Rules & Etiquette

PCDGC standing rules, USGA guidelines, and golf etiquette

Standing Rules USGA Rules Golf Etiquette Lost Ball

PCDGC Standing Rules

Tournament Participation

  • All participants must be current PCDGC members in good standing
  • Players must register for tournaments by the posted deadline
  • Late registrations may be accepted at the Tournament Director's discretion
  • No-shows without prior notice may be subject to a penalty

Handicaps

  • All players must have a valid USGA Handicap Index
  • Tournament handicaps are based on the most recent revision
  • New members without an established handicap will play at scratch for their first three events
  • Handicaps may be adjusted by the Tournament Committee if deemed necessary

Scoring

  • Scorecards must be signed by both the player and an attesting player
  • Scorecards must be turned in within 15 minutes of completing the round
  • Any scoring disputes must be resolved before leaving the course
  • Net scores determine prize winners unless otherwise specified

Entry Fees & Prizes

  • Entry fees must be paid before teeing off
  • Entry fees cover green fees, prizes, and CTP/longest drive pools
  • Prize distribution is determined by the number of participants
  • Ties are broken by matching cards (back 9, back 6, back 3, final hole)

Pace of Play

  • All groups are expected to maintain pace with the group ahead
  • Ready golf is encouraged to speed up play
  • Groups falling behind may be asked to skip a hole

USGA Rules Reference

PCDGC tournaments follow the official USGA Rules of Golf. Below are some commonly referenced rules:

Out of Bounds (OB)

When a ball is out of bounds, you must play a ball from where the previous stroke was made with a one-stroke penalty (stroke and distance).

Water Hazards

You have several options including playing from the hazard, taking relief behind the hazard, or playing from the last point of crossing with a one-stroke penalty.

Unplayable Lie

You may declare any ball unplayable (except in a penalty area). Options include stroke and distance, dropping within two club lengths, or dropping behind on a line from the hole.

Provisional Ball

If you think your ball may be lost or out of bounds, announce and play a provisional ball before searching. This saves time.

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Golf Etiquette

Good golf etiquette ensures everyone enjoys their round:

  • Be Quiet: Stand still and remain quiet while others are hitting
  • Repair Divots: Replace or fill divots on the fairway
  • Fix Ball Marks: Repair ball marks on the green - fix yours and one other
  • Rake Bunkers: After hitting from a bunker, rake your footprints
  • Keep Pace: Play ready golf - keep up with the group ahead
  • Be Safe: Never hit until the group ahead is out of range. Yell "FORE!" if needed

Lost Ball Procedure

To maintain pace of play, PCDGC follows these lost ball procedures:

1

Play a Provisional

If you think your ball might be lost, announce and play a provisional ball before going to look. This saves time if you can't find the original.

2

3-Minute Search

Under USGA rules, you have 3 minutes to search for your ball. After that, the ball is considered lost.

3

Local Rule Option

For PCDGC events, we may use the local rule allowing a drop in the fairway (with 2-stroke penalty) to maintain pace of play. Check with the Tournament Director.

4

Keep Moving

If you're searching for a ball and the group behind is waiting, wave them through. Pace of play is everyone's responsibility.

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