DETERMINING WHICH TEE TO PLAY
Consistent with the intent for using the Red Tees, beginning with the 2024 season, a member must have a course handicap of 18 or higher for 9 holes to be eligible to play from the Red Tees. You must play from the same tee box for the entire round.
It is optional for a member with a course handicap of 18 or higher to play the Red Tees.
SPECIAL COURSE RULES
Hole 1: If your ball lands next to the driving range fence, you may take a two-club relief without penalty.
Holes 2 and 3: Should your ball land in the fairway creek, you can drop a ball on the other side, between the red bricks, and proceed with play. This incurs a penalty of one stroke. If you opt to play again from the gold or red tees on hole 3, you may tee up your ball. You will then be playing your third shot.
Holes 5, 6, 7 and 8: Should your ball enter the fairway creek, you are required to drop a ball behind the creek (at any distance you prefer). This will incur a one-stroke penalty.
Hole 9: When hitting over the lake, if the ball goes into the water, proceed to the red permanent discs on the opposite side of the lake, drop the ball, and take another stroke with a one (1) stroke penalty. Do not tee up the ball. If you choose to hit again from the gold tees, the ball may be teed up. You will be hitting three (3) from the gold tees.
LOCAL COURSE RULES AND ETIQUETTE
Members should know golf rules, local course rules, and etiquette. Members should always behave appropriately.
USGA Rules are available online at usga.org
1. Members must play with another member of the league to be eligible for weekly play or tournaments. No exceptions.
2. Ensure all putts are tracked, including those during tournaments.
3. Record all strokes, including missed swings. Complete each hole unless you pick up after 10 strokes.
4. Account for all players’ shots within your group to facilitate ready play.
5. The group is responsible for maintaining pace with the group ahead. If there is an open hole in front of your group causing delays for the group behind, permit the group behind to play through.
6. Do not delay play due to a rule dispute. Play two (2) balls and consult the Golf Professional upon completion of the round for the correct ruling.
7. Refrain from moving or talking when another player is preparing to hit or putt.
8. Do not leave clubs or carts in front of the green. Place them to the side or behind the green.
9. Repair or replace your divots in the fairway or on the green
10. Rake the bunker after sand shots.
11. The player furthest away putts first and can either finish the putt or mark the ball.
12. Leave the green promptly after holing out, and record scores at the next tee.
13. During all NPWGC play, a player may use a distance-measuring device for obtaining distance information. Using any artificial device or unusual equipment during a stipulated round to gauge or measure conditions affecting play (e.g., elevation changes, wind speed) results in a breach of Rule 4.3.
14. Out-of-Bounds or Lost Ball—two options: Option 1—stroke and distance, hit from the original position (1 penalty stroke plus distance, hitting 3). Option 2, Local Rule—where the ball went out-of-bounds or is likely lost, find nearest fairway edge no closer to the hole (2 penalty strokes, hitting 4 if on your drive).
15. Members must have a course handicap of 18 or higher for 9 holes to play from the Red Tees. It is optional for these members to play the Red Tees. To determine course handicap, consult the sign-in sheet when initialing which tee box is to be used.
DEFINITION OF PENALTIES
BUMPING THE BALL – Play the ball as it lies. Do not improve your lie except for obstructions. A ball in a divot must be played as it lies. Penalty for violation is two strokes.
LATERAL PENALTY AREA – One stroke penalty to drop your ball out of the water.
MULLIGANS – No mulligans during club play. Taking a mulligan results in disqualification from the day’s play or tournament.
HITTING THE WRONG BALL – Two stroke penalty for hitting the wrong ball. Finishing with the wrong ball results in disqualification. Always check your ball before hitting. (Rule 6.3 c.)
BUNKERS— A two-stroke penalty applies if you ground your club, but you may remove loose impediments within the hazard. If your ball is in temporary water, you can pick it up, clean it, and replace it in the sand without a penalty. Rule 19.3b permits relief outside the bunker with two penalty strokes using the back-on-line procedure.
UNPLAYABLE LIE: A one-stroke penalty is incurred when dropping your ball away from fences or trees, allowing for two club lengths. If your ball is in temporary water, on a cart path, or in ground under repair, you may seek the nearest full relief without incurring a penalty, within one club length and no closer to the hole.
LOST BALL AND OUT-OF-BOUNDS – One stroke penalty plus loss of distance. If you lose your ball, return to where you last hit or use the local rule (see local rule option below).
OUT-OF-BOUNDS – If a ball is out-of-bounds, the player can play it from the original spot with a one-stroke penalty. If unsure, play a provisional ball until confirmed.
If you are on the tee, you may re-tee and continue hitting until your ball lands in bounds. Count all strokes and penalty strokes.
*LOCAL RULE OPTION*—Players may drop a ball in the fairway, no closer to the hole, where it is believed the ball went out-of-bounds (see Local Rule 14), with a two-stroke penalty. When playing from the fairway, players must continue to hit until the ball lands inbounds. All strokes taken must be counted.
CONCEDING PUTTS AND PICKING UP – If you pick up, record your score accompanied by an ‘X’ on the card. You will automatically be credited with 3 putts for the hole. You will not be disqualified from the weekly play unless the play is specific to that hole. However, you will be disqualified from a tournament.
