We want every dog and every golfer to have a safe, fun, and stress-free day on the course. Please read these guidelines carefully before arriving and share them with your foursome.
We love dogs. That's why we wrote these rules. A well-managed dog on the course means everyone human and canine alike has the best possible experience.
Organizers reserve the right to ask any dog or participant to leave the course if conduct is unsafe or disruptive. The rules below are non-negotiable.
Who can join us on the fairway, and what we'll need from you at check-in.
Each team of four golfers may bring up to two dogs onto the course. Additional dogs are not permitted on the fairway.
Dogs must be registered at check-in before the shotgun start. We'll need your dog's name, breed, and confirmation that vaccinations are up to date.
Dogs must be comfortable around crowds, noise, and other dogs. If your dog is reactive or anxious, please leave them at home for everyone's safety.
All dogs must be current on rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Proof may be requested at check-in. Bordetella is strongly recommended.
Dogs must be at least one year old. All human participants must be 16 or older.
How dogs behave between the tee and the green keeps the day safe and the round flowing.
Standard flat-collar leash, six feet or less, no flexi or retractable leads. This protects other players, the course, and your dog.
One member of your foursome is the designated dog handler at all times. The handler may not take a shot while holding the leash.
Dogs must remain at least ten feet from the tee box during a swing, and are not permitted on the putting green.
Keep your dog calm and quiet during another team's shots. Barking, lunging, or running grounds for warning and possible removal.
Don't allow your dog to approach another team's dog without explicit permission from the other handler.
Any dog showing aggression toward a person or another animal must leave the course immediately. The team may continue without the dog.
Keep barking and persistent disruption in check. Repeated disturbance after a warning may result in the dog being removed from the course.
Caring for your dog and the course go hand in hand. Here's how we handle both.
Every team is responsible for cleaning up after their dog. Waste bags are at the registration table and several points on the course.
Water stations are at holes 3, 6, and 9. In warm weather, monitor your dog for signs of heat stress. Pause your round to rest your dog if needed.
Don't offer treats or food to another team's dog. Allergies, restrictions, and training protocols vary.
A relaxed scramble format keeps the afternoon moving and the vibe friendly. No scratch handicap required.
All four players tee off, the best shot is selected, and all players play from that spot.
To keep pace, a maximum of seven strokes applies. Pick up, record a 7, and move on.
Available at registration or from hole volunteers. Limit two per player per nine. One mulligan per shot.
If a dog moves a ball in play, it's replaced as close to its original position as possible no penalty stroke.
Keep up with the group ahead. If you fall more than one hole behind, a volunteer may ask you to skip forward.
Submit your completed card to the scoring table immediately after hole 9. Lost or unsigned cards can't be considered for prizes.
All participants and dog owners must sign a waiver at check-in before accessing the course. The waiver covers general golf event participation, dog behaviour liability, and acknowledgement of these rules.
Dog owners accept full responsibility for their dog's behaviour throughout the event, including any damage to course property, injury to other participants, or disruption caused by their animal. The Rotary Club of Collingwood, Duntroon Highlands Golf Course, and event organizers are not liable for any dog-related incidents.
Register & Sign at Check-In →