COMPETITIONS INFORMATION BOOKLET

Play is governed by the 2019 Rules of Golf as approved by Golf Canada, and, where applicable, by the following Local Rules and Terms of the Competition, subject to changes, additions or deletions for particular championships. See applicable championship or qualifying round Notice to Players for modifications or additions to these Local Rules and Terms of the Competition. Complete text of Local Rules may be found in the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, effective January 2019.

Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for a breach of a Local Rule is the General Penalty.

1) Out of Bounds and Course Boundaries Defined by the line between the course-side points at ground level of white stakes and fence posts, or the imagined line between those points. A ball is out of bounds when it is beyond any wall defining the boundary of the course.

2) Penalty Areas When a red penalty area is defined on only one side, it extends to infinity. When a red penalty area is connected to the out of bounds edge, the penalty area extends to and coincides with the out of bounds edge.

3) Abnormal Course Conditionsa. Ground Under Repair includes areas

defined by white lines; French drains filled with stones are ground under repair. Flower beds are ground under repair no play zones.

LOCAL RULES AND TERMS OF THE COMPETITION

b. Relief from Seams of Cut Turf - If a player’s ball lies in or touches a seam of cut turf or a seam interferes with the player’s area of intended swing, the player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule F-7.

c. Immovable Obstructions – An artificially surfaced road or path, or other identified obstructions they tie into are treated as a single abnormal course condition when taking relief under Rule 16.1. They may or may not be defined by white lines.

4) Integral Objects The following are integral objects from which free relief is not allowed:a. Wrappings, wires, cables, rods and

other similar objects when closely attached to trees;

b. Artificial walls and pilings when located in penalty areas and bunkers;

c. Bunker liners in their intended position. Interference by a liner with a player’s stance is deemed not to be, of itself, interference under this Rule.

5) Permanent Elevated Power Lines or Cables If a ball strikes a permanent elevated power line or cable, the stroke does not count. The player must play a ball without penalty from where the previous stroke was made (Rule 14.6).

6) Temporary Immovable Obstructions Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule F-23. Temporary Immovable Obstructions include, but are not limited to, starting tents, scoring tents and live scoring/checkpoint station tents if in use.

7) List of Conforming Driver Heads and Golf Balls

a. List of Conforming Driver Heads; Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule G-1. Penalty for making a stroke with a club in breach of the Local Rule: Disqualification.

b. Conforming Balls List; Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule G-3. Penalty for making a stroke with a ball not on current list in breach of this Local Rule: Disqualification.

8) Replacement of Club that is Broken or Significantly Damaged Rule 4.1b(3) is modified in this way: If a player’s club is “broken or significantly damaged” during the round by the player or caddie, except in cases of abuse, the player may replace the club with any club under Rule 4.1b(4). When replacing a club, the player must immediately take the broken or significantly damaged club out of play, using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1). For the purposes of this Local Rule: a club is “broken or significantly damaged” when:a. The shaft breaks into pieces, splinters

or is bent (but not when the shaft is only dented)

b. The club face impact area is visibly deformed (but not when the face is only scratched)

c. The clubhead is visibly and significantly deformed; detached or loose from the shaft, or

d. The grip is loose

Exception: A club face or clubhead is not “broken or significantly damaged” solely because it is cracked. Penalty for Breach of Local Rule See Rule 4.1b.

9) Restricting use of Audio and Video Rule 4.3a(4) is modified in this way: During a round, a player must not listen to or watch content of any nature on a personal audio or video device.

10) Modified Rules for Players with Disabilities Specified clause(s) of the Modified Rules for Players with Disabilities are in effect when both the player and clause(s) are approved by the Committee.

11) Caddie Restrictions Rule 10.3a is modified in this way: A player must not have another player in the competition, who has played or will play in the same round, as his or her caddie during a round. The player gets the General Penalty for each hole during which there is a breach of this Local Rule. If the breach occurs between the play of two holes, it applies to the next hole.

12) Prompt Pace of Play Alberta Golf’s Pace of Play Policy is in effect at all competitions. Players must ensure that they complete holes and the round within the times established by the Committee. The full policy is available online at albertagolf.org and in the Tournament Office.

Note: Rule 5.6a (Unreasonable Delay of Play) is still applicable.

13) Stopping and Resuming Play Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule J-1. An immediate suspension of play for a dangerous situation will be signaled by one prolonged air horn note. All other normal suspensions will be signaled by three consecutive air horn notes. In either case, resumption of play will be signaled by two short air horn notes. See Rule 5.7b.

Note: For safety reasons the course and all practice areas are closed when play is suspended for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open. Players who practice on closed areas will be asked to stop; failure to stop practicing may result in: Disqualification.

14) Practice Before and between rounds in Stroke Play, Rule 5.2b is modified in this way: A player must not practice on the competition course before or between rounds.

Penalty for first breach: General Penalty (applied to the player’s first hole).

Penalty for second breach: Disqualification.

During a round, Rule 5.5b is modified in this way: Between the play of two holes, a player must not:a. Make any practice stroke on or near

the putting green of the hole just completed, or

b. Test the surface of that putting green by rubbing the putting green or rolling a ball.

15) Transportation During a round, a player or caddie must not ride on any form of motorized transportation except as authorized or later approved by the Committee. A player who will play, or has played, under penalty of stroke and distance is authorized to ride on motorized transportation. Players and caddies may ride on the shuttle between holes. Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which there is a breach of this Local Rule. If the breach occurs between the play of two holes, it applies to the next hole.

16) Code of Conduct Alberta Golf has adopted the Local Rule under Rule 1.2b setting standards of player conduct on the golf course during play at all competitions. The full policy is available online at albertagolf.org and in the Tournament Office. The Committee may assess penalties as outlined in the code, based on the severity and frequency of the violation. Note: Under Rule 1.2a, a Committee may disqualify a player for serious misconduct for acting contrary to the spirit of the game.

17) Returning Score Card A player’s score card has been returned to the Committee when the player has completely exited the defined scoring area, unless the player, prior to leaving, verbally informs the Committee of his intention to leave the scoring area and receives the Committee’s permission to do so.

18) When Competition is Final The competition is deemed to have closed when the trophy has been presented to the winner or, in the absence of a prize ceremony, when all scores have been approved by the Committee.

The Rules of Golf require that a player must not unreasonably delay play, either when playing a hole or between two holes (Rule 5.6a). Rule 5.6b(3) states, in part: To encourage and enforce prompt play the Committee should adopt a Local Rule setting a Pace of Play Policy. This policy may set a maximum time to complete a round, a hole or series of holes and a stroke, and it may set penalties for not following the policy. To ensure prompt play and prevent being penalized, players should review the following policy carefully. In stroke play, players are encouraged to play ‘ready golf’ in a safe and responsible way.

Maximum Allowable Time The maximum allowable time is the maximum time considered necessary by the Committee for a group to complete its round. This is expressed in a per-hole and aggregate time format and includes all time associated with playing the game, e.g., for rulings and walking times between holes. All players are required to play at no more than the maximum allowable time (Time Par) set out for the competition. The Time Par may or may not be printed on each players scorecard. The Time Par for the competition will be made available to all players in advance and in the Tournament Office. The following procedure applies only if a group is “out of position”.

Definition of Out of Position• The first group to start will be considered

“out of position” if, at any time during the round, the group’s cumulative time exceeds the time allowed for the number of holes played as detailed on the applicable competition’s Pace of Play Time Chart (Time Par).

• Any following group will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they:

- exceed the time allowed for the number of holes played OR

- complete play of a hole more than 13 minutes and 59 seconds after the preceding group completes play of that hole OR

- arrive at the teeing area of a par 4 or par 5 hole that is open and free of play.

Procedure when group is Out of Position 1. Referees will monitor pace of play and decide whether a group that is “out of position” should be timed. An assessment of whether there are any recent mitigating circumstances, e.g. a lengthy ruling, lost ball, unplayable ball, etc. will be made.

If a decision is made to time the players, each player in the group will be subject to individual timing and a referee will advise each player that they are “out of position” and they are being timed.

In exceptional circumstances, an individual player, or two players within a group, may be timed instead of the entire group.

2. The maximum time allocated per stroke is 40 seconds. 10 extra seconds are allowed for the first player to play: a) a tee shot on a par 3 hole; b) an approach shot to the green; and c) a chip or putt.

The timing will start when a player has had sufficient time to reach the ball, it is his or her turn to play and he or she is able to play without interference or distraction. Time taken to determine distance and select a club will count as time taken for the next stroke.

INDIVIDUAL PACE OF PLAY POLICY

On the putting green, timing will start when the player has had a reasonable amount of time to lift, clean and replace the ball, repair damage the interferes with the line of play and move loose impediments on the line of play. Time spent looking at the line of play from beyond the hole and/or behind the ball will count as part of the time take for the next stroke.

Timings will be taken from the moment it is decided by the referee that it is the player’s turn to play and he or she is able to play without interference or distraction.

Time ceases when a group is back in position and players will be advised accordingly.

Until a player has been advised of a bad time, he or she cannot incur a further bad time.

Procedure when again Out of Position during same round If a group is “out of position” more than once during a round, the above procedure will apply on each occasion. Bad times and the application of penalties in the same round will be carried forward until the round is completed. A player will not be penalized if he or she has a second bad time before being advised of the earlier bad time.

Pace of Play Penalties Modified Pace of Play Penalty Structure - Model Local Rule K-5. The following are the penalties for any player in a group being timed who exceeds the applicable time to play a stroke:• Penalty for first breach:

Verbal warning from referee.• Penalty for second breach:

One-stroke penalty.• Penalty for third breach:

General Penalty applied in addition to the penalty for the second breach.

• Penalty for fourth breach: Disqualification.

Penalty Appeals Players are entitled to appeal penalties incurred during the stipulated round. Players must invoke their right to appeal before signing their scorecard in the scoring area. The Tournament Rules Chair is the Head Referee and he or she will review the penalties with the player and referee(s) involved, and if necessary, with the fellow players in the group in order to gather all information that is available. The final decision will be at the discretion of the Tournament Rules Committee.

Alberta Golf takes great pride in the quality of its players, host facilities and community involvement at each championship. In order to continue making Alberta Golf competitions enjoyable for everyone, all competitors are required to adhere to the Alberta Golf Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct applies to all players and caddies, on and off the golf course, throughout the entire competition, including the practice round(s). The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to outline expectations and to clarify actions that are considered violations so that players are aware of the consequences of their actions. Rule 1.2 Standards of Player Conduct is applicable, and players should familiarize themselves with its contents.

Violations of the Code of Conduct: • Unsportsmanlike conduct, including

unacceptable language, abuse of clubs, disrespect to other players, referees, spectators, volunteers, and/or failure to care for the course.

• Bullying, harassment, discrimination, and intimidation.

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages, recreational drugs and cannabis products on the competition course or any designated practice areas.

• Possession of any illegal substance. • Failure to adhere to the dress code policy

while on the host facility property. • Smoking or chewing tobacco products

are allowed on the competition course or any designated practice areas as long as the host facility policy allows for this. Players who use these products should do so in a discreet manner with particular care for the impact it may have on the course, fellow players and spectators.

• Any other conduct unbecoming of an Alberta Golf member.

Code of Conduct Penalties: • First breach of the Code of Conduct:

Verbal warning from referee or Committee sanction.

• Second breach: One-stroke penalty.• Third breach: General Penalty.• Fourth breach OR any serious

misconduct: Disqualification.

The Committee for each respective championship is the judge in determining conduct unbecoming and may assess any or all of the preceding penalties based on the severity and frequency of the violation(s). Disciplinary sanctions that a Committee may impose include refusing to allow the player to enter one or more future competitions. Any serious misconduct resulting in a disqualification will result in a written letter to the player. In the event of a sanction, the player will be required to submit a written account of the Code of Conduct violation to the Alberta Golf Competitions Committee within 30 days of the incident. The Committee will determine the severity of the sanction after reviewing all submitted materials, including an Alberta Golf tournament official/staff account of the violation.

Penalty Appeals Players are entitled to appeal penalties incurred during the stipulated round. Players must invoke their right to appeal before signing their scorecard in the scoring area. The Tournament Rules Chair is the Head Referee and he or she will review the penalties with the player and referee(s) involved, and if necessary, with the fellow players in the group. The final decision will be at the discretion of the Tournament Rules Committee. Players may not appeal penalties for serious misconduct that result in disqualification.

CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

The purpose of the dress code policy is to ensure reasonable and appropriate standards are maintained at all Alberta Golf competitions. All players, caddies and spectators must adhere to the dress code any time they are on host facility property. The dress code is in effect at all Alberta Golf competitions in conjunction with any additional dress code restrictions of the host facility, which will be communicated to all players in advance of the competition.

Permitted Attire: • Golf shirts with collars (mock style

necks, sleeveless and turtle necks are permitted).

• Golf pants, slacks, shorts, skorts, capris and dresses.

• Shirts may be worn untucked if so designed.

• Hats or visors must be worn in a forward position.

Attire Not Permitted: • Hats or visors in the clubhouse.• Racerback with a mock or regular collar

are allowed (no collar = no racerback).• Tank tops, mesh shirts or graphic t-shirts.• Plunging necklines.• Leggings (unless under a skort or shorts).• Pants or shorts with outside

external pockets.• Length of skirt, skort, and shorts must

be long enough to not see your bottom area (even if covered by under shorts) at any time, standing or bent over.

• Workout gear and jeans (of any kind and color).

• Joggers are not allowed.• Any other inappropriate or questionable

attire determined by the Tournament Rules Committee.

Footwear Not Permitted: • During a round, a player must not

wear shoes with: - Traditional spikes - that is, spikes

having single or multiple points designed to penetrate deeply into the surface of the ground (regardless of whether made of metal, ceramic, plastic or other materials); or

- Spikes of any design that are entirely or partially made of metal, if such metal may come in contact with the course.

- Sandals of any kind; including sandals with soft spikes. Note: spectators may wear sandals.

- A caddie may not wear traditionally-designed spikes or shoes with conventional spikes (regardless of composition). Spikeless golf shoes and running shoes are permitted.

Players in violation of the dress code will not be allowed to tee off; or, if the violation is discovered once play has begun, the player or caddie must rectify immediately without undue delay. Spectators will be asked to rectify immediately without undue delay. All individuals in violation of the dress code policy will be subject to the respective Code of Conduct Policies and penalty structures.

DRESS CODE POLICY

CADDIE INFORMATION

The following outlines information for caddies according to the Rules of Golf and helpful tips:

Caddie Definition: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:• Carrying, Transporting or Handling

Clubs: A person who carries, transports (such as by cart or trolley) or handles a player’s clubs during play is the player’s caddie even if not named as a caddie by the player, except when done to move the player’s clubs, bag or cart out of the way or as a courtesy (such as getting a club the player left behind).

• Giving Advice: A player’s caddie is the only person (other than a partner |or partner’s caddie) a player may ask for advice.

• A caddie may also help the player in other ways allowed by the Rules (see Rule 10.3b).

See Rule 10.3: Caddies Purpose of Rule: The player may have a caddie to carry the player’s clubs and give advice and other help during the round, but there are limits to what the caddie is allowed to do. The player is responsible for the caddie’s actions during the round and will get a penalty if the caddie breaches the Rules.

Rule 10.3a: Caddie may help Player during round

(1) Player allowed only one Caddie at a time

A player may have a caddie to carry, transport and handle his or her clubs, give advice and help him or her in other ways allowed during a round, but with these limitations:• The player must not have more

than one caddie at any one time.• The player may change caddies during

a round; but must not do so temporarily for the sole purpose of getting advice from the new caddie.

• Whether or not the player has a caddie, any other person who walks or rides along with the player or who carries other things for the player (such as a rain-suit, umbrella or food and drink) is not the player’s caddie unless he or she is named as such by the player or also carries, transports or handles the player’s clubs.

(2) Two or more Players may share a Caddie

When there is a Rules issue involving a specific action of a shared caddie and it needs to be decided which player the action was taken for:• If the caddie’s action was taken at

the specific direction of one of the players sharing the caddie, the action was taken for that player.

• If none of those players specifically directed that action, the action is treated as taken for the player sharing the caddie whose ball was involved.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 10.3a: The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which he or she is helped by more than one caddie at any one time. If the breach happens or continues between two holes, the player gets the general penalty for the next hole.

Rule 10.3b: What a Caddie may do These are examples of what a caddie is allowed and not allowed to do:

(1) Actions always allowed

A caddie may always take these actions when allowed under the Rules: • Carry, transport and handle the player’s

clubs and other equipment (including driving a cart or pulling a trolley).

• Search for the player’s ball (Rule 7.1).• Give information, advice and other

help before the stroke is made (Rules 10.2a and 10.2b).

• Smooth bunkers or take other actions to care for the course (Rules 8.2 Exception, 8.3 Exception and 12.2b(2) and (3)).

• Remove sand and loose soil and repair damage on the putting green (Rule 13.1c).

• Remove or attend the flagstick (Rule 13.2b).

• Mark the spot of the player’s ball and lift and replace the ball on the putting green (Rules 14.1b Exception and 14.2b).

• Clean the player’s ball (Rule 14.1c).• Remove loose impediments and movable

obstructions (Rules 15.1 and 15.2).

(2) Actions allowed only with Player’s authorization

A caddie may take these actions only when the Rules allow the player to take them and only with the player’s authorization (which must be given specifically each time rather than given generally for a round):• Restore conditions that were worsened

after the player’s ball came to rest (Rule 8.1d).

• When the player’s ball is anywhere except on the putting green, lift the player’s ball under a Rule requiring it to be replaced or after the player has decided to take relief under a Rule (Rule 14.1b).

(3) Actions not allowed

A caddie is not allowed to take these actions for the player:• Concede the next stroke, a hole or

the match to the opponent or agree with the opponent on the match score (Rule 3.2).

• Deliberately stand on or close to an extension of the line of play behind the player’s ball when the player begins taking a stance for the stroke and until the stroke is made (Rule 10.2b(4)) or take other actions prohibited by Rule 10.2b.

• Replace a ball, unless the caddie had lifted or moved the ball (Rule 14.2b).

• Drop or place a ball in a relief area (Rule 14.3).

• Decide to take relief under a Rule (such as treating a ball as unplayable under Rule 19 or taking relief from an abnormal course condition or penalty area under Rule 16.1 or 17); the caddie may advise the player to do so, but the player must decide.

Rule 10.3c: Player responsible for Caddie’s actions and Breach of Rules A player is responsible for his or her caddie’s actions both during a round and while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a, but not before or after a round.

If the caddie’s action breaches a Rule or would breach a Rule if the action was taken by the player, the player gets the penalty under that Rule.

When application of a Rule depends on whether the player is aware of certain facts, the player’s knowledge is treated as including whatever is known by his or her caddie.

Tips for Caddies:• Before a round begins the caddie should

clean and count the player’s clubs (14 maximum). Inspect the golf bag to ensure there are enough balls, tees, gloves, etc.

• Carrying/Transporting golf clubs. Care should be taken when carrying clubs to prevent them from rattling when near golfers. If carrying, do not drop clubs; to prevent noise and damage to grass. Clubs should be placed well away from any possible line of play. To speed up play, when the player is on the green determine the direction to the next tee and place the bag close to that exit point.

• Make sure the player’s clubs are clean before every shot. A wet towel and tee or groove cleaning tool are essential.

• You should clean golf balls: before a round, before play of a hole, when the player or you pick up their ball from the green, and other situations when the player gives you the ball to clean.

• Replace the golfer’s fairway divot or fill with sand/seed.

• Repair ball marks on the green.• A caddie may give their player advice

on anything at any time, this includes yardages, club selection, how to play a shot, Rules, etc.

• Keep sight of your player’s ball. Spot where it lands.

• Familiarize yourself with the competition “Dress Codes and Code of Conduct”.

• Keep pace with your golfer. Keep back and still when he or she is swinging.

• Learn the Rules about Flagsticks (Rule 13.2).

• When attending the Flagstick hold the Flagstick while standing to one side, do not stand on the line of the putt. Pull it out part way from the bottom of the hole so that when the putt is struck you can remove it easily. Always remove the flagstick when the putt is struck.

• On the green do not walk on your player’s (or anyone else’s) line of putt.

• f your player is in a bunker be ready with a rake (if it is a greenside bunker have the putter ready as well). After the player hits out of the bunker (hand him or her his or her putter) rake the bunker. Never rake the bunker before the player plays from a bunker.

• Do not substitute a player’s ball with another ball without the player’s consent.

• Do not touch or lift a player’s ball in play (except on the putting green after marking).

• Immediately inform your player of important information. E.g.: Thunder, damaged club, ball deflected by outside agency, ball accidentally moved by caddie, etc.

• A caddie should not search for his or her player’s ball until directed to do so by the player.

Alberta Golf takes great pride in the quality of its championships, host facilities and community involvement at each championship. In order to continue making Alberta Golf competitions enjoyable for everyone, and to show respect for the involvement of our host facilities, their members and volunteers, all spectators and parents are required to adhere to the Alberta Golf Spectator and Parent Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct applies to all spectators, on and off the golf course, throughout the entire competition, including the practice round(s). The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to outline expectations and to clarify actions that are considered violations so that spectators are aware of the consequences of their actions.

Violations of the Code of Conduct: • Objectionable behaviour including

unacceptable language, disrespect to other players, referees, other spectators, volunteers, and/or failure to care for the course.

• Possession of any illegal substance. • Failure to adhere to the dress code policy

while on the host facility property. • Any other conduct unbecoming of

an Alberta Golf member. • Carrying, transporting or handling a

player’s clubs, including their golf bag and/or cart during a stipulated round. However, spectators and parents are permitted to carry other items for players (i.e. a rain suit, umbrella, food and drink).

• Giving or offering advice to any player during a stipulated round. Advice is defined as any verbal comment or action that is intended to influence a player: in choosing a club; making a stroke, or;

deciding how to play during a hole or round. Note: limit all communication, verbal and non-verbal, which may be construed by others (players, tournament officials, volunteers and referees) as advice.

• Being less than approximately 20 yards from players on a consistent basis.

• Walking on teeing areas, fairways, putting greens, or starting and scoring areas. Spectators and parents are encouraged to walk on paths and in the rough, avoiding interference with play.

• Searching for a player’s ball without the express permission of the player. Spectators and parents may help with pace of play by spotting balls and indicating to players the general area/location of their ball.

• Player interference and/or distraction from loud conversation or cell phone notifications. Cell phones are permitted on the course with the volume setting on low or silent, unless the host facility does not permit cell phones.

• Riding in a motorized golf cart without the express permission of the Committee.

• Intervening with referees administering rulings. Spectators and parents will be brought into a situation only when and if the referee requests so.

Respecting the Host Facility: • Respect the host facility policy

if cell phones are prohibited. • If you are going to wear golf shoes

as you walk the course, make sure they do not have metal or traditionally designed spikes.

SPECTATOR AND PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

This information was compiled not because of recurring problems, but rather to have a reference for spectators and parents for frequently asked questions. Alberta Golf and our host facilities thank you for your cooperation.

Code of Conduct Sanctions: • First breach of the Code of Conduct:

Verbal warning from referee our tournament official.

• Second breach OR any serious misconduct: Banned from the facility immediately.

The Committee for each respective championship is the sole judge in determining conduct unbecoming and may assess any or all of the preceding penalties based on the severity and frequency of the violation(s). Disciplinary sanctions that a Committee may impose include being banned from the course, host facility and/or future Alberta Golf competition. The Committee will advise as to the stipulations of the sanction. The final decision will be at the discretion of the Tournament Rules Committee. Spectators and parents may not appeal sanctions for serious misconduct that result in being banned from the facility for a duration of time.

1. Drop from knee height (NOT shoulder height)

2. Measure the area to drop in with the longest club in your bag (except a putter)

3. Drop in and play from the relief area

4. When dropping back-on-the-line, your ball cannot be played from nearer the hole than your chosen reference point

5. Time to search - 3 minutes (NOT 5 minutes)

6. If you accidentally move your ball when searching for it, replace it without penalty

7. No penalty for a double hit - it only counts as one stroke

8. No penalty if your ball hits you or your equipment accidentally after a stroke

9. No penalty if your ball strikes the flagstick when you have chosen to leave it in the hole

10. Spike mark and other shoe damage on the putting green can be repaired

11. Ball accidentally moved on putting green - no penalty and replace

12. Ball marked, lifted and replaced on putting green is moved by wind to another position - replace ball on the original spot

13. Penalty areas replace water hazards, and you can move loose impediments, ground your club and take practice swings in penalty areas without penalty, just as you can on the fairway or in the rough

MUST KNOW RULES OF GOLF

14. You can’t take relief from a penalty area unless you are at least 95% certain your ball is in the penalty area

15. In bunkers you can move loose impediments and movable obstructions

16. In bunkers you cannot touch the sand with your club in the area right in front of or right behind your ball, during your backswing or in taking practice swings

17. Free relief is allowed if your ball is embedded on the fairway or in the rough (but “embedded” means that part of your ball is below the level of the ground)

18. Unplayable ball in bunker – extra option to drop outside the bunker for 2 penalty strokes

19. You cannot have your caddie or your partner standing behind you once you begin taking your stance

20. Pace of Play - it is recommended that you take no longer than 40 seconds to make a stroke (and usually you should be able to play more quickly than that) and Ready Golf in stroke play is encouraged

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