Golf/League Rules
All play is according to the current Rules of Golf book except as noted below in the local/league rules section. While golf is supposed to be a self policing game, there are a few things worth mentioning.
The League Secretary and the President have a current copy of current Rules of Golf as well as a copy of The Decisions on the Rules of Golf to hopefully cover any rules questions.
Play ready golf. See the link for some suggestions about ready golf.
When in doubt about the rules, ask someone else in your group. Chances are someone will know the answer.
When really in doubt as how to proceed, then play a 2nd ball as outlined in rule 3-3.
See the illustration under Local/League rules for how to procede when a ball is lost, OB or MIA. You may employ the Kladouris corollary during the "Winter Rules" period.
It is fairly easy to lose balls if they leave the playing area, or if they are heading close to houses, they may indeed be OB. If there is ANY doubt that you may not find your ball then hit a provisional so play is not slowed by having to return to the tee. This is especially important off of the 15th tee! If you have any doubt, reload with a provisional.
If you DO NOT play the hole out according to the rules of golf for any reason, then record an X on your score card. Reasons one should take an X include but are not limited to, taking improper drops for lost balls, or not holing out for any reason including taking gimmies or picking up in disgust. BE ADVISED: Taking an "X" essentially removes you from the weekly competitions. You will be scored for handicap purposes for that hole according to the Rules of Golf.
Any rules questions or disputes should be directed
to
the league Secretary.
LOCAL/LEAGUE RULES
Rocks and pebbles in bunkers may be removed.
(I.E.
Stones in bunkers are moveable obstructions (Rule 24-1 applies)).
Artificial measuring devices. (I.E. laser
rangefinders or GPS devices)
are
allowed in league play.
Winter rules are in effect at least for weeks 1-4 (April
1st
-April 28th inclusive). It is likely this will be extended
but the official
league default is weeks 1-4. After this summer rules are in effect
unless
officially announced otherwise. This is not unlikely especially if we
get
a lot of rain as we often do in the spring.. If winter rules are in
effect
after week 4, it would either be announced in the weekly message and be
posted on the web site, or if a last minute change, it would be
announced
before the first group teed off.
"Winter rules" for this league mean lift clean and place within
a clublength
of the original lie no closer to the hole through the green (i.e. any
area
of the course EXCEPT on a putting green, in a bunker or hazard, or on a
tee box).
The illustrated local rule below shall be in effect for league play AND league tournaments. During the Winter Rules period, we will use the Kladouris corollary: "If you are reasonably certain that your ball became lost underground due to extremely soggy conditions, drop another ball with no penalty as near as possible to where you believe the ball was lost and play on."
USGA's explanation for the local rule E-5 above: LINK