Local Rules
Course-condition authority
The Golf Committee, Head Golf Professional or Superintendent determines when conditions prohibit play.
Event closure minimum
Closing the course for an event requires at least 36 players unless the Golf Committee or Board approves a special event.
First tee start during peak season
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, play must begin at the first tee unless an authorized club official directs otherwise.
Leave green promptly
After finishing a hole, replace the flag, leave the green immediately and mark scores at the next tee.
Golf etiquette enforced
Golf etiquette is enforced and applied at all times.
Groups over four discouraged
Groups of more than four are discouraged from Opening Day through October 1 unless specially arranged by the Board.
Invited guests play with the member
Invited guests must play with the member who invited them, except for tournaments or other golf outings.
Metal spikes prohibited
Metal spikes are prohibited.
Each player must have own clubs
Each player must have their own set of clubs and golf bag.
Nine-hole pace target
A nine-hole round should be completed in two hours or less.
Practice only in designated areas
Practice activities are limited to designated areas; practice on regular greens and fairways is prohibited.
Ready golf and play-through
Slow groups should play ready golf and let other groups play through.
Register before playing
All players must register at the Pro Shop before playing, with a staff member or digital kiosk.
Repair marks, divots and bunker tracks
Players must repair ball marks, sand divots and rake their tracks when leaving a sand trap.
One siren/horn blast
One long siren or horn requires immediate suspension for danger; seek shelter or return to the clubhouse.
Three siren/horn blasts
Three blasts suspend play for unplayable conditions; players may finish the current hole but may not start the next, then must return to the clubhouse or cart shed.
Two siren/horn blasts
Two siren or horn blasts indicate that players may resume play.
Stopping at clubhouse loses turn
A player stopping at the clubhouse loses their turn in the rotation or hole of play; following groups are encouraged to play through.
USGA rules govern play
The USGA Rules of Golf govern play at Honesdale Golf Club.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
The layout rewards accuracy and course management rather than simply length; identity-matched reviews emphasize a welcoming, well-maintained private-club experience. Honesdale Golf Club is a private members-and-guests club chartered in 1900. Official sources describe par 35 on both nines, multiple tee locations and a course maintained through professional conditioning and irrigation. Historic private 18-hole club with a compact two-nine rhythm
Major Risks
Private access Play is restricted to members and their guests; invited guests must play with the member unless a tournament or outing exception applies. Course-condition suspensions The Golf Committee, Head Golf Professional or Superintendent may prohibit play when conditions are unsuitable, and siren signals suspend/resume play. Tight pace expectation The official rules set a two-hour target for nine holes and require ready golf/play-through when a group is slow.
Blue Tee Strategy
GAP and PAGA publish White at 5,487 yards, par 70 and slope 121; confirm the current member tee assignment because the official scorecard image is not text-readable. Prioritize accuracy and position on the rolling layout; the official club description emphasizes course management and creativity. Follow the official registration, pace, weather-siren and guest rules before play. Use the active white/blue-equivalent tee card
Golfer Reviews / Consensus
limited public review sample private-access requirement The limited identity-matched reviews are positive about staff, maintenance and tee variety; they do not support claims beyond this small sample. MEDIUM honesdale_src_reviews beautiful private course wonderful staff well maintained and fair varied tees
Course Conditions
VERIFIED Official site shows active 2026 season Confirm member/guest invitation and tee time. Check current season hours and course-condition notices. Review the official rules and listen for siren/horn instructions. 2027-03-08 2026-09-09 There is affirmative evidence of current operation and no closure evidence. Seasonal weather and club-controlled suspensions can still affect play. The official site lists a 2026 season schedule, September 2026 league event and current club contact information at 121 Golf Hill Road; the club describes active membership, events and booking.
30-second Pre-round Brief
Honesdale Golf Club pre-round This is a private members-and-guests club; invited guests normally play with the member. Confirm access Nine holes should take two hours or less; use ready golf and let faster groups play through. Play on the club’s clock One siren suspends immediately for danger; two blasts resume; three blasts suspend for unplayable conditions after the current hole. Know the signals Confirm private access, follow the 2-hour nine-hole pace target and use the club’s course-care and weather-siren rules.
Regulations
Animals prohibited
Dogs and other animals are not permitted on club property unless otherwise permitted by law.
90-degree cart rule
Carts remain on paths until adjacent to the ball, cross directly to the ball, then return by the same line.
Cart capacity
Each cart is restricted to two riders and two bags; riders may not hold onto the rear bag area.
Cart operator license
Anyone operating a golf cart must have a valid driver’s license.
Cart restrictions
Carts are never permitted on tee shoulders/surfaces, greens or bunkers; officials determine when carts are prohibited or path-only.
Clubhouse hours and last call
Regular bar and kitchen hours are posted by club management; no one should remain in the clubhouse after 3:00 AM until opening; last call is 30 minutes before closing.
Courtesy and property
Members are responsible for guest conduct; carts and shots must stay on club property; damage must be reported and restitution may be required.
Disciplinary action
Infractions by members or guests are brought to the Board for disciplinary action under the club bylaws.
Dress code
Appropriate golf attire is required on course and clubhouse for members and guests age 10+; the page lists accepted and prohibited examples and seasonal jeans/sweater allowance.
Guest privileges
Guests and patrons receive clubhouse privileges except purchasing alcoholic drinks at the bar; members are responsible for guests’ compliance.
Handicap posting
Players are requested to post scores after each complete round; an authorized USGA handicap may be required for tournaments.
Locker property
The club is not responsible for private property left in lockers; lockers should remain locked, clean and free from damp materials.
Minor and junior restrictions
Junior members and minors may not sit at the bar or loiter in the bar; underage drinking is prohibited.
Outside alcohol prohibited
Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted on club property; alcohol may only be purchased by members of legal age and served by club staff on the course.