Golf Code of Conduct

No individual may engage in inappropriate behavior contrary to this Code of Conduct at the City of Madison’s four municipal Golf Courses. When possible, staff will first educate individuals about the applicable policies before taking stronger measures to enforce those policies. 

For the purposes of this Code of Conduct, “Golf Courses” or “Golf Course” includes all four City of Madison municipal golf course properties, The Glen Golf Park, Monona, Odana Hills and Yahara Hills, and includes those facilities associated with the golf courses, including any parking lots, shelters, restrooms, buildings, or other enclosures located on the golf course properties. 

“Staff” refers to City of Madison Employees, including, but not limited to employees of the Golf Enterprise Program, Parks Division employees, and City of Madison Police Department officers.

“Inappropriate Behavior” includes any behavior that violates City, County or State law, or which unreasonably interferes with or disturbs another individual’s lawful use and enjoyment of the golf course, or that is inconsistent with the activities, programs and services normally associated with a golf course, or that negatively impacts staff’s ability to perform their jobs and duties at the Golf Courses.  A non-exhaustive list of inappropriate behaviors are set out in Addendum A to this Code of Conduct.

The “Loyalty Card” season runs from opening day through closing day on an annual basis.

The “Season Pass” season runs from opening day through October 31st on an annual basis. 

A “one (1) month suspension” would be considered 30 days from date of suspension. If suspension runs through the end of October, the remaining suspension length would run until the golf courses close for the season.

A “three (3) month suspension” would be considered 90 days from date of suspension. If suspension runs through the end of October, the remaining suspension length would run until the golf courses close for the season plus any remaining days once the golf course opens again the next season.

A “one (1) year suspension” would be considered 365 days from date of suspension. 

Over the past several years, the City of Madison Golf Courses have had recurring problems with a small number of users whose behavior in open areas, clubhouse facilities, locker room facilities and other places at the Golf Courses have negatively impacted both the use and enjoyment of the Golf Courses by other users, and City employees’ workplace. This behavior has included, among other things, directing abusive or threatening behavior or language toward staff and/or other users, engaging in unlawful activity, and creating an unsafe and unwelcoming environment. As a result of this behavior, some users will no longer utilize the space as a recreational outlet. Efforts have been made by the City of Madison to address this sort of behavior, but a formal code of conduct is necessary in order to give City employees additional options to address this problematic behavior. 

Minor violations of these rules will first result in Staff attempting to educate or warn individuals about the Code of Conduct before formal enforcement commences. If an individual continues to violate this Code of Conduct, Staff will provide notice and may order the individual to leave for the day. However, any conduct that threatens the life or safety of any person or that unreasonably interferes with the intended use or enjoyment of the Golf Course, or that is damaging to Park property, equipment or facilities may result in immediate expulsion from the Golf Course premises. Parks Division staff is authorized, and encouraged, to contact the Madison Police Department in response to such situations. 

Violations of this Code of Conduct (even if a single isolated event) may result in individuals being banned from the Golf Course(s) from one (1) day to one (1) year. In imposing this ban, staff will follow the established procedures below. Most bans will be limited to a single Golf Course, but a system wide ban may be considered depending on the circumstances. 

Parks Division staff will call the Madison Police Department for severe or illegal behavior or when an individual refuses to leave when told by staff to do so. It may not be safe, practicable or efficient to empower only Parks Division staff with the authority to enforce this Behavioral Policy. Therefore, the Madison Police Department is hereby authorized to enforce this Policy, subject to the same rules and restrictions as set forth herein that apply to Parks Division staff.