Rules for League Play

General Rules for League Play

  • All events are played in strict accordance with USGA rules of golf. Deviations from event or USGA rules will result in disqualification from the event.
  • All players must putt out on all holes to have a legitimate score.
  • Mulligans are not allowed for competitive play.

Scorecard Requirements

  • League scoring will be done via the PCGC scoring app.
  • Players are also required to complete and submit a paper scorecard with:
  • Each player’s full name
  • Gross scores and hole-by-hole scores for each player
  • Signature of a scorekeeper and another player who attests to the scores
  • Scorecards must be submitted for the event to be valid.

Handicaps & Posting Scores

  • A valid/current GHIN handicap is required for league play.
  • Players are responsible for posting their own scores; the club/pro shop will not do this for you.
  • PCGC reserves the right to adjust or disqualify a handicap due to improper score postings.

Relief for Balls Out of Bounds or Lost

  • Players may take a 2-stroke penalty and drop the ball in the fairway.
  • Procedure: Find where the ball went out of bounds and create an imaginary line perpendicular to the fairway (no closer to the hole).
  • Alternatively, players may play according to Rules 26-1 and 27-1 (outlined below).

Cart Usage

  • Keep carts on the cart paths wherever possible and out of unmaintained areas at all times.

Pace of Play

  • Expected time: 2:05 per 9 holes, and 4:10 for 18 holes.

Specific Rules for Ball in Water Hazards (26-1)

  • Water Hazard Rule applies if a ball is lost in a water hazard or if it’s virtually certain the ball is in the hazard.
  • Relief Options:
  • Option A: Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot where the original ball was last played (penalty of one stroke).
  • Option B: Drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point where the original ball crossed directly between the hole and the drop spot (no distance limit).
  • Option C: If the ball crossed a lateral water hazard, drop a ball outside the hazard within two club-lengths, not closer to the hole.

Ball Out of Bounds or Lost Ball (27-1)

  • Stroke and Distance applies to any ball out of bounds or lost.
  • Lost Ball Rule: If a ball is not found within three minutes, proceed under penalty of one stroke as nearly as possible from where the original ball was last played.
  • Exceptions:
  1. If the ball is in an obstruction or abnormal ground condition, proceed under the appropriate rule.
  2. If the ball is moved by an outside agency or is in a water hazard, proceed under the applicable rule.

Unmaintained Areas

  • These areas are not hazards and should not be treated as such. If you lose a ball in these areas, proceed under the rules for a lost ball.

Casual Water

  • Definition: Temporary water accumulation not in a water hazard, visible before or after you take your stance. Snow and natural ice (other than frost) are casual water or loose impediments (player’s choice). Manufactured ice is an obstruction. Dew and frost are not casual water.
  • Relief Options:
  • If you choose to take relief, you may take a free drop within one club-length of the nearest point of relief (not closer to the hole).

Nearest Point of Relief

  • Definition: The nearest point of relief is where the ball would lie with no interference from obstructions, abnormal ground conditions, or wrong putting greens.
  • How to determine it:
  1. Take the club you would use to hit the shot if the interference were not there.
  2. Simulate an address position (stance and grounded club) away from the interference.
  3. Drop the ball within one club-length of this nearest point, not closer to the hole, and not in a hazard or on a putting green.

What to Do in Questionable Rules Scenarios

  1. Consult with your playing partners – someone might be familiar with the ruling.
  2. Still unsure?
  • Play two balls: one under each possible ruling, then record the score for both balls.
  • Consult a rules official after the round for the final ruling.

For example, if your ball is in an area where you’re unsure if it’s out of bounds, play one ball as if it is out of bounds and another as if it isn’t.