Local Rules and Conditions of Competition

The Rules of the United States Golf Association govern play. See applicable Championship Notice to Competitors or Entry Application for additional Local Rules & Conditions. Complete text of Rules and Appendix I may be found in the current “Rules of Golf.” Unless otherwise noted, penalty for breach of a Local Rule or Condition is: Match play – Loss of hole, Stroke play – Two strokes.

Local Rules

Out of Bounds: Defined by the inside points, at ground level, of white stakes and/or fence posts. Rule 27-1.

Water and Lateral Water Hazard Stakes and Lines: When a lateral water hazard is defined on only one side, it is deemed to extend to infinity.

When water hazards & lateral water hazards are bounded by out of bounds, the hazard margin extends to & coincides with the out of bounds line.

Ground Under Repair: Defined by white lines. French drains are deemed to be ground under repair. Rule 25-1.

Sodded Seams: Except in a hazard, sod seams, not 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 seams or the sod seam interferes with the area of intended swing. All seams within the sodded area are considered the same seam.

White-Line Areas Tying into Artificially-Surfaced Roads and Paths: Have the same status as the roads and paths, that of obstructions.

Wood Chips and Mulch: Are loose impediments, unless otherwise provided for in the Notice to Competitors.

Embedded Ball Through the Green: Local rule as prescribed by Appendix I is in effect.

Integral Parts of the Course: Includes cables, rods, wires, or wrappings when closely attached to trees, liners in bunkers, and artificial walls and pilings when located in hazards, unless otherwise provided for in the Notice to Competitors.

Permanently Elevated Power Lines: If a ball strikes such a line or cable, the stroke shall be cancelled and the ball MUST be replayed without penalty in accordance with Rule 20-5. If the ball is not immediately recoverable, a ball may be substituted.

Temporary Immovable Obstruction: Local rule as prescribed by Appendix I is in effect.

Conditions

List of Conforming Driver Heads: Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect.

List of Conforming Golf Balls: Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect.

Time of Starting: Optional Condition as prescribe in Appendix I is in effect.

Pace of Play: See separate memorandum to players for pace of play guidelines, when applicable.
Electronic Measuring Devices: A player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only.  If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.), regardless of whether any such additional functions are actually used, the player is in breach of Rule 14-3. Penalty for Breach of Condition: Disqualification

Communication Devices: Voice communication devices may not be turned on or used by any player, his side or caddie during any stipulated round or match (e.g. cellular phone, digital phone and radios.) A warning is given to the Player for breach of condition. Player is disqualified for conduct unbecoming if a breach of the condition occurs a second time.
Discontinuance of Play: Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in Effect. All practice areas are closed during suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open.
Signals for discontinuance and resumption of play
1 Long blast – Suspension of Play for Dangerous Situation
3 Short blasts – Suspension of play for other situations
2 Short blasts followed by 1 long blast – Resumption of Play

Practice at Putting Green of Hole lasted Played Prohibited:

Between the play of two holes or the last hole of the round, a player shall not play any practice stroke on or near the putting green last played (stroke play rounds only).

Close of Competition:

The competition is deemed to have closed when the trophy has been awarded to the winner or, in the absence of a prize ceremony, when all scores have been approved by the Committee.