Membership Handbook

Reciprocals
Members of Colgate University Seven Oaks Golf Club are entitled to reciprocal agreements with the following golf courses:

1. Robert Trent Jones Golf Course at Cornell University
2. Drumlins Golf Club
3. Oswego Country Club (Soft Spikes Required)
4. Radisson Greens

Note: All visits must be arranged through the Pro Shop.

Clubhouse Rules
The operation of the Clubhouse and related activities shall be the direct function of the Clubhouse Manager who is responsible to Colgate University and responsive to the Advisory Committee.

All suggestions concerning the Clubhouse or locker rooms shall be directed to a member of the Advisory Committee. Suggestions or complaints will be investigated and acted upon. A report will be made to the member.

The Clubhouse Manager Doug Speer is responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of the dining area and for the operation of the kitchen and bar. The locker rooms and wash rooms are the responsibility of Colgate's Buildings and Grounds Department.

Clubhouse hours for the season are available by calling: (315) 824-4420.

The Clubhouse welcomes outside parties. Arrangements should be made through the Clubhouse at (315) 824-4220.

Services will be denied to anyone not properly attired. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times in the Clubhouse.

Members will be responsible for the actions of their guests, who shall be subject to all rules and regulations of the Club. The Club will not be responsible for any items lost on the property.

Golf carts and clubs may not be stored in the lockers. Club storage and cleaning should be arranged through the Club Professional.

The Clubhouse Manager reserves the right to deny any service to any member or guest deemed out of order in demeanor.

Golf Rules and Regulations
All play is governed by the USGA Rules with the following exceptions:

1. When WINTER RULES signs are posted, you may play preferred lies in your own fairway. The ball may not be moved more than six inches. At all other times summer rules are in effect and the ball may not be touched.
2. Water hazards are identified by yellow stakes and lateral water hazards are identified by red stakes. Balls coming to rest on greens or tees of holes not being played MUST be dropped, not nearer the hole, with no penalty assessed.

For more information covering rules, please refer to the rule booklet or ask the Professional.

Club Regulations
Each member is earnestly requested to observe the rules and regulations and call them to the attention of others should the necessity arise. Observance of the regulations will afford members greater enjoyment of the Colgate University Seven Oaks Golf Club facilities.
The season will begin April 1st (weather permitting) and end October 31st.  Members of the current year are allowed to walk the course in November up until the superintendent closes the course for the season. 
 

1. Club members, Colgate students, faculty, staff, employees and alumni are entitled to the privileges of Seven Oaks. Restriction of play may be necessary at times to allow special events for various groups.
2. Bermuda shorts and slacks are acceptable attire. T-shirts, tank tops, tennis shorts, jogging shorts, gym shorts, blue jeans and cut-offs are unacceptable attire.   No sunbathing is allowed on the course and shirts must be worn at all times. The Pro Shop staff shall have the authority to bar anyone not properly attired. Fishing, while not encouraged, is allowed during quiet hours at the risk of the participant.

3. To facilitate play, starting times will be available seven days per week. While the University is in regular session alternate tee times will be reserved for members. When the University is not in regular session, members have priority on tee times. On any given day, tee times not reserved by members 24 hours in advance will be made available to the public. On weekends and holidays, members will have first priority. However, any tee times not filled by members by Friday at noon for the weekend, or by noon the day before a holiday, will be made available to outside callers. Tee times may be scheduled up to two weeks in advance.

4. Green and cart fees for guests playing with a member may be charged to MasterCard/Visa or paid by the guest.

5. Parents and alumni have priority use of the course for Family Weekend, Commencement and Alumni Reunions.

6. Any individual who is not a member of Seven Oaks, shall not be permitted to play as a guest more than five times at the guest rate. After playing five times at the guest rate, the outside rate will be charged.

7. A family Membership covers husband, wife and children through September of their high school graduating year or through their second or senior year of college if they are pursuing a full-time associate or baccalaureate degree. Children under 14 years of age enjoying the privileges of the golf course under a family membership should be accompanied by an adult or receive special permission to play from the Pro Shop staff.

8. Student Memberships are open to Colgate students who are attending Colgate during the current year. Student Member- ships are sold the first day of classes and are void on the last day of classes.

9. Junior Memberships are available to persons between the ages of 14 and 18 who have not attained their 18th birthday prior to the opening of the golf course. Junior Members are encouraged to play but because they have a limited membership at a very reasonable rate, such play will be regulated by the Club Professional.

10. Seven Oaks welcomes membership applications from interested parties. Inquiries should be addressed to: Marian Blain, Colgate University Seven Oaks Golf Club, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346.

11. No spectator carts are allowed.

12. Only 2 carts per tee time are allowed on the golf course.

Special Play Groups
The Colgate University Seven Oaks Golf Club adheres to Federal regulations which bar any discrimination on the basis of sex, color or creed. However, it is recognized that certain play groups have been set up on the yearly calendar. They include:

The Ladies' 9-Hole Group which plays Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.

The Ladies' 18-Hole Group which has first tee priority from 8:40 to 9:40 a.m. on Thursdays.

Juniors should consult the Seven Oaks Professional at all times before beginning play and are barred from play until 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays unless accompanied by an adult.

In an effort to maximize the use of the course to accommodate the entire membership, shotgun starts will not be permitted for any group or league unless they have a minimum of 36 players for 9 holes and 72 players for 18 holes. There will be no new shot gun events added to the membership events calendar. Singles will not be allowed on the course during busy times, the pro shop staff will be happy to help find any individual a group to play with during busy times.

The course is open to all members at all times, with limited exceptions. It is recommended that beginners and slow golfers try to schedule their games at times other than Wednesday afternoons or Saturday and Sunday mornings, since the course receives the heaviest use at those times.

Special Events
The Colgate University Seven Oaks Golf Club has several groups, leagues and events that are set up for members only.
Below is a list designed to inform members of the Club's various events:

The five events listed below will be repeated at the same time on the same day of the week during the entire summer:

Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.: Women's 9-Hole Group
Thursday, 8:40 a.m.: Women's 18-Hole Group

The schedule of events for each month will be included in your newsletter. If you have any questions about upcoming events, please see Marian Blain in the Pro Shop.

Syracuse District Play
Seven Oaks is a member of the Men's Syracuse District Golf Association. Members are therefore eligible for all district events. A complete schedule of USGA events will be posted in the Pro Shop, including entry deadlines and fees. Seven Oaks members are encouraged to participate in these events. The women of Seven Oaks are members of the Utica District Golf Association.