SGA Rules of Golf

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The current Rules of Golf are those approved by Golf Canada and govern play at SGA outings, except when varied by local rules and the following regulations:

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TEE BOX PREFERENCE – At their own preference, players may choose to play from the red tee boxes or the next tee box directly behind the red. The longer tee box is usually white but may be other colours at some courses. The players will play from their tee box of preference for the purpose of their handicap and the prizes awarded for closest to the pin on par 3 holes.

 

PREFERRED LIES – Preferred lies are deemed necessary for the safety of the players where ball position is close to obstacles, poor quality of the course ground areas, and speed of play. Preferred lies are permitted on every part of the course except on the greens. The ball must be moved by the club head, not by hand.

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SAND TRAPS AND HAZARD AREAS – Players will play their ball out of all sand traps and hazard areas marked by yellow stakes. Consistent with the preferred lie rule, the player may assess that the sand in the trap is not suitably maintained for play. In this case, the player may rake the sand and place the ball. If after two strokes the ball remains in the trap or hazard, the player will place the ball within one club length from the trap, not closer to the hole and continue play.

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UNPLAYABLE OR LOST BALL – Ball excursions into white or red staked areas, or otherwise deemed lost or unplayable, the player may play another ball from the edge of the fairway at a point across where the ball is deemed to lie, not closer to the hole. Lost or unplayable balls around the perimeter of the green, the player will take relief in a suitable maintained area, clear of obstructions that would prevent a swing. In all cases, the player will take a 1 stroke penalty on the score of that hole.

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PUTTING – If a player in a golf group agrees, another player's putt may be awarded as a “gimme”. General guidance for this award given to a player may be considered on ball distance from the cup, difficulty of the putt, and a high accumulated score of the player on that hole. Gimmes are not permitted on putts for birdies or eagles.

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MAXIMUM SCORE ON A SINGLE HOLE – Should a player reach a score of 3 over par on a single hole, he will pick up the ball and score the hole as follows. A par 3 hole will be recorded a 6, a par 4 hole a 7 and a par 5 hole an 8.

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