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General Local Rules of Golf -- November 15, 2021

Summary of Change: Rule #4, Continuous putting and Rule #5   (highlighted in yellow)

Click here to see rules governing the optional games contests.

Click here to see Inclement Weather Policy governing discontinuance of play.

The following rules will apply to all tournaments.  These rules have been reviewed and approved by the Board of Officers and may be amended as necessary by the Board.  Current USGA rules of Golf will apply during play with the following exceptions, which allows Local Rules that provide for abnormal conditions.

Violation of Rules.  During play any questions concerning these rule interpretations will be addressed with other members of the playing group at the time of occurrence.  Any unresolved disputes should be noted and brought to the attention of the Committee, or their representatives, immediately following play.

NEW RULES ENCOURAGE FASTER PACE OF PLAY. Affirmative encouragement of “READY GOLF” in stroke play. Search for lost ball is now limited to (3) three minutes and players should take no more than 40 seconds to play a stroke                                                       

1.  NO MULLIGANS ARE PERMITTED. 

2. FOURTEEN (14) CLUB RULE IS WAIVED.

3.  MAXIMUM STROKES.  Maximum of three (3) strokes over Par are to be taken and recorded on any hole, except in Match Play where the hole is played out until it is won, halved or conceded.

4.  PUTTS.  The final putt on a hole must be holed out.  No GIMMES.   Once a ball in play is on the green, a ”putting ball” cannot be substituted.  When feasible, continuous putting is recommended, except in Match Play         

There will be no penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits an unattended flagstick in the hole: players may putt without having the flagstick attended or removed.          

5.  MOVING AND CLEANING THE BALL.  The ball may be moved, with no penalty, within one-club
length, in either the fairway or the rough, but not in a penalty area, and no closer to the Hole. The ball cannot be moved from the rough to the fairway.
If more than one “area of the course” is located within one club length of the reference point, the ball must come to rest in the same “area of the course” that the original ball was at rest. The ball may be cleaned after each shot, except in a penalty area.

6. PENALTY AREAS. (Formerly Water / Lateral Water Hazards). The Rules for Penalty Areas are well defined by USGA and will be played by PSMGA members accordingly. Note that in addition to water hazards, the Committee may mark areas such as deserts, jungles, rock fields, etc. as Penalty Areas.  
Note: If a penalty area (hazard) is not marked, it is up to the player with help from the playing group, to determine where the yellow or red stakes/lines would be placed and play from that location.
Important Note: After taking relief, and putting the ball in play, the player is entitled to move the ball one club length in accordance with Rule #5

7.  LOST BALL AND/OR OUT OF BOUNDS.  This Local Rule is used to speed up play.  If a ball goes out of bounds, the player may advance to the point where the ball is presumed to have gone out and under penalty of one stroke, drop a ball within two club lengths of where the ball went out of bounds, not nearer the hole.
If a ball is lost (outside a penalty area (hazard)) and has not been found within 3 minutes, the player will drop a ball in the vicinity where the ball was lost, no closer to the hole, under penalty of one stroke.
Important Note: After taking relief, and putting the ball in play, the player is entitled to move the ball one club length in accordance with Rule 5

8. BUNKERS. 

A.    A ball hit into a bunker must be played as it lies. Loose impediments may be removed without penalty, as long as the ball does not move. However, if the ball is in an abnormal ground condition such as a footprint, divot, eroded area, mud or standing water, the player may rake and place the ball in the raked area, no closer to the hole.

B.     An unplayable lie in the bunker. Relief may be taken by dropping the ball within two (2) club lengths, no closer to the hole, with one stroke penalty.

C.     A second option for an unplayable lie in a bunker. the player may take “back-on-the-line” relief outside the bunker.  Use a reference line going straight back from the hole through the spot of the original ball, as far back as desired. Drop the ball within 1 club length either side of that line, no closer to the hole, with two (2) strokes penalty.

D.    A ball that is in a bunker, that is plugged or “fried egged”, must be played as it lies, or take relief as per 8(B) or 8(C) above.

E.     If there is any doubt, the player should get the agreement of his playing companions. If there is no agreement, the player should play two balls and bring the issue to the Committee.

9. PACE-OF-PLAY. Click here to see the extensive new rules to ensure prompt play.

                 PLANO SENIOR MEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION SPECIAL  RULES

1. DROP  ZONES.

If a ball enters the creek on Hole #18, under penalty of one stroke, the player is authorized to utilize the drop zone located across the creek adjacent to the forward (ladies) tee box.

If a ball enters the creek on Hole #10, or is driven far left and/or right prior to the creek, and cannot be found, the player, under penalty of one stroke, is authorized to utilize the drop zone located across the creek.

2. SPECIAL AREAS

If a ball goes into the “Grate Areas” and can be identified, it is not a lost ball. Drop the ball the closest point of relief, no closer to the hole, no penalty. If a player thinks his ball went into the “Grate Areas”, and cannot be identified, the ball is lost. Drop the ball to closest point of relief, no closer to the hole, one stroke penalty.

The area across the cart path behind Hole #9 (Short Course Area) and the driving range on Hole #1 and Hole #9 is OUT OF BOUNDS (See Local Rule #8).  RELIEF- determined closest point of relief, no closer to the hole and add one stroke penalty.

The manicured area next to Tee Box #4, is a NO PLAY ZONE.  If your ball enters this area, do not enter to retrieve your ball. You can use a ball retriever, if you choose to do so. DO NOT PLAY FROM THIS AREA!! Relief - determine the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole, and drop the ball within one club length, no penalty.

3. NATURAL / NATIVE AREAS

DANGEROUS SITUATIONS MAY EXIST IN THESE AREAS.
 ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. THESE AREAS WILL NOT BE MARKED.                              CARTS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THESE AREAS

If players choose to enter these areas, and the ball cannot be found, drop a ball in that area, add one penalty stroke. If players choose not to enter these areas, estimate the point of reference (where the ball last crossed the margin of the area), and within two club lengths, drop a ball no closer to the hole and add one penalty stroke.
REMEMBER: 3 MINUTES MAXIMUM TIME TO SEARCH FOR A LOST BALL

4. PGA PROFESSIONALS.

Membership is open to senior men PGA or USGA members only if they qualify under the PGA and USGA rules to participate in amateur tournaments. If membership eligibility is in question, the Executive Committee will make the membership decision.