SBIC Local Rules

Local Rules in Golf – a set of regulations that are ignored by players on a specific course rather than by golfers as a whole.   – Roy McKiex

MGA Rules

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Downloadable version of the USGA Rules of Golf for 2019

Downloadable version of the USGA 2019 Major Changes in Golf

Downloadable version: The SBIC Local Rules 5-1-16

NEW LOCAL RULE: 

  • Hole #7: The rough directly contacting the LEFT SIDE OF THE CART PATH AS YOU FACE THE HOLE is played as an extension of the path and you are afforded a free drop. The right side of the cart path abuts rough, so relief is not automatically allowed on that side.

USGA Rules of Golf and the Following Local Rules Govern All Play. 

Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for breach of a local rule is:

Match Play: Loss of hole;   Stroke Play: Two stroke penalty

General Rules:

  • The course Superintendent is constantly improving the course, including the staking of hazards and out-of-bounds areas. It is your responsibility to be aware of these areas and the appropriate USGA or Local rule that governs play.
  • Where circumstances allow a free drop, the drop must occur at your nearest point of relief, not the nearest, most advantageous point of relief:

Rule 24-2, Explanation of Determining Nearest Point of Relief: In most cases, there is only one place on the course that is the nearest point to the ball, which is not closer to the hole, and provides relief from interference of the lie, stance and area of intended swing. It is the point where the ball would be positioned in a simulated stance of how the player would have played his next stroke had the obstruction or condition not been there. In some cases the nearest point of relief may be in a bush, tree, etc.

  • All embedded balls through the green may be marked, picked, cleaned and dropped.
  • Water hazards: stakes determine the hazard line EXCEPT in high water level conditions, in which case the level of water determines the hazard line.
  • Free drop from all flower beds.
  • Lift, clean, and place in all drop areas.
  • Roped-off areas are meant to direct power carts only and do not automatically entitle the player to a free drop. USGA rules apply.
  • Areas marked by blue and red stakes are Conservation or Environmental Areas and are not to be entered. Ball is played as a lateral hazard.
  • Distance Measuring Devices: GPS systems and laser range finders that are designed to measure distance only are permitted for use. Any devices which measures gradient, wind, etc. remains contrary to the Rules of Golf and the penalty is Disqualification.
  • Bare ground around and adjacent to paved and gravel cart paths is deemed to be part of the path. Relief is available under USGA Rule 24. Please consult with fellow competitor or opponent before taking relief.
  • All man-made obstructions, such as electrical boxes, etc. are in play unless it interferes with player’s stance or swing.

Specific Hole Rules:

  • Hole #3: Any golf ball hit left of rough is played as a lateral hazard.
  • Hole #5: Player is permitted a free drop if ball or stance is in the drainage ditch to left of green. Drop is nearest point no closer to the hole. (The nearest point could be in or behind the trees.)
  • Hole #6: If tee ball goes into water in front of the tee box, proceed to the drop area on the other side of water, add one penalty shot.
  • Hole #6: Brook to right of green is played as a lateral hazard. If the player can’t determine if the ball is in the brook or other hazard, player must proceed under lost ball rule.
  • Hole #7: If tee ball does not clear the water and reeds in front of and to the right of (across the cart path) the tee box, proceed to drop area on other side of water, add one penalty stroke.
  • Hole #7: The rough directly contacting the LEFT SIDE OF THE CART PATH AS YOU FACE THE HOLE is played as an extension of the path and you are afforded a free drop. The right side of the cart path abuts rough, so relief is not automatically allowed on that side.
  • Hole #8: Tee through green, any golf ball hit left of rough is played as a lateral hazard.
  • Hole #9: All parking lots are out of bounds. (Behind, left and right of the green.)
  • Hole #9: Both cart paths and extension of path are a free drop no closer to the hole. (It could be in the trees).
  • Hole #10: Out-of-bounds stake from corner of house lot all the way along left side played as out of bounds.
  • Hole #11: Optional drop area for ball hitting net (regardless of if ball found or not.) One stroke penalty if played from drop area, or you can play it where it lies with no penalty. Over the net and left of rough are out of bounds.
  • Hole #12: From tee to green left of rough is played as a lateral hazard. Two club lengths from edge of trees no closer to hole.
  • Hole #12: Brook going across fairway is played as a water hazard
  • Hole #12: The rough directly contacting the cart path is played as an extension of the path and you are afforded a free drop.
  • Hole #13: Stakes determine the hazard line. If tee ball is hit into the pond in front of the tee box, the hazard to the left of the tee box, or the hazard to the right of the pond (across the cart path), proceed to drop area and take one shot penalty. If shot clears pond and goes into area left or right of the green, play as a lateral hazard.
  • Hole #13: A provisional ball may be played if first shot cannot be clearly identified as in or out of hazard.
  • Hole #16: The left side from tee to green is played as a lateral hazard, drop no closer to the hole. If tee ball is hit into the area in front of the tee box, re-tee with one penalty stroke.
  • Hole #16: If your ball or normal stance is on the cart path to right of green, you may take a free drop in the closest drop area, as indicated below:

hole 16