Stonehenge MGA Governing Rules for all Tournament and Events, unless revised by specific rules of that tournament.

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USGA rules govern all play except for the following local rules:

It is the responsibility of each player to know the rules and follow them. If there is any doubt as to how to proceed you should consult with your “A” player and your competitors that may be playing with you on how to proceed. Before any ball is moved or replaced under the rules the player MUST call a fellow competitor over to observe the action. Also refer to “Rule Infraction” below.

Ball coming to rest in any bunker will be played as it lies unless relief is provided under the rules of golf. The Committee reserves the right to modify this provision based on course conditions on the day of play.

Stones in bunkers are defined as ‘moveable obstructions’ and may be removed without penalty (if ball is moved, it shall be replaced without penalty provided that the movement of the ball is attributable to the removal of the obstruction)

Ball embedded in its own pitch mark, but not in a hazard, may be lifted, cleaned and dropped without penalty ‘through the green’

Paved surfaces are defined as ‘cart paths’. USGA rules apply. No relief can be taken from cart path extensions unless clearly marked as “abnormal ground” (see below).

White outlined areas identify ‘abnormal ground’ conditions with the following options:

Ball may be played as it lies (if in own fairway, it may be lifted, cleaned and placed no nearer hole within the ‘abnormal ground’), OR, if not in own fairway, ball may be removed to nearest point of relief (one club length) outside the ‘abnormal ground’, cleaned and ‘dropped’ no nearer the hole.

Cell Phone Etiquette: For the enjoyment of all please be considerate of your fellow members and restrict the use of cell phones on the golf course to emergency calls only.

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Slow Play – The Committee is aware that slow play has been an issue over the last few years. There are many reasons that could cause this condition including playing behind a threesome, time looking for lost balls, or playing when the course is full. It can also be caused by groups or players lagging behind and not keeping pace with the group in front of them. It is the responsibility of EACH PLAYER to maintain the pace of play. This means you should try to not be more than one hole behind the group in front of you. We ask that all members be aware of this issue and help eliminate slow play.

Preferred lies, in own fairway: Ball may be lifted, cleaned and placed within card length of original position. The ball is to be played down everywhere else. Scores SHOULD be posted for all rounds starting on this date.

Rule Infractions: The rules are in place to ensure equal and fair competition among all players of both equal and varying abilities. The intention of this rule is to cover those situations where there appears to be a deliberate intention to violate a rule. For example, moving the ball in a hazard or in the rough. It is the responsibility of EVERY member, not just the A player, to ensure that the USGA and local rules are followed. This also applies to those players on the same team. In the event a rules infraction is observed (even by members on the same team), it should be brought to the attention of the player committing the infraction IMMEDIATELY. These infractions should also be brought to the attention of the committee and the appropriate penalty assessed. The first offense of this rule will serve as a warning and the player's ball will not be allowed to count for the hole being played. The second offense of this rule will result in a two week suspension from club events. In the event a reported offense, the Committee will evaluate the circumstances and determine the proper penalty to be assessed including, but not limited to, outright expulsion from the SEASON. The Committee does not wish to have to make such a decision but will do so if necessary to ensure fair play for all members.

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The rules are effective at the start of the season and until changed by the Committee.  The Committee reserves the right to make changes to the rules at any time to protect the fair play of all members. Play well and enjoy the season!