Rules hero — putting green at Blackthorne
Official Policy

Rules & Regulations

A quick read before your round. These rules keep things fair, safe, and enjoyable for everyone on the course.

Rules are subject to change as the course expands and the clubhouse is built. Updates will be communicated via newsletter. For pricing, see the Tee Times page.

Booking & Arrival

  1. 1

    All tee times must be booked online — every single one. The only exception: same-day tee times within 1 hour of tee-off, which must be booked by phone at (724) 325-2052 or in person at the pro shop (so the booking can be confirmed in real time).

  2. 2

    Even walk-ups must book online from their phone. There will be a delay before walk-up tee-offs while we fit you in around already-booked groups.

  3. 3

    Same-day tee times are bookable online up to 1 hour before tee-off — at 4:00 PM you can still book 5:10 PM, but not 5:00 PM. A 10% same-day fee applies to bookings made on the same calendar day as the tee time (and to walk-ups) — added automatically at checkout.

  4. 4

    If your round is cancelled for rain (or other weather) and you hadn't started yet, we'll issue a rain voucher with a code redeemable on your next online booking.

  5. 5

    We are at our new address — 9001 Kapalua Lane, Jeannette, PA 15644. Please don't drive to the old clubhouse.

  6. 6

    While we build the new clubhouse, a temporary facility is in use for check-in and amenities will be limited.

Days & Hours

  1. 1

    Tuesdays are always closed.

  2. 2

    Mondays are closed except for holiday Mondays (Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.). Check the home page for the latest.

  3. 3

    Open Wednesday – Sunday plus holiday Mondays.

  4. 4

    Last tee-off every open day is 6:10 PM.

Who Can Play

  1. 1

    Blackthorne is open to the public — no membership required.

  2. 2

    Bookings should be made under the name of the player who will check in. The booking party is responsible for the conduct of everyone in their group on the course.

Payment & On-Course Spending

  1. 1

    Pay at the temporary facility on arrival, or online at the time of booking.

  2. 2

    Snacks and drinks are available from on-course vending machines.

  3. 3

    Cash and accountless payment options are available on-site for vending and skill-contest entries.

Refunds, Reschedules & Rain Vouchers

  1. 1

    No refunds are issued once play has begun. Once you have started your round of golf, you will not receive a refund for any reason.

  2. 2

    If it starts raining before you start your round, a rain voucher will be issued — a code redeemable toward your next online booking.

  3. 3

    Once booked, a tee time cannot be refunded or moved for any reason other than weather on the day of your tee time.

Golf Cart Policy

  1. 1

    Golfers who are driving the carts must be 18 years old or older and have a valid driver's license.

  2. 2

    You are responsible for the golf cart(s). Treat the cart like it's yours.

  3. 3

    The booking party is responsible for the cart(s) used by their group — including any damage.

  4. 4

    Inspect your cart before you head out. Notify staff of any existing damage before leaving the cart staging area.

  5. 5

    Before leaving the course at the end of your round, notify staff of any new damage.

  6. 6

    Non-playing riders age 8 and up are permitted at $10 per rider, paid on arrival. A signed Golf Cart Passenger Waiver is required before any non-playing passenger may ride — collected when you add a rider during online booking.

  7. 7

    Carts must remain at least 50 yards from all greens at all times.

  8. 8

    Maximum speed on cart paths is walking pace when near other golfers.

Golf Cart Passenger Policy

  1. 1

    Passengers must be at least 8 years old.

  2. 2

    Passengers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

  3. 3

    The golf cart operator must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license.

  4. 4

    Passengers are not permitted to drive the golf cart under any circumstances.

  5. 5

    All passengers must remain seated with their feet inside the cart while the cart is moving.

  6. 6

    Standing, hanging from, or riding on the outside of a golf cart is prohibited.

  7. 7

    The number of occupants may not exceed the manufacturer's stated seating capacity.

  8. 8

    All passengers must follow golf course rules and instructions from staff.

  9. 9

    The golf course reserves the right to deny or revoke passenger privileges for safety reasons.

  10. 10

    A signed Golf Cart Passenger Waiver is required before any non-playing passenger may ride.

On-Course Conduct

  1. 1

    No practice shots and no practice playing. Each hole is to be played through once — no repeat shooting.

  2. 2

    Players caught practicing or repeat-shooting will be banned permanently from the course.

  3. 3

    Pace of play is expected — keep up with the group ahead of you.

19th Hole Skill Contest

  1. 1

    The 19th-hole skill contest is open exclusively to players completing the back nine or the full 18.

  2. 2

    Eligibility is confirmed at check-in.

  3. 3

    Today's prize amount and contest format are posted at the 19th tee.

  4. 4

    One attempt per qualifying round.

Golf Cart Passenger Waiver and Release of Liability

I acknowledge that riding in a golf cart and being present on a golf course involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

  • Vehicle collisions
  • Sudden stops or turns
  • Uneven terrain
  • Falling from a cart
  • Cart overturns
  • Weather-related hazards
  • Personal injury, illness, disability, or death

I voluntarily choose to participate as a passenger and assume all risks associated with riding in a golf cart and being on the golf course.

I agree to:

  • Remain seated while the cart is in motion.
  • Keep all body parts inside the cart while moving.
  • Follow all golf course rules and staff instructions.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release, waive, and hold harmless Blackthorne Golf Club, its owners, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and affiliates from any claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of action arising out of ordinary negligence related to my participation as a golf cart passenger.

I understand that this waiver does not release claims resulting from gross negligence, reckless conduct, or intentional misconduct.

I certify that I have read and understand this agreement and sign it voluntarily.

Minor Passenger Consent

  • A parent or legal guardian must consent for any passenger under the age of 18.
  • The accompanying adult authorizes the minor to ride as a passenger under their supervision and accepts responsibility for supervising the minor and ensuring compliance with all golf course policies.
  • The minor must remain seated at all times while the cart is moving, follow all course rules, and follow instructions from golf course staff.

When you add a non-playing rider during online booking, you'll be asked to read and agree to this waiver before completing your tee time. Your agreement is recorded and kept on file.

These rules exist to keep every round at Blackthorne running smoothly for the whole community. Questions? Reach out at (724) 325-2052 or [email protected].

A new course map is coming soon — we'll publish it on May 13th.

Book a Tee Time