Rules & Regulations

Rules & Regulations

General Golf Rules

  • University policy states that the MSU Golf Course is a cashless operation.  We do accept all major credit/debit cards.
  • Patrons using the facility do so at their own risk and are responsible for damage to Mississippi State University and private property.
  • All players must register in the Golf Shop prior to playing.
  • Private coolers that will fit in the sweater basket are allowed.  We do have an ice machine complimentary.
  • GLASS BOTTLES ARE NOT PERMITTED. Anyone found with glass bottles will be asked to surrender them to management and can pick them up at the Golf Shop after their round.
  • All players must begin on hole #1 unless otherwise directed by the golf shop.
  • Pace of play is crucial for the enjoyment of all our patrons. Groups of four (4) are expected to finish 18-holes in 4 hours and 15 minutes or less. Groups of less than 4 should play faster than that. If you are out of position due to your slow play, you must speed up, allow faster groups to play through or you may be subject to be asked to move to the appropriate position.
  • The maximize group size is four (4) golfers.
  • The USGA Rules of Golf govern all play.
  • Car paths are never to be used for bicycling, skateboarding, or jogging during hours when the golf course is open for play. The MSU Golf Course assumes no liability for injury.
  • Golf Car Operators must be at least 16 and possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Youth 12 & Under must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Pets/Animals are not allowed on the golf course or practice facilities at any time for their safety and the safety of others.

Starting Times

  • We allow a maximum of four (4) players per group.  Groups that join up with be asked to return to their starting groups.  Continual pairing up by groups will be asked to leave.
  • Starting times are required for all play.
  • We reserve the right to pair individuals and groups up to a foursome
  • Walk-ins will be paired in next available tee time.
  • Players who miss their starting time forfeit their tee position.
  • If you must cancel a tee time, please call the golf shop as early as possible. Consistent failure to do so is a violation of golf course rules and may result in a suspension.
  • Starting times may be delayed due to frost or inclement weather.

Dress Code

Please help to avoid embarrassing situations for all by conforming to the dress code posted at the facility and listed on our website. Management reserves the right to deem any attire to be inappropriate for golf.

Men – No cut off shorts of any kind, bathing suits or tank tops may be worn while using any of the golf facilities. Collared shirts are preferred, tasteful T’s are allowed.  Jeans are allowed.  Soft spiked golf shoes or sneakers are encouraged.  No shoes, flip flops, or any shoe with a hard sole or heel are allowed.

Women – No cut off shorts, bathing suits, or sports bras/tank tops/halter tops may be worn while using any of the golf facilities.  Shirts must cover the stomach area and bottoms must be long enough that when standing straight, with arms at side, fingers will not reach past length of short or skort.  

Practice Regulations

  • All practice will be confined to the practice areas.
  • Range balls are restricted to the practice areas and are not allowed on the course. Anyone found with practice balls on the course may have their privileges revoked for 30 days.
  • West practice area is reserved for PGA Golf Management and MSU Golf teams.

Golf Car Rules

  • There will be a maximum of two golf cars for each foursome, two golf cars for a threesome, one golf car for a twosome.  
  • Seat buying and/or individually riders is not allowed.
  • Spectators (based on golf car availability) is allowed and the rider shall pay a cart fee for either 9 or 18 holes depending on how many holes will be played.
  • Golf car rules will be posted daily both in the Golf Shop.  When cars are “Path Only” all golf cars must remain on the designated car paths at all times. Golf cars must remain on path on all Par 3’s every day at the MSU GC.
  • When the “90 degree rule” is posted, golfers in golf cars should proceed on the designated car paths until reaching the vicinity of his/ her ball and make a 90-degree turn to the ball, play the shot and return to the car path.
  • Golf cars may only be rented and used by individuals 16 years of age and older with a valid driver’s license. Golf cars will not be rented to individuals with permits or restricted licenses.
  • All players are strictly responsible for the safe operation of the golf cars so as to not interfere with the fellow player’s enjoyment of their game and at all times guarding against injury to persons or damage to property, especially playing surfaces of the golf course.
  • Only two people may ride in a golf car and only while sitting on the seat in the car. No one is allowed to ride on a golf car other than in the seat.
  • Golf cars should be driven on paths as much as possible and according to all golf car traffic signs posted on the course.
    • When crossing a fairway, cross at a 90-degree angle to minimize the wear and tear of the fairways and roughs.
  • Golf cars should be returned to the golf shop and/ or bag drop area after the completion of play.
    • Signs should be posted guiding players where to park the golf cars when returning them.
  • The MSU Golf Course reserves the right to refuse or cancel the use of a golf car, without refunding any fees, to any person not adhering to the golf car rules or policies established by the MSU Golf Course.
  • All players agree, by electing to use a golf car, to pay or reimburse the MSU Golf Course for any and all charges arising out of or due to breakage/ damage to the golf car and other property other than ordinary wear and tear.
    • The car operator and fellow rider agrees to indemnify and hold the MSU Golf Course and its employees harmless from any and all injury, damage and or claim of any nature whatsoever whether to person, property, or both that may arise out of or result from or through the use of a golf car.
  • Golf cars are not to be taken off of the MSU Golf Course grounds. Golf cars are not to be driven to players’ personal homes or property.  Golf cars removed from property will be charged to full extend of the law.
  • Personal golf cars are not permitted.

Golf Car Safety And Operating Policies

  • All players are strictly responsible for the safe operation of the golf cars so as to not interfere with the fellow player’s enjoyment of their game and at all times guarding against injury to persons or damage to property, especially playing surfaces of the golf course.
  • Only two people may ride in a golf car and only while sitting on the seat in the car. No one is allowed to ride on a golf car other than in the seat.
  • Drive vehicle only as fast as terrain and safety considerations allow. Consider the terrain and traffic conditions. Consider environmental factors which affect the terrain and the ability to control the vehicle.
  • Avoid driving fast downhill. Sudden stops or change of direction may result in a loss of control.
  • Use brake to control speed when traveling down an incline.
  • Use extra care and reduced speed when driving in poor conditions or on poor surfaces.
  • Stay in designated areas where provided and avoid steep slopes.
  • Keep feet, legs, hands, and arms inside vehicle at all times.
  • Avoid extremely rough terrain.

Rules, Enforcement And Suspensions

  • Enforcement of rules/policies is the responsibility of management.
  • Anyone found to be in violation of the club rules will be warned verbally for the first offense. A second offense will result in a written acknowledgement of the event to be kept on file. Any subsequent violations will result in being suspended from the facility for 30 days. If later, upon reactivation of privileges, another violation occurs the person will be banned for 1 year.
  • Any violation deemed “major” by management may result in an immediate ban from the facility.

Lightning Protection

The MSU Golf Course does not have a lightning detection system. Therefore when there is a chance of inclement weather, it is the staff’s responsibility to inform the customer that we do not have a weather detection system available. Should severe weather arise, customers continuing to play are playing at their own risk. The Golf Shop issues rain checks upon request.

Each player is urged to take shelter when dangerous conditions are imminent. The following tips can be taken to keep safe from bad weather:

  • Put down your golf clubs
  • If in an open area crouch down
  • If your skin tingles and your hair stands up on end, this is an indication that lightning is about to strike. Drop to your knees and bend forward. Do not lie flat on the ground.