RULES OF PLAY...
(Official Tournaments & Events)...
Unlike many sports, golf is played without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies primarily on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the rules. Wherever possible, all Program Participants should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrate courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, respective to the prevailing competitive spirit; upholding the honor and integrity embodied within the spirit of the game of golf.
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GOLF ATTIRE
All AYGO Program participants are required to wear proper golf attire at the host facility. Blue jeans, cut offs, and t-shirts will not be permitted. If you show up to an event without proper attire you will be asked to change clothing. If you wear a hat, it must be worn in a proper manner at all times. All golf shirts are required to have a collar or mock turtle neck (host facility permitting) and MUST BE TUCKED IN (for male players).
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HARD CARD
The current Rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA) govern any official Tournament play. Complete text of Rules and Appendix I maybe found in the current “USGA Rules of Golf.” Local Rules are in addition to, but do not supersede, the USGA Rules. Local Rules are printed on the reverse side of the club scorecards or posted visibly at the course. Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for breach of a Local Rule or Condition is: Match play: Loss of hole; Stroke play: Two strokes.
LOCAL RULES
OUT OF BOUNDS: a) Defined by inside points, at ground level, of white stakes, lines and perimeter fence posts. b) When the inside edge of a paved road or curb defines out of bounds, a ball that is on or beyond the road or curb is out of bounds even though it may lie on another part of the golf course.
WATER HAZARDS AND LATERAL WATER HAZARDS: When a water hazard or a lateral water hazard is bounded by out of bounds, the hazard margin extends to and coincides with the out of bounds line.
GROUND UNDER REPAIR: Defined by enclosed white lines. Other areas of ground under repair, even when not marked, include: a) French drains (trenches filled with stones or the like), b) Fire ant hills (Note: If a player’s ball is affected by a fire ant hill, Decision 1-4/10)
SOD SEAMS: Through the green, sod seams (not the sod itself) are deemed to be ground under repair, and relief is available under Rule 25-1 if the ball lies in or touches a sod seam or a sod seam interferes with the area of intended swing. All seams within the sodded area are considered the same seam.
OBSTRUCTIONS AND INTEGRAL PARTS OF THE COURSE: a) When located within hazards; liners in bunkers and artificial walls and pilings are integral parts of the course unless otherwise provided for in Notice to Players. b) White lined areas tying into obstructions are part of the obstruction. c) When closely attached to trees, wrappings, electrical wire, and cables are integral parts of the course.
EMBEDDED BALL THROUGH THE GREEN: Local Rule as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect.
LOOSE IMPEDIMENTS: Wood chips and mulch are loose impediments.
DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES: During official AYGO Tournaments, the AYGO Program permits the use of devices that measure DISTANCE ONLY. Devices that measure wind, slope and/or other measurements are not permitted. Penalty for breach is disqualification.
STONES IN BUNKERS: Stones in bunkers are deemed to be movable obstructions.
PRACTICE PUTTING PROHIBITED: Practice on or near the putting green of the last played hole and rolling a ball on the putting green of the last hole play are prohibited. Penalty for breach is two strokes.
EAR PHONES AND CELL PHONES: The use of ear phones, cell phones, and devices that play music is prohibited during the stipulated round (this includes i-Pods).
POWER LINES: If a ball strikes the power line during play of a hole, the stroke is canceled and the player must play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was played in accordance with Rule 20-5 (Making Next Stroke from Where Previous Stroke Made).
CONDITIONS OF COMPETITIONS
LIST OF CONFORMING DRIVER HEADS: Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect.
LIST OF CONFORMING GOLF BALLS: Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect.
TIME OF STARTING: Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect.
PACE OF PLAY: All players are required to abide by the USGA Rules for Pace of Play. All players should be able to reasonably keep up with a) their group and b) the group ahead of the player's current group to within one (1) stroke behind.
SUSPENSION OF PLAY DUE TO A DANGEROUS SITUATION: During suspension of play, once the siren has sounded any participant who plays a shot will be disqualified. All practice areas are closed during suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open. Players who practice on closed practice areas will be asked to cease doing so; failure to comply may result in revocation of entry.
SIGNALS FOR SUSPENSION OF PLAY: a) Suspension for a dangerous situation: One prolonged siren or air horn blast. b) All other types of suspension: Three consecutive air horn blast. c) Resumption of play: Two air horn blasts.
OFFICIAL EVENT: In all AYGO Tournament events, an official event may be constituted by reverting to the results of an earlier round. Eighteen holes may constitute an official event.
CLOSE OF COMPETITION:The competition is deemed to have closed when the winner has been announced, or in the absence of a prize ceremony, when all scores have been approved by the AYGO Committee.
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