Rules and Regulations

GROOVE AND PUNCH MARK SPECIFICATIONS: The player’s clubs must conform to the groove and punch mark specifications in the Rules of Golf that are effective from January 1, 2010.

DISCONTINUANCE OF PLAY: Optional condition as prescribed an Appendix I is in effect. Reference Rule 6-8, 6-8b and its note.

1. a) Suspension for a dangerous situation: One long prolonged siren or airhorn note.
2. b) All other types of suspensions (i.e. for darkness): Three consecutive airhorn notes.
3. c) Resumption of play: Two airhorn notes.
4. d) When play has been suspended for a dangerous situation, all practice facilities are deemed to be closed until declared open by the Committee.

PRACTICE BETWEEN HOLES: Practice between holes is NOT authorized in stroke play competitions. Reference Rule 7-2 and note 2.

TRANSPORTATION: Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect. Exception: a player may ride in designated shuttles, and may accept transportation from a Rules Official.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Shoes with metal or traditionally-designed spikes (regardless of composition) are PROHIBITED during the stipulated round. Penalty for breach of this rule is disqualification.

RESULTS OF COMPETITION: Competitions are deemed to have closed when all scores have been approved by the Committee or a winner has been announced.

LOCAL RULES

OUT OF BOUNDS:

1. a) Out of bounds is defined by the inside edge of white stakes and/or property fence posts at ground level. When defined by a white line, the line itself is out of bounds.
2. b) The inside edge of a paved road or curb defines out of bounds. A ball that is on or beyond the road or curb is out of bounds, even though it may lie on another part of the golf course.

WATER AND LATERAL WATER HAZARD STAKES AND LINES: When a water hazard or a lateral water hazard is defined on only one side, it is deemed to extend to infinity. When a water hazard or lateral water hazard is bounded by out of bounds, the hazard margin extends to and coincides with the out of bounds line.

ROADS AND PATHS: Curbing and artificial materials bordering cart paths are considered part of the obstruction. White-lined areas tying into roads (not defining out of bounds) and paths are part of the obstruction.

TEMPORARY IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS: All tented areas, including any stake and rope immediately surrounding the tent and any objects such as the table and chairs located within the stake and rope, are deemed to be temporary immovable obstructions.

GROUND UNDER REPAIR: Ground under repair is defined by white lines. Other areas of ground under repair, even when not marked, include:

1. a) French drains, which are trenches filled with rocks or stones.
2. b) Fire ant beds or mounds (Note: For a player whose ball is in a water hazard and is affected by a fire ant bed or mound, see Decision 1-4/10).

SOD SEAMS: Except in a hazard, sod seams (not the sod itself) are deemed to be ground under repair, and relief is available under Rule 25-1 if the ball lies in or touches a sod seam or the sod seam interferes with the area of intended swing. All seams within the sodded area are considered the same seam.

INTEGRAL PART OF THE COURSE: Integral parts of the course are areas on the course from which relief is not granted. Integral parts of the golf course include (unless otherwise provided in the Notice to Competitors):

1. a) Cables, rods, wires or wrappings when closely attached to trees.
2. b) Artificial walls and pilings when located in hazards.

DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES: Distance Measuring Devices, that measure or gauge distance only, are permitted in accordance with Decision 14-3/0.5.

EMBEDDED BALL THROUGH THE GREEN: Local Rule as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect.

1. a) “Through the green,” a ball that is embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground, except sand, may be lifted, without penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to where it lay but not nearer the hole.

WOOD CHIPS AND MULCH: Wood chips and mulch are loose impediments (unless otherwise provided in the Notice to Competitors).

STONES IN BUNKERS: Stones in bunkers are deemed to be movable obstructions.

UNDUE DELAY: Reference Rule 6-7 and separate AJGA Pace of Play Policy.