Rules

Rules

A Quick Review of Some Rules of Golf and some Local Rules

The Rules committee has agreed to some Local Rules that we use to speed up play. Please note that these Local Rules apply ONLY to Timber Creek and only for play in our league – and ONLY during regular league play (weekly events). During tournaments (Stroke Play Tourney and Partner Tourney, for example) the regulation rules of golf must apply.

Local Rule: Time of Play (NEW)

• Timber Creek management has asked that we make every effort to adhere to a finishing time of 2 hours 10 minutes for 9 holes.  This allows for better tee time management behind our league.

Local Rule: 10 Stroke Max

• During regular league play, there is a 10 stroke maximum on each hole. If a player has reached 10 strokes, she should pick up her ball, mark 10 on her score card and circle it.  She should enter her score in the computer for handicap using the maximum strokes allowed for her handicap.

• If the player is in a Tournament (for example, Stroke play or Partner Tourney) she must finish the hole and count all her strokes. However, she should enter her score in the computer for handicap using the maximum strokes allowed for her handicap.

Drop Zone:

For holes with forward water hazards (#s 3, 16, & 17), the course has marked drop zones. If a player lands in the water, she has three options:

1.  Hit again from her original position 

2. Hit from behind the water hazard in a straight line from where you entered the water and the hole…as far back as you wish 

3. Drop your ball in the drop zone and play from there. 

In all 3 choices, you must take a penalty stroke. You may NOT drop on the green and putt out.

Lateral Hazards: 

If your ball lands in a lateral hazard (marked with red stakes or a red line), you may drop 2 club lengths from where you entered the hazard, no closer to the hole. Take a 1 stroke penalty.

Unexpected Lost Ball: 

If you cannot find your ball and you have not hit a provisional ball, the USGA rule requires you to return to the place where you hit the shot, hit again, and take a 1 stroke penalty (stroke and distance penalty).  However, because many of our shots at Timber Creek are blind, you might not have expected to have lost your ball.  If you cannot find it, did not hit a provisional and your foursome agrees that your ball was likely to have been in play, you have two choices:

1. Follow the USGA rule by returning to the original location, hitting a second shot and taking a 1 stroke penalty

2. For speed of play, follow the local rule: drop a new ball where you and your foursome assume the original shot to have been and take a two stroke penalty

Casual Water & Ground Under Repair:

Casual Water is defined as temporary water caused by rain, flooding or over-watering. Ground Under Repair is defined as any damaged area that the board or the course has indicated.  If your ball or stance is in casual water or ground under repair, you may drop it at the nearest point of relief (dry ground for ball and stance) – no closer to the hole.  You may not clean your ball or change the condition of your lie (rough, fairway or hazard). You should announce to your group your intention to apply this rule.

• The Rules Committee has also added a Local Rule.  If your foursome agrees that an area is damaged, you may apply the Ground Under Repair rule.

A Rule in Question During Play: 

If the player and/or the group has a question about how or whether a rule should be applied, the player should continue playing the original ball and play a second ball applying the rule in question. Mark the score for both balls for that hole. When the group finishes, the player and/or the group should describe the question and situation to the Rules Committee or the course professional who will determine the score for that hole.

Putting Out: 

Unfortunately, there are no “gimmies” in league play. You MUST address your ball (no back hand or reaching over the cup) and putt out each hole.