What course set-up does GolfRSA expect so that scores stay acceptable?

Scores only count on a course with a current Course Rating and Slope Rating issued by GolfRSA, kept at a consistent length and difficulty. GolfRSA's guidance to clubs:

• Length: the playing length of every colour course must be within 100 metres of the measured (rated) length shown on the scorecard.
• Difficulty: fairway width, rough height and green speed must stay within the parameters as rated (major competitions excepted).
• Changes: tell your union and/or GolfRSA about changes to obstacles, and have the course re-rated. New ratings must be implemented within 30 days (or as agreed with GolfRSA).
• Rules of Golf: Model Local Rules must follow the 2023 Rules of Golf. Preferred lies (Model Local Rule E-3) are only for temporary abnormal conditions; for wet conditions GolfRSA recommends mud-ball relief (E-2) instead.
• Penalty areas: water that isn't marked is treated as a red penalty area.
• Tee colours (longest to shortest): Black, Yellow, White, Blue, Red, Green.

If a club's facility doesn't comply, GolfRSA can make it inactive on the handicap system, and no scores can be entered for rounds there.

Source: GolfRSA Rules of Handicapping 2024 club training; Rules of Handicapping (2024), Rule 2.1 and Appendix G.