areas
Avoid loud, disruptive or unsafe behaviour
Follow the directions of the Pro Shop and Course Marshall

Golf bags must not be placed on putting greens.

Driving range balls must not be used on the golf course.

Practice on the golf course, including on tees, greens, fairways and bunkers, is not permitted unless authorised by the Director of Golf or Pro Shop. Practice is only permitted in designated practice areas.

9. Local Rules

Local Rules may be displayed on the scorecard, advised by the Pro Shop or posted on course notices.

The following Local Rules apply unless otherwise amended by the Pro Shop:

Out of bounds is beyond any perimeter fence.
Ground Under Repair is identified by white lines, ropes or signage. Play from these areas may be prohibited where marked.
Staked trees and shrubs are treated as immovable obstructions.
Roads and paths, including gravel walk paths, are treated as immovable obstructions.
On Hole 4, the area from the tee to the exposed rock is treated as a waste bunker. Near and around the green, the area is treated as a normal bunker.
Any ball lost in long rough may be treated under the course’s Irish Drop Rule, with a one-shot penalty and play from the point of entry.
Fixed sprinkler heads and other immovable obstructions may qualify for relief under the applicable Rules of Golf and Local Rules.

Where there is any inconsistency between these general Local Rules and a competition or event Local Rule issued by the Pro Shop, the competition or event Local Rule will apply.

10. Golf Carts

Golf carts are available subject to availability, course conditions and management approval.

Golf carts may only be operated by guests who are 18 years of age or older and hold a valid driver’s licence. Carts must be used safely, responsibly and only by authorised drivers.

Each cart is limited to two people and two golf bags.

Guests must follow all cart signage, staff directions and course restrictions at all times.

Golf carts must only be driven on designated cart paths, course routes and approved areas. Carts must not be taken into the car park, public roadways, service areas, landscaped areas or any other area not designated for golf cart use.

Golf carts must remain on cart paths where provided. During rain, after heavy rain or during wet course conditions, carts may be restricted to cart paths only where available.

Golf carts must not be driven within 20 metres of any green, tee, bunker or hazard unless on a designated cart path.

Golf carts must not be driven through bunkers, hazards, soft areas, wet areas, newly planted areas, roped areas, landscaped areas or areas under repair.

Carts must be parked to the side or rear of greens and never in front of greens.

Dangerous, careless or reckless driving is not permitted.

Guests are responsible for any damage, loss, injury or cost caused by their misuse of a golf cart, unauthorised use of a golf cart or failure to follow cart rules.

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course may refuse, suspend or withdraw cart use at any time for safety, weather, conduct, medical, operational or course protection reasons.

11. Rental Clubs And Equipment

Rental clubs and other hire equipment are subject to availability.

Guests are responsible for all rental clubs, carts and equipment issued to them.

Any loss, damage or non-return of rental equipment may be charged to the guest.

Rental clubs must not be shared between players where each player is required to have their own set of clubs.

Guests should advise the Pro Shop in advance if left-handed clubs, junior clubs or other specific equipment is required.

12. Driving Range And Practice Facilities

All guests using the driving range or practice facilities must register at the Pro Shop before use.

Only range balls supplied by Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course may be used.

Range balls are for practice use only and must not be used on the golf course.

Players must hit only from designated areas and must not walk forward of tee markers.

Players must not hit when team members are collecting balls.

Guests must follow all signage and instructions at the driving range and practice areas.

Driving range hours are generally from 6:30a.m. to 5:00p.m., or as directed by management.

13. Children And Junior Players

Children are not permitted on the golf course unless they are registered to play or have been approved by the Pro Shop.

Children under 12 years of age must be supervised by an adult at all times unless special permission has been granted by Director of Golf.

Junior players must understand basic golf etiquette, course care and safety before playing.

Parents and guardians are responsible for the behaviour, safety and supervision of children in their care.

14. Food And Beverage

Only food and beverage purchased from Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, Vatu Lo Bar & Restaurant, the clubhouse, Pro Shop or authorised drinks cart may be consumed on the premises. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

Alcohol must be consumed responsibly and in accordance with Fiji law and licensing requirements.

Service of alcohol may be refused to any person who appears intoxicated, behaves inappropriately, cannot provide valid identification where required, is under the legal drinking age, or where service would breach any law, licence condition or responsible service requirement.

Guests who consume excessive alcohol, behave unsafely or disrupt the enjoyment of others may be asked to leave the premises.

15. Safety, Weather And Course Conditions

Course conditions, cart access and facility availability may change due to weather, maintenance, safety, events or operational requirements.

In the event of lightning, heavy rain, unsafe weather, course closure or other safety concerns, guests must follow staff instructions immediately.

Rain checks may be offered at the discretion of the Pro Shop team.

No-shows without notice are non-refundable.

Guests are responsible for protecting themselves from sun exposure, dehydration and heat-related illness by using sun protection, drinking water and playing within their limits.

The course, selected holes, practice facilities or dining areas may be closed or reserved for private events, group bookings, tournaments, maintenance or operational requirements. Guests are encouraged to check availability before travelling to the course.

16. Personal Property

Guests are responsible for their own personal belongings.

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items, including golf bags, clubs, valuables, vehicles, personal items or electronic devices.

Please do not leave belongings unattended.

Lost property may be held for a limited period and disposed of at management’s discretion if not collected.

17. Parking And Vehicles

Guests must park only in designated parking areas.

Parking is not permitted in driveways, on Club grounds, landscaped areas, cart paths, service areas or unauthorised areas.

Vehicles must not take up more than one parking space.

Guests park at their own risk.

18. Animals

Animals are not permitted on the golf course or Club property unless approved by management or required by law.

19. Guest Conduct

All guests are expected to behave with courtesy, respect and integrity.

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course may refuse service, remove guests from the premises, suspend play, cancel bookings or restrict future access if a guest:

Fails to follow these policies or staff directions
Acts in a way that may affect the safety or enjoyment of others
Damages Club property, facilities, equipment or the golf course
Displays abusive, threatening, offensive or inappropriate behaviour
Harasses, intimidates or discriminates against another guest, member, contractor or team member
Consumes alcohol irresponsibly
Drives a golf cart dangerously or recklessly
Uses offensive language or behaves disruptively
Fails to pay applicable fees or charges
Breaches any applicable law

20. Harassment-Free And Respectful Environment

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is committed to providing a safe, respectful and harassment-free environment for guests, members, contractors and team members.

Verbal, physical, sexual, racial, online or any other form of harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination or victimisation will not be tolerated.

Any complaint will be taken seriously and may result in removal from the premises, cancellation of bookings, restriction of future access or referral to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Guests are responsible for ensuring their own group behaves respectfully.

21. Damage To Property

Guests are responsible for any damage caused by themselves or members of their group.

This includes damage to the golf course, clubhouse, carts, rental clubs, equipment, vehicles, signage, landscaping, furniture, fixtures or any other property.

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course may recover the cost of repair, replacement, cleaning or associated loss from the responsible guest, organiser or group.

22. Events, Groups And Organisers

For group bookings, golf days, weddings, private events, corporate events or hosted activities, the organiser is responsible for ensuring all guests in the group are aware of and comply with these policies.

Additional event terms, booking terms, cancellation terms, safety requirements, supplier rules or alcohol service requirements may apply.

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course may require deposits, prepayment, guest lists, function details, insurance, supplier approvals or other information for certain events.

23. Photography, Filming And Drones

Personal photography is permitted where it does not interrupt play, affect guest privacy or create safety concerns.

Commercial photography, filming, media shoots, promotional shoots and drone use require prior written approval from management.

Drone use is not permitted without prior written approval and must comply with all applicable Fiji aviation, privacy, safety and property requirements.

24. Refusal Of Entry Or Removal From Premises

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course reserves the right to refuse entry, refuse service, suspend play, remove a guest from the premises, cancel a booking or restrict future access where reasonably necessary for safety, legal compliance, conduct, course protection, operational reasons or the enjoyment of other guests.

25. Policy Updates

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course may update or replace these policies from time to time.

Current rules may be displayed at the clubhouse, on the scorecard, on the website, in booking confirmations or communicated by the Pro Shop.

Guests are responsible for following the latest policies and staff instructions during their visit.

Contact

For questions about course rules, tee times or guest policies, please contact:

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course
Maro Road
Natadola, Fiji

Phone: +679 673 3500
Mobile: +679 992 6338
Email: golf.enquiries@ihg.com