SEASON TOURNAMENT RULES

 

1. The current USGA Rules of Golf are in effect. Please reach out to your State or Regional Director if you have any questions.
    

2. All amputees, regardless of division, can move up one tee box from the flight yardage they are assigned. They do not “have” to, but can if they choose to do so.
    

3. Competitors who question a rule or procedure during the play of a golf hole may play an alternate ball(s) under USGA Rule 3-3, but must comply with all requirements of that rule. Before playing any ball, the player must announce that he/she will play two balls under Rule 3-3; which ball is being played under which rule; and state which ball he/she wishes to count if the rule permits. At the conclusion of the round, the VGA State Director or head course professional will make the final ruling. In any discrepancy of the rules, the VGA State Director will make all final decisions.
    

4. All tournaments are gross stroke play or net stroke play (Vet D Flight, Female Vet D Flight, Wounded Veteran D Flight, Family C Flight, Female Family Flight, Female Senior Flight, and Senior C Flight) with modified USGA rules in effect.
    

5. Players can score a maximum of double par on any hole. At any time on a hole, if a player reaches double par (including penalty strokes) and the ball is not holed out, the player MUST pick up his/her ball.
    

6. Players have a maximum of 3 minutes to locate a lost ball. When a player suffers a lost ball, after looking for 3 minutes, the group must determine where the ball was last seen. The ball will be dropped as close as possible to where it was last seen or estimated to have landed and stopped but not in a bunker or penalty area.
    
7. The Veteran Golfers Association will not assess stroke and distance penalties for out-of-bounds and lost balls. In the case of a lost ball, out of bounds, or relief from a penalty area, the player will drop according to the rules of golf and take a 1 stroke penalty. Lost ball and out of bounds will be resolved in the same manner with these 4 steps.
   • Step 1: You’ve hit your ball out of bounds or have lost your ball.
   • Step 2: You and one fellow playing partner in your group determine the line of flight where your ball went out of bounds or the line of flight your ball crossed when it was lost.
   • Step 3: Find the nearest place to play golf from inside the out of bounds or from the nearest line your ball was lost (2 club lengths) no closer to the hole.
   • Step 4: Drop your ball from mid-thigh or just above the knee, no closer to the hole. Continue to play under the pace of play rules.
      

8. If a player arrives late before the completion of 4 holes or 1 hour, whichever is less, the player will take a 2 stroke over par penalty for each hole missed. If the player arrives after 1 hour or 4 holes have been played, whichever is less, the player will be disqualified.
    

9. At the conclusion of the round, all players must verify their scores, sign their cards, and turn them into the VGA Leader hosting the tournament.

 

Allowances

 

1. Range finders and GPS devices are allowed. However, these devices must not provide slope or windage. Using such devices will disqualify you from a tournament.
    
2. Carts will be provided, but you always have the option of walking, unless carts are not allowed on the course.
    
3. Any disabled or handicapped participants are allowed special considerations and/or equipment as needed.