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 Tournament Rules

Effective: January 2010

The rules below are in effect for all club tournaments for 2010 except when noted by the Tournament Chairman. The purpose of these rules is to speed up play and to make the day on the links more enjoyable for the club members. The effect on one's true handicap is negligible in the overall picture.

 

1. Lost Ball Situation / Out of Bounds (follow USGA Rules 27-1 & 27-2)
   • Out of Bounds -- Replay from the original spot, count the stroke and add a penalty stroke - USGA rule 27-1. (e.g., Tee shot went out of bounds, Re-tee shooting 3)
   • If provisional ball not played -- drop a ball in the general area where you went out of bounds, count the strokes and take a two-stroke penalty - (e.g., Tee shot went out of bounds, you did not Re-tee, drop ball in the general area where you went out of bounds, shooting 4 from drop area) - SCCCGC rule (to speed up play)
   • Limit search for a lost ball to 5 minutes. Play rule is same as Out of Bounds ; however, to speed up play, drop a ball in the general area where you lost the ball and add a 2-stroke penalty. Note you have the option if you think your ball is lost to hit a provisional before moving forward to where ball was last seen.

      

2. Bumping the Ball
   • SCCCGC allows player to bump the ball a maximum of 6 inches to improve the lie. Balls that are touching or in any hazard (sand traps included) are to be played as they lie. In bumping your ball to better the lie, you cannot move your ball from the rough cut to the fairway cut.

      

3. Extremely "bad" hole (Mercy Rule)
   • If a player has not holed out within 9 strokes, he/she must pick up and take a 10.
   • If you wish to pick up, rather than suffering through 9 strokes, take a 10 instead of an "X".
   • The Mercy Rule will:
     • Speed up play immensely
     • Relieve the excruciating pains being felt by this player
     • Relieve the sympathetic pains being felt by fellow players
     • Not hurt the golfer's handicap because the maximum number of strokes the USGA allows is 10 for all handicaps below 49, which is the maximum club handicap.

      

4. Putting Green
   • Prepare and line up your putt while other players are preparing for their putts. Of course, please do not disturb the player once he/she is about to putt.
   • When it is your turn to putt, please continue putting until the ball is holed unless:
     • You will have to step in another player's line of putt.
     • You made such a poor putt that mentally you are not able to continue (unless you are still "away".)
     • Once the last player has holed out, all players should quickly move to the next tee. This is also safer, since the following foursome will usually be hitting up. Mark your score card only after you have cleared the green.
   • All putts must be putted unless invoking the Mercy Rule. Failing to do so will result in disqualification for the tournament.

      

5. Teeing Area
   • Be prepared to tee off when it is safe to do so. The "honors" courtesy need not be observed if:
     • Honoree is not ready
     • Short hitters could safely hit, but not long hitters
     • Of course the "honors" order of hitting can always be insisted upon for strategic reasons by any player.

      

6. General tips for speeding up play
   • Take only one or two practice swings before hitting.
   • Everyone should help spot balls for other players in your foursome