LOCAL RULES & TERMS OF COMPETITION

The Rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and The R&A govern play. See applicable Championship or qualifying round Notices to Players and Entry Applications for additional Local Rules and Terms of Competition. 

 

Penalty for Breach of a Local Rule or Term of Competition (unless otherwise noted):

  • Match Play: Loss of Hole
  • Stroke Play: Two-Stroke Penalty

Conforming Equipment

Conforming Driver Heads Any driver used must have a clubhead identified by model and loft that appears on the current USGA/R&A List of Conforming Driver Heads.

Groove and Punch Mark Specifications The Groove and Punch Mark Condition is in effect as prescribed in the Rules of Golf Committee Procedures.

Conforming Golf Balls Any ball used in making a stroke must be listed on the current USGA List of Conforming Golf Balls.

Out of Bounds

Out of bounds is defined by the line between the course-side points at ground level of white stakes and fence posts.

A ball that crosses a public road or pathway defined as out of bounds and comes to rest beyond that area is out of bounds, even if it comes to rest on another part of the course that is in bounds for other holes.

Penalty Areas

When a penalty area is defined on only one side, it extends to infinity.

When a penalty area meets an out-of-bounds boundary, the penalty area extends to and coincides with out of bounds.

Abnormal Course Conditions

Free relief is available from:

  • French drains (trenches filled with stones or similar material)
  • Ant hills or ant mounds
  • Deeply rutted wheel marks
  • Seams of cut turf (not the turf itself)
  • Any area declared damaged ground by a Rules Official

Immovable Obstructions Near Putting Greens

Relief may be taken under Rule 16.1. Additional relief is available when an immovable obstruction is on or within two club-lengths of the putting green, is within two club-lengths of the ball, and intervenes on the player's line of play.

Integral Objects

The following are integral objects:

  • Cables, rods, wires, and wrappings closely attached to trees
  • Artificial walls and pilings located within penalty areas and bunkers

Putting Green Relief

  • Turf plugs on putting greens may be repaired.
  • Wood chips and mulch are loose impediments.

Electronic Devices

Players must not listen to or watch content on personal audio or video devices during a round.

Cell phones may only be used in emergencies or to contact a Rules Official or the Committee. All devices should be turned off or placed on silent mode during play.

Pace of Play

Pace of Play Policy and Model Local Rules K-1, K-2, and K-5 are in effect.

Players are expected to:

  • Measure distance
  • Select a club
  • Align
  • Practice
  • Execute a stroke

within 40 seconds or less.

Pace of Play policies will be strictly enforced.

Practice Between Holes

Between the play of two holes, players must not:

  • Make practice strokes on or near the putting green just completed
  • Test the putting green surface by rubbing the surface or rolling a ball

Suspension of Play for Dangerous Weather

One prolonged horn blast: Stop play immediately

Three consecutive short horn blasts (repeated): Suspend play

Two short horn blasts (repeated): Resume play

All practice facilities are closed during a suspension for a dangerous situation until reopened by the Committee.

Failure to comply may result in revocation of entry.

Scorecards

A player's scorecard is considered returned once the player exits the designated scoring area.

Missing Player or Marker Certification

Model Local Rule L-1 is in effect.

Close of Competition

The competition is deemed closed when it has been electronically closed by the Rules Committee in the tournament software.