League Rules

EAST SIDE COMPUTER SERVICES (ESCS)

GOLF LEAGUE

2024

Welcome Back!!  We begin another year of league play at Cranston Country Club.  First and foremost, we are here to enjoy the game of golf and have fun. It is important that all players understand and follow all USGA and CCC rules pertaining to the game of golf and course etiquette!!!

Our tee time this year is from 1:45 PM to 4:52 PM.  The tee box has to be cleared by 5:00 PM. If possible, please make a concerted effort to arrive as early as you can. We do not have the luxury of having the tee box empty for an extended length of time.

We will be using the same scoring format as in the past, the Stableford style scoring system. This format will still allowed us to maintain the ability to tee off quickly, keep everyone involved in weekly competition, and satisfy those who miss the cumulative point format.   I am open to any and all suggestions but please keep in mind that I do not want a full time job calculating the scoring each week.

League Format:

Individual Format.  We will continue to play an individual format this year.  The type of play for both weekly and cumulative competition will be points awarded for your play. Each golfer will play each hole against themselves based on their ability to improve with each individual’s handicap factored in (Net score).  The individual, who wins the most points for the week, will win that week’s prize money.

Stableford Scoring will be as follows:

• Net Quadruple bogey or greater – minus -4 points (this means you can score a 8 on the par 3’s)
• Net Triple bogey – minus -3 points
• Net Double bogey – minus-2 points
  Net Bogey – minus-1 point
  • Net Par – 0 points
  • Net Birdie – 2 points
  • Net Eagle – 3 points
  •Net Double eagle – 5 points
• Points for playing full nine holes – 3 points

Example: (3 golfers for simplicity purposes) (x/x – First score is actual/second is adjusted with handicap)

Golfer A – 8   handicap        Golfer B – 11 handicap      Golfer C – 16 handicap

Points are awarded based on each players own handicap or their NET score on each hole. Player A will win this week’s competition based on the fact that they pared the no. 1 handicap hole. Using the tie breaking method.

This style means that you have to hole out your ball. No more, just give me a double. You can actually score an 8 on a par 3.

Weekly Competition. All golfers present each week will be playing against all other golfers who are present for the “weekly” prize money based on that week’s results only.  The weekly winner will receive $25.00.  In the event of a tie, the tie breaker will be determined based on a comparison of the score cards from the hardest handicap hole to the easiest.  There will be no set tee times.  Golfers should group into foursomes and will tee off on a first come, first ready to go basis.

New to this year, there will be three flights, A, B, & C, equally divided by the number of league members based on their handicaps.  Prize money is as follows, $25 for the A flight, $25 for the B flight, and $25 for C flight winners.

Cumulative Competition. In addition to the weekly competitions, the league will be broken out into two – 10 week halves with prizes presented at the end of each half to the top three finishing places based on total number of holes won during the half.  You can only miss two weeks to be eligible to win the half. The prizes will be awarded as follows: 1^st $100.00, 2^nd $75.00, and 3^rd $50.00. Again this year will be a season cumulative competition for all 20 weeks. The prizes will be awarded as follows: 1^st $100.00, 2^nd $75.00, and 3^rd $50.00. If you failed to qualify for either the first or second half, you will also be ineligible for the overall competition.

The computer will determine who is in a certain flight based on handicap and dividing the league by a third.  For example, the league has 75 players, the 25 lowest handicap players for the week will compete for the A flight, the next 25 highest handicap players for the B flight, and the next 25 highest handicap players fir the C flight.  A player will be placed in their flight after 3 weeks of scores.

Playoff Rounds During weeks 9 and 10, the “Playoff Rounds”, players will be grouped by the commissioner. The top 8 players in each flight will be in the playoffs. You will not be playing with the same players that you have been playing with all season unless you concede and do not want to play in the playoffs. If someone decides not to participant in the playoffs, the next person in line will replace him. If there are one or more players tired for the last playoff position, a sudden death playoff will be held to determine the final spot. Ie: 3 players are tired for the 8^th spot, those three players will have to play sometime prior to their scheduled tee time against each other starting on either hole 1 or 10. If after the first hole, the players are still tied, they move to the next hole and continue until there is only one overall winner. Scoring is based on their individual net handicap. Only the players selected to participate in the playoff round are eligible. So a player in position let’s say, 11, cannot have a monster week and score enough points to jump into the playoffs. Once the top players have been selected, playoffs are locked.

There will be winners from all three flights. This process means that the A players will be competing against the A flight, while the B flight competing against the B players, C flight playing against C players. Basically now we will have more people winning money.

Closest to the Pin. Each week we will have a closest to the pin tournament on BOTH par 3’s, the first and the second, on each side.  The closest individual ON THE GREEN to each pin will win $20.00.

League Fees & Dues: The fees are as follows:

ALL LEAGUE DUES HAVE TO BE PAID BY JUNE 20 OR JUST STAY HOME

All fees are due by their respective due dates. Any individual behind in dues or fees, at the sole option of the league president, may be banned from all further league rounds, league events, and or league participation until amount owed is paid in full. All fees & dues are NON-REFUNDABLE. Furthermore, the league is committed and responsible to paying CCC a guaranteed amount of $29.00 per week, per player for green fees whether or not the golfer shows up to play golf. As a courtesy, the league has decided to allow its members to break up the green fees over 3 consecutive months to lighten the financial burden. Therefore, any league member who for any reason stops participating in the league at any time after May 1st is still responsible for full payment of the green fees to the league. Failure to pay will result in a permanent ban from any future participation in the league. As long as a player owes league fees, their winnings will be used to reduce their balance.

League Rules:

1. Play your ball up in your own fairway and down everywhere else. This means that you may play preferred lies only in your own fairway!!  Remember, move it a few inches not a few feet.  No fluffing the ball up when you are off the fairway.

1. During wet season in the spring we will play lift clean and place.  This is no matter where your ball lies.  Domenic, or acting league president in Domenic’s absence, will announce prior to each weeks round if lift clean and place is in effect.

3. To keep play moving for your group and those behind you, always play READY golf.  Once you are on the green and unless you are in another golfer’s line of play, when it is your turn to putt, continue putting until you have holed out or until your putt has been conceded by your opponent.  This Rule has been adopted to speed play.

1. You must drive and putt with the same ball.
2. To speed up play.   All putts that are a grip away from hole are considered a gimmie, providing it does not determine winner of hole.
3. On any hole in which you do not finish for ANY reason, you must mark an X on your score card.  The USGA handicap guidelines will adjust your score accordingly.

OUT OF BOUNDS (DEFINED BY WHITE STAKES) OR LOST BALL

7)    In order to speed up play and get all our golfers off the tee in our allotted time slot, if your ball is hit from the tee box Out of Bounds (OB) (which is marked with white stakes to the left on hole 1) or in the woods/street to the right on hole 10 and can’t be found (which is not OB) you must proceed to the point of entry and drop a ball within one (1) club length of the woods/OB and you are then hitting four.  If on holes 1 or 10 you hit your ball off the tee into the woods and can find it, you must follow Rule 28 (2) Measure two club-lengths from the unplayable lie, drop a ball and play from there or (3) Keep the unplayable lie between where you drop the ball and the hole, go back as far as you wish on a straight line and drop and play the ball. Those are your only options.  You cannot use Rule 28 (1 Go back to where you played the last shot and play a ball from there).  Remember this only pertains to the first and tenth hole when hitting off the tee.

8)    On all other holes other than one and ten from the TEE BOX, if your ball goes OB (marked with white stakes) you MUST call a provisional from the tee box and are now hitting three from the tee box and you must play the provisional ball.  If you later find that your ball did not go OB, you must play your ball from the point it lies hitting two or if unplayable (behind a tree or rock for example) you can choose one option in accordance to Rule 28 below.  If your provisional goes OB, the same rules apply and your next provisional is five off the tee, so on and so on.

9)    On ALL holes including one and ten, if your tee shot or any shot thereafter on a particular hole goes OB (marked with wh        ite stakes) or goes into the woods where you think you will be unable to find it, you MUST drop and announce a provisional and you add two strokes to your score (one for the shot that went OB or in the woods and one as the penalty). Example, your second shot went into the woods where you think it can’t be found – you drop a ball at the same spot you hit your second shot and you are now hitting four. If you later find that ball did not go OB or if you look for and locate the ball in the woods, you must play your first ball from the point it lies hitting two or if unplayable (behind a tree or rock for example) you can choose one option in accordance to Rule 28 below.

10)  In order to speed up play, on ALL holes including one and ten, if your second shot on a particular hole goes OB or in the woods and can’t be found, and you did not hit a provisional as required in 9 above because you did not realize your ball was in trouble, you can proceed to the point of entry   and take a two stroke penalty, placing the ball within one club length to the woods, no closer to the green, (you will now be hitting 5). In order to prevent disputes, confirm the spot with someone in your foursome BEFORE hitting your next shot.  Example, your second shot went into the woods and can’t be found – you drop a ball at point of entry and are now hitting five.  This rule is outside the PGA rules and intended to keep play moving.  In order to minimize the usage of this rule, if you are not sure if your ball is in trouble, hit a provisional.

11)  Hole number 5, in accordance with CCC rules as stated on the scorecards, any ball hit over the wall on the left is out-of-bounds and another ball MUST be hit from the spot of the previous shot whether on the tee or any other spot of play.  It does not matter if you are able to find the ball, you cannot play it.  You must add two strokes to your score.  For example, hit over the wall off the tee, you hit another and are hitting 3.  If your tee shot went in the fairway, but your second shot went over the wall, you drop at the spot from where you hit the ball and you are hitting four from that spot.

12)  BALL IN A LATERAL WATER HAZARD (DEFINED BY RED STAKES  You may play your ball from the lateral hazard.  But if you choose not to play your ball from the lateral hazard or it is lost in the hazard, proceed as follows:  One (1) stroke penalty — you may drop a ball on either side of the lateral hazard within two (2) club lengths of the point of entry into hazard but not nearer to the hole (See USGA Rule 26 for all options).

13)  All violations are a one-stroke penalty.  The bunker between holes 16 and 17 with a round circle of land in the middle is now a sand trap and is played just like any other sand trap. It is no longer a waste bunker and all the sand trap rules apply. New rule: inadvertent touching of sand in bunker is permitted. Loose impediments may be removed. If your ball moves, 1 stroke penalty & must be replaced.

14)  On hole # 3, If area is marked by red stakes or paint, then this is a hazard and must be played as such. You may play your ball from the hazard or if you choose not to play your ball from the hazard, or is lost in the hazard, procced as follows:  One (1) stroke penalty — you may drop a ball within two (2) club lengths of the point of entry into hazard but not nearer to the hole (See USGA Rule 26 for all options).   This only applies while playing hole #3, not if your ball enters the trenches while playing any other hole.

15)  On hole number 8, the island green, if you balls lands in the water from the tee, you have to play a second shot from the drop area, hitting three. This also means if your tee shot hits the green and rolls off the back and into the water, you have to hit from the drop area and hitting three. If your shot from the drop area also lands in the water, you are now hitting five. If you do not finish the hole, you must mark you score with an X.

16)  On any hole, if there is a temporary green, once your ball lands within the lower cut circle of grass around the temporary flag stick, you can score no worse than two additional strokes on top of the stoke count you are on when your ball enters the circle.  However, you can still putt or chip to try and make it in the cup in one shot instead of two.

17)  On ALL disputes, finish play and bring your dispute to Domenic, or acting league president in Domenic’s absence, and that decision is final.

18)  BALL COMES TO REST ON A ROCK, STONE OR TREE ROOT If your ball is not in a hazard but has come to rest on or against a rock , stone or tree root, you may move your ball to the nearest  point of relief no nearer the hole without penalty.  To take advantage of this rule modification, your ball must be on, against or precipitously close to a rock, stone or tree root where when attempting to strike your ball, your club would likely strike the rock, stone or tree root.   You must notify someone in your group that your ball has come to rest on, against or precipitously close to a rock, stone or tree root and then you may take your relief.  Please note that in any case, the relief taken shall not be greater than three (3) feet from where the ball first came to rest on, against or precipitously close to the rock, stone or tree root and no nearer to the hole.  This Rule modifies the USGA unplayable lie rule and has been adopted to protect the soft hands and bodies of our very delicate golfers as well as their very expensive golf clubs.  It does not apply to a situation where a ball has come to rest in or against a tree but is not on a tree root. 

19)  If your ball lies so that an immovable man-made obstruction interferes with your swing or stance (this does not mean path of flight), you may drop the ball within one club-length of that point, no closer to the green, with no penalty.  Note: You should not pick up the ball from an obstruction until you have established the nearest point of relief.  Sprinkler heads, shelter houses, cart paths, telephone poles, etc., are immovable obstructions.

20)  If your ball lies so that an immovable (nature made) obstruction interferes with your swing or stance (this does not mean path of flight), you may drop the ball within one club-length of that point, no closer to the green, with a one stroke penalty.

21)  If your ball hits a man-made, immovable obstruction in flight (ie, telephone poles, wires, water coolers, etc (not carts, people, or golf bags)) you MUST hit another ball no matter where your first shot goes.  If your ball lies within the path of a man-made object in that the object does not interfere with your swing or stance, you must hit the ball where it lies.  If it hits the object, you replace the ball in the same location and continue to hit until successful.

22)  If your ball hits an outside agency, (bird, rake, golf bag or cart, etc.), it is called a “rub of the green.” There is no penalty and the ball is played as it lies. 

23)  If your ball is not in a hazard and you  determine that your ball is unplayable for any reason, under a penalty of one (1) stroke, you may obtain relief as follows:

1. A) Play a ball as near as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played, or
2. B) Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped, or
3. C) Drop a ball within two (2) club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole. 

24)  PLAYING THE WRONG  BALL If you play a wrong ball from other than a water hazard during play, you must play out   the hole and incur a two (2) stroke penalty for that hole. 

Rule 26 – Water Hazards (Including Lateral Water Hazards)

26-1. Relief for Ball in Water Hazard

It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward a water hazard is in the hazard. In the absence of knowledge or virtual certainty that a ball struck toward a water hazard, but not found, is in the hazard, the player must proceed under Rule 27-1.

If a ball is found in a water hazard or if it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in the water hazard (whether the ball lies in water or not), the player may under penalty of one stroke:

1. Proceed under the stroke and distance provision of Rule 27-1 by playing a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5); or
2. Drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped; or
3. As additional options available only if the ball last crossed the margin of a lateral water hazard, drop a ball outside the water hazard within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than (i) the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard or (ii) a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole.

When proceeding under this Rule, the player may lift and clean his ball or substitute a ball.

26-2. Ball Played Within Water Hazard

1. a. Ball Comes to Rest in Same or Another Water Hazard

If a ball played from within a water hazard comes to rest in the same or another water hazard after the stroke, the player may:

• under penalty of one stroke, play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the last stroke from outside a water hazard was made (see Rule 20-5); or
• proceed under Rule 26-1a, 26-1b or, if applicable, Rule 26-1c, incurring the penalty of one stroke under that Rule. For purposes of applying Rule 26-1b or 26-1c, the reference point is the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the hazard in which it lies.

Note: If the player proceeds under Rule 26-1a by dropping a ball in the hazard as near as possible to the spot from which the original ball was last played, but elects not to play the dropped ball, he may then proceed under Clause (i) above, Rule 26-1b or, if applicable, Rule 26-1c. If he does so, he incurs a total of two penalty strokes: the penalty of one stroke for proceeding under Rule 26-1a, and an additional penalty of one stroke for then proceeding under Clause (i) above, Rule 26-1b or Rule 26-1c.

1. b. Ball Lost or Unplayable Outside Hazard or Out of Bounds

If a ball played from within a water hazard is lost or deemed unplayable outside the hazard or is out of bounds, the player may, after taking a penalty of one stroke under Rule 27-1 or 28a, play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot in the hazard from which the original ball was last played.

If the player elects not to play a ball from that spot, he may:

• add an additional penalty of one stroke (making a total of two penalty strokes) and play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the last stroke from outside a water hazard was made; or
• proceed under Rule 26-1b or, if applicable, Rule 26-1c, adding the additional penalty of one stroke prescribed by the Rule (making a total of two penalty strokes) and using as the reference point the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the hazard before it came to rest in the hazard.

Note 1: When proceeding under Rule 26-2b, the player is not required to drop a ball under Rule 27-1 or 28a. If he does drop a ball, he is not required to play it. He may alternatively proceed under Clause (i) or (ii) above. If he does so, he incurs a total of two penalty strokes: the penalty of one stroke under Rule 27-1 or 28a, and an additional penalty of one stroke for then proceeding under Clause (i) or (ii) above.

Note 2: If a ball played from within a water hazard is deemed unplayable outside the hazard, nothing in Rule 26-2b precludes the player from proceeding under Rule 28 2 or 3.

Rule 27 — Ball Lost or Out of Bounds

A ball is lost if it is not found within five minutes after you first begin to search.

A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies beyond the inside line of objects such as white stakes, or a fence or wall that marks the playing area.

If your ball is lost or out of bounds, you must add a penalty stroke to your score and play another ball from where you played your last shot.

If you think your ball may be lost or out of bounds, you may play another ball (provisional ball) from the place where your first ball was played. You must tell your opponent or fellow-competitor that you are playing a provisional ball and play it before you look for the first ball. If you cannot find your first ball or if it is out of bounds, you must count the strokes with the first and provisional balls, add a penalty stroke and play out the hole with the provisional ball. If you find your first ball in bounds, continue play with it and pick up the provisional ball.

Rule 28 — Ball Unplayable

If your ball is under a tree or in some other bad situation and you decide you cannot play it, add a penalty stroke and do one of the following:

1. Go back to where you played the last shot and play a ball from there
2. Measure two club-lengths from the unplayable lie, drop a ball and play from there
3. Keep the unplayable lie between where you drop the ball and the hole, go back as far as you wish on a straight line and drop and play the ball.

If you are unclear as to a rule above, or have a comment you would like considered, please notify the Rules Committee.  Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.

As a league we are interesting in your concerns pertaining to league play.  Please feel free to speak to Domenic about any and all concerns.  Good Luck.  We hope you will enjoy playing this year.

 Some new rules for 2019

Lost ball- searching for a lost ball has been reduced to 3 minutes from 5 minutes.

Ball moved during search- no longer a penalty if you replaced it as close to original spot.

Embedded Ball rule- Free drop anywhere in the general area.

Club Length- Longest club in your bag that is not your putter.

Drop Ball- From knee height, if you drop from your shoulder you may re-drop without penalty

Ball on wrong green- Must take it off the green, stance not allowed on the green.

Double hit- no longer a penalty

Unplayable lie in bunker- Now there are 4 options- 1)2 club lengths no nearer the hole, 1 penalty stroke. 2)Straight back online staying in bunker, 1 penalty stroke 3)replay from original shot, stoke & distance penalty. 4)Directly back online out of trap, 2 stoke penalty.

Flagstick can stay in hole without penlty

THESE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR FAST PLAY:

• Forget About Honors
  • Play Ready Golf. Hit when ready.
• Be Ready
  • Proceed directly to your ball, and be ready to play when it’s your turn.
• Don’t Waste Time
  • Move along, don’t stop to chat or give a golf lesson.
  • Always make sure you make contact with the group ahead. If your group lags behind the group directly ahead of you by more than one hole, and the group behind is pressing, let the group behind play through.
  • Mark your scores at the next tee, not beside the green that you’ve just finished playing.
• On The Green
  • Line up your putt while others are preparing to putt.
  • Follow CONTINOUS putting rules until holed out or restricted by another’s line.
• On The Cart
  • After teeing off, decide which player should hit first and drive straight to that ball.
  • Leave that player with one or more club should he be undecided and proceed to your ball.
  • Hit your shot then pick up your driving partner who is already walking to his next shot.

FINALLY

REMEMBER, THIS IS A VERY LARGE LEAGUE!   IT IS NOT THE PGA, THE LPGA , THE WEB.COM TOUR OR EVEN BIG BREAK  100!!!!

HAVE FUN AND DON’T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY.

EVEN THOUGH WE ARE ON DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME,  PLEASE,  FOR THE SAKE OF ALL OF US,  ALWAYS PLAY READY GOLF!!!!

AFTER YOUR ROUND PLEASE PLACE ALL SCORE CARDS IN THE BUCKET AT THE BAR. IF YOU DO NOT TURN IN A SCORE CARD, YOUR ENTIRE GROUP GETS ZERO POINTS.

EAST SIDE COMPUTER SERVICES (ESCS)

GOLF LEAGUE

2022

Welcome Back!!  We begin another year of league play at Cranston Country Club.  First and foremost, we are here to enjoy the game of golf and have fun. It is important that all players understand and follow all USGA and CCC rules pertaining to the game of golf and course etiquette!!!

Our tee time this year is from 2:15 PM to 4:52 PM.  The tee box has to be cleared by 5:00 PM. If possible, please make a concerted effort to arrive as early as you can. We have more players this year than we have had in the past and it is very important that you get to the tee box as quickly as you can. We do not have the luxury of having the tee box empty for an extended length of time.

We will be using the same scoring format as in the past, the Sableford style scoring system. This format will still allowed us to maintain the ability to tee off quickly, keep everyone involved in weekly competition, and satisfy those who miss the cumulative point format.   I am open to any and all suggestions but please keep in mind that I do not want a full time job calculating the scoring each week.

League Format:

Individual Format.  We will continue to play an individual format this year.  The type of play for both weekly and cumulative competition will be points awarded for your play. Each golfer will play each hole against themselves based on their ability to improve with each individual’s handicap factored in (Net score).  The individual, who wins the most points for the week, will win that week’s prize money.

Stableford Scoring will be as follows:

• Quadruple bogey or greater – minus -4 points (this means you can score a 8 on the par 3’s)
• Triple bogey – minus -3 points
• Double bogey – minus-2 points
  Bogey – minus-1 point
  • Par – 0 points
  • Birdie – 2 points
  • Eagle – 3 points
  • Double eagle – 5 points

Points for playing full nine holes – 3 points

Example: (3 golfers for simplicity purposes)

(x/x – First score is actual/second is adjusted with handicap)

Golfer A – 8   handicap

Golfer B – 11 handicap

Golfer C – 16 handicap

Points are awarded based on each players own handicap or their NET score on each hole. Player A will win this week’s competition based on the fact that they pared the no. 1 handicap hole. Using the tie breaking method.

This style means that you have to hole out your ball. No more, just give me a double. You can actually score an 8 on a par 3.

Weekly Competition. All golfers present each week will be playing against all other golfers who are present for the “weekly” prize money based on that week’s results only. The weekly winner will receive $25.00. In the event of a tie, the tie breaker will be determined based on a comparison of the score cards from the hardest handicap hole to the easiest. There will be no set tee times. Golfers should group into foursomes and will tee off on a first come, first ready to go basis.

New to this year, there will be three flights, A, B, & C, equally divided by the number of league members based on their handicaps.  Prize money is as follows, $25 for the A flight, $25 for the B flight, and $25 for C flight winners.

Cumulative Competition. In addition to the weekly competitions, the league will be broken out into two – 10 week halves with prizes presented at the end of each half to the top three finishing places based on total number of holes won during the half.  You can only miss two weeks to be eligible to win the half. The prizes will be awarded as follows: 1^st $100.00, 2^nd $75.00, and 3^rd $50.00. Again this year will be a season cumulative competition for all 20 weeks. The prizes will be awarded as follows: 1^st $100.00, 2^nd $75.00, and 3^rd $50.00. If you failed to qualify for either the first or second half, you will also be ineligible for the overall competition.

During weeks 9 and 10, the “Playoff Rounds”, players will be grouped by the commissioner. You will not be playing with the same players that you have been playing with all season unless you concede and do not want to play in the playoffs.

This year there will be winners from all three flights. This process means that the A players will be competing against the A flight, while the B flight competing against the B players, C flight playing against C players. Basically now we will have more people winning money.

The computer will determine who is in a certain flight based on handicap and dividing the league by a third.  For example, the league has 75 players, the 25 lowest handicap players for the week will compete for the A flight, the next 25 highest handicap players for the B flight, and the next 25 highest handicap players fir the C flight.  A player will be placed in their flight after 3 weeks of scores.

(Closest to the Pin) Each week we will have a closest to the pin tournament on BOTH par 3’s, the first and the second, on each side. The closest individual ON THE GREEN to each pin will win $20.00. If nobody lands on the green on their FIRST attempt, the prize money will carry over to the next week for the same hole (first or second) until won.)

League Fees & Dues: The fees are as follows:

ALL LEAGUE DUES HAVE TO BE PAID BY JUNE 23 OR JUST STAY HOME

All fees are due by their respective due dates. Any individual behind in dues or fees, at the sole option of the league president, may be banned from all further league rounds, league events, and or league participation until amount owed is paid in full. All fees & dues are NON-REFUNDABLE. Furthermore, the league is committed and responsible to paying CCC a guaranteed amount of $25.00 per week, per player for green fees whether or not the golfer shows up to play golf. As a courtesy, the league has decided to allow its members to break up the green fees over 3 consecutive months to lighten the financial burden. Therefore, any league member who for any reason stops participating in the league at any time after May 1st is still responsible for full payment of the green fees to the league. Failure to pay will result in a permanent ban from any future participation in the league. As long as a player owes league fees, there winnings will be used to reduce their balance.

League Rules:

1. Play your ball up in your own fairway and down everywhere else. This means that you may play preferred lies only in your own fairway!!  Remember, move it a few inches not a few feet.  No fluffing the ball up when you are off the fairway.

1. During wet season in the spring we will play lift clean and place.  This is no matter where your ball lies.  Domenic, or acting league president in Domenic’s absence, will announce prior to each weeks round if lift clean and place is in effect.

3. To keep play moving for your group and those behind you, always play READY golf.  Once you are on the green and unless you are in another golfer’s line of play, when it is your turn to putt, continue putting until you have holed out or until your putt has been conceded by your opponent.  This Rule has been adopted to speed play.

1. You must drive and putt with the same ball.
2. To speed up play.   All putts that are a grip away from hole are considered a gimmie, providing it does not determine winner of hole.
3. On any hole in which you do not finish for ANY reason, you must mark an X on your score card.  The USGA handicap guidelines will adjust your score accordingly.

OUT OF BOUNDS (DEFINED BY WHITE STAKES) OR LOST BALL

7)    In order to speed up play and get all our golfers off the tee in our allotted time slot, if your ball is hit from the tee box Out of Bounds (OB) (which is marked with white stakes to the left on hole 1) or in the woods/street to the right on hole 10 and can’t be found (which is not OB) you must proceed to the point of entry and drop a ball within one (1) club length of the woods/OB and you are then hitting four.  If on holes 1 or 10 you hit your ball off the tee into the woods and can find it, you must follow Rule 28 (2) Measure two club-lengths from the unplayable lie, drop a ball and play from there or (3) Keep the unplayable lie between where you drop the ball and the hole, go back as far as you wish on a straight line and drop and play the ball. Those are your only options.  You cannot use Rule 28 (1 Go back to where you played the last shot and play a ball from there).  Remember this only pertains to the first and tenth hole when hitting off the tee.

8)    On all other holes other than one and ten from the TEE BOX, if your ball goes OB (marked with white stakes) you MUST call a provisional from the tee box and are now hitting three from the tee box and you must play the provisional ball.  If you later find that your ball did not go OB, you must play your ball from the point it lies hitting two or if unplayable (behind a tree or rock for example) you can choose one option in accordance to Rule 28 below.  If your provisional goes OB, the same rules apply and your next provisional is five off the tee, so on and so on.

9)    On ALL holes including one and ten, if your tee shot or any shot thereafter on a particular hole goes OB (marked with wh        ite stakes) or goes into the woods where you think you will be unable to find it, you MUST drop and announce a provisional and you add two strokes to your score (one for the shot that went OB or in the woods and one as the penalty). Example, your second shot went into the woods where you think it can’t be found – you drop a ball at the same spot you hit your second shot and you are now hitting four. If you later find that ball did not go OB or if you look for and locate the ball in the woods, you must play your first ball from the point it lies hitting two or if unplayable (behind a tree or rock for example) you can choose one option in accordance to Rule 28 below.

10)  In order to speed up play, on ALL holes including one and ten, if your second shot on a particular hole goes OB or in the woods and can’t be found, and you did not hit a provisional as required in 9 above because you did not realize your ball was in trouble, you can proceed to the point of entry   and take a two stroke penalty, placing the ball within one club length to the woods, no closer to the green, (you will now be hitting 5). In order to prevent disputes, confirm the spot with someone in your foursome BEFORE hitting your next shot.  Example, your second shot went into the woods and can’t be found – you drop a ball at point of entry and are now hitting five.  This rule is outside the PGA rules and intended to keep play moving.  In order to minimize the usage of this rule, if you are not sure if your ball is in trouble, hit a provisional.

11)  Hole number 5, in accordance with CCC rules as stated on the scorecards, any ball hit over the wall on the left is out-of-bounds and another ball MUST be hit from the spot of the previous shot whether on the tee or any other spot of play.  It does not matter if you are able to find the ball, you cannot play it.  You must add two strokes to your score.  For example, hit over the wall off the tee, you hit another and are hitting 3.  If your tee shot went in the fairway, but your second shot went over the wall, you drop at the spot from where you hit the ball and you are hitting four from that spot.

12)  BALL IN A LATERAL WATER HAZARD (DEFINED BY RED STAKES  You may play your ball from the lateral hazard.  But if you choose not to play your ball from the lateral hazard or it is lost in the hazard, proceed as follows:  One (1) stroke penalty — you may drop a ball on either side of the lateral hazard within two (2) club lengths of the point of entry into hazard but not nearer to the hole (See USGA Rule 26 for all options).

13)  All violations are a one-stroke penalty.  The bunker between holes 16 and 17 with a round circle of land in the middle is now a sand trap and is played just like any other sand trap. It is no longer a waste bunker and all the sand trap rules apply. New rule: inadvertent touching of sand in bunker is permitted. Loose impediments may be removed. If your ball moves, 1 stroke penalty & must be replaced.

14)  On hole # 3, If area is marked by red stakes or paint, then this is a hazard and must be played as such. You may play your ball from the hazard or if you choose not to play your ball from the hazard, or is lost in the hazard, procced as follows:  One (1) stroke penalty — you may drop a ball within two (2) club lengths of the point of entry into hazard but not nearer to the hole (See USGA Rule 26 for all options).   This only applies while playing hole #3, not if your ball enters the trenches while playing any other hole.

15)  On hole number 8, the island green, if you balls lands in the water from the tee, you have to play a second shot from the drop area, hitting three. This also means if your tee shot hits the green and rolls off the back and into the water, you have to hit from the drop area and hitting three. If your shot from the drop area also lands in the water, you are now hitting five. If you do not finish the hole, you must mark you score with an X.

16)  On any hole, if there is a temporary green, once your ball lands within the lower cut circle of grass around the temporary flag stick, you can score no worse than two additional strokes on top of the stoke count you are on when your ball enters the circle.  However, you can still putt or chip to try and make it in the cup in one shot instead of two.

17)  On ALL disputes, finish play and bring your dispute to Domenic, or acting league president in Domenic’s absence, and that decision is final.

18)  BALL COMES TO REST ON A ROCK, STONE OR TREE ROOT If your ball is not in a hazard but has come to rest on or against a rock , stone or tree root, you may move your ball to the nearest  point of relief no nearer the hole without penalty.  To take advantage of this rule modification, your ball must be on, against or precipitously close to a rock, stone or tree root where when attempting to strike your ball, your club would likely strike the rock, stone or tree root.   You must notify someone in your group that your ball has come to rest on, against or precipitously close to a rock, stone or tree root and then you may take your relief.  Please note that in any case, the relief taken shall not be greater than three (3) feet from where the ball first came to rest on, against or precipitously close to the rock, stone or tree root and no nearer to the hole.  This Rule modifies the USGA unplayable lie rule and has been adopted to protect the soft hands and bodies of our very delicate golfers as well as their very expensive golf clubs.  It does not apply to a situation where a ball has come to rest in or against a tree but is not on a tree root. 

19)  If your ball lies so that an immovable man-made obstruction interferes with your swing or stance (this does not mean path of flight), you may drop the ball within one club-length of that point, no closer to the green, with no penalty.  Note: You should not pick up the ball from an obstruction until you have established the nearest point of relief.  Sprinkler heads, shelter houses, cart paths, telephone poles, etc., are immovable obstructions.

20)  If your ball lies so that an immovable (nature made) obstruction interferes with your swing or stance (this does not mean path of flight), you may drop the ball within one club-length of that point, no closer to the green, with a one stroke penalty.

21)  If your ball hits a man-made, immovable obstruction in flight (ie, telephone poles, wires, water coolers, etc (not carts, people, or golf bags)) you MUST hit another ball no matter where your first shot goes.  If your ball lies within the path of a man-made object in that the object does not interfere with your swing or stance, you must hit the ball where it lies.  If it hits the object, you replace the ball in the same location and continue to hit until successful.

22)  If your ball hits an outside agency, (bird, rake, golf bag or cart, etc.), it is called a “rub of the green.” There is no penalty and the ball is played as it lies. 

23)  If your ball is not in a hazard and you  determine that your ball is unplayable for any reason, under a penalty of one (1) stroke, you may obtain relief as follows:

1. A) Play a ball as near as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played, or
2. B) Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped, or
3. C) Drop a ball within two (2) club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole. 

24)  PLAYING THE WRONG  BALL If you play a wrong ball from other than a water hazard during play, you must play out   the hole and incur a two (2) stroke penalty for that hole. 

Rule 26 – Water Hazards (Including Lateral Water Hazards)

26-1. Relief for Ball in Water Hazard

It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward a water hazard is in the hazard. In the absence of knowledge or virtual certainty that a ball struck toward a water hazard, but not found, is in the hazard, the player must proceed under Rule 27-1.

If a ball is found in a water hazard or if it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in the water hazard (whether the ball lies in water or not), the player may under penalty of one stroke:

1. Proceed under the stroke and distance provision of Rule 27-1 by playing a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5); or
2. Drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped; or
3. As additional options available only if the ball last crossed the margin of a lateral water hazard, drop a ball outside the water hazard within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than (i) the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard or (ii) a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole.

When proceeding under this Rule, the player may lift and clean his ball or substitute a ball.

26-2. Ball Played Within Water Hazard

1. a. Ball Comes to Rest in Same or Another Water Hazard

If a ball played from within a water hazard comes to rest in the same or another water hazard after the stroke, the player may:

• under penalty of one stroke, play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the last stroke from outside a water hazard was made (see Rule 20-5); or
• proceed under Rule 26-1a, 26-1b or, if applicable, Rule 26-1c, incurring the penalty of one stroke under that Rule. For purposes of applying Rule 26-1b or 26-1c, the reference point is the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the hazard in which it lies.

Note: If the player proceeds under Rule 26-1a by dropping a ball in the hazard as near as possible to the spot from which the original ball was last played, but elects not to play the dropped ball, he may then proceed under Clause (i) above, Rule 26-1b or, if applicable, Rule 26-1c. If he does so, he incurs a total of two penalty strokes: the penalty of one stroke for proceeding under Rule 26-1a, and an additional penalty of one stroke for then proceeding under Clause (i) above, Rule 26-1b or Rule 26-1c.

1. b. Ball Lost or Unplayable Outside Hazard or Out of Bounds

If a ball played from within a water hazard is lost or deemed unplayable outside the hazard or is out of bounds, the player may, after taking a penalty of one stroke under Rule 27-1 or 28a, play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot in the hazard from which the original ball was last played.

If the player elects not to play a ball from that spot, he may:

• add an additional penalty of one stroke (making a total of two penalty strokes) and play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the last stroke from outside a water hazard was made; or
• proceed under Rule 26-1b or, if applicable, Rule 26-1c, adding the additional penalty of one stroke prescribed by the Rule (making a total of two penalty strokes) and using as the reference point the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the hazard before it came to rest in the hazard.

Note 1: When proceeding under Rule 26-2b, the player is not required to drop a ball under Rule 27-1 or 28a. If he does drop a ball, he is not required to play it. He may alternatively proceed under Clause (i) or (ii) above. If he does so, he incurs a total of two penalty strokes: the penalty of one stroke under Rule 27-1 or 28a, and an additional penalty of one stroke for then proceeding under Clause (i) or (ii) above.

Note 2: If a ball played from within a water hazard is deemed unplayable outside the hazard, nothing in Rule 26-2b precludes the player from proceeding under Rule 28 2 or 3.

Rule 27 — Ball Lost or Out of Bounds

A ball is lost if it is not found within five minutes after you first begin to search.

A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies beyond the inside line of objects such as white stakes, or a fence or wall that marks the playing area.

If your ball is lost or out of bounds, you must add a penalty stroke to your score and play another ball from where you played your last shot.

If you think your ball may be lost or out of bounds, you may play another ball (provisional ball) from the place where your first ball was played. You must tell your opponent or fellow-competitor that you are playing a provisional ball and play it before you look for the first ball. If you cannot find your first ball or if it is out of bounds, you must count the strokes with the first and provisional balls, add a penalty stroke and play out the hole with the provisional ball. If you find your first ball in bounds, continue play with it and pick up the provisional ball.

Rule 28 — Ball Unplayable

If your ball is under a tree or in some other bad situation and you decide you cannot play it, add a penalty stroke and do one of the following:

1. Go back to where you played the last shot and play a ball from there
2. Measure two club-lengths from the unplayable lie, drop a ball and play from there
3. Keep the unplayable lie between where you drop the ball and the hole, go back as far as you wish on a straight line and drop and play the ball.

If you are unclear as to a rule above, or have a comment you would like considered, please notify the Rules Committee.  Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.

As a league we are interesting in your concerns pertaining to league play.  Please feel free to speak to Domenic about any and all concerns.  Good Luck.  We hope you will enjoy playing this year.

 Some new rules for 2019

Lost ball- searching for a lost ball has been reduced to 3 minutes from 5 minutes.

Ball moved during search- no longer a penalty if you replaced it as close to original spot.

Embedded Ball rule- Free drop anywhere in the general area.

Club Length- Longest club in your bag that is not your putter.

Drop Ball- From knee height, if you drop from your shoulder you may re-drop without penalty

Ball on wrong green- Must take it off the green, stance not allowed on the green.

Double hit- no longer a penalty

Unplayable lie in bunker- Now there are 4 options- 1)2 club lengths no nearer the hole, 1 penalty stroke. 2)Straight back online staying in bunker, 1 penalty stroke 3)replay from original shot, stoke & distance penalty. 4)Directly back online out of trap, 2 stoke penalty.

Flagstick can stay in hole without penlty

THESE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR FAST PLAY:

• Forget About Honors
  • Play Ready Golf. Hit when ready.
• Be Ready
  • Proceed directly to your ball, and be ready to play when it’s your turn.
• Don’t Waste Time
  • Move along, don’t stop to chat or give a golf lesson.
  • Always make sure you make contact with the group ahead. If your group lags behind the group directly ahead of you by more than one hole, and the group behind is pressing, let the group behind play through.
  • Mark your scores at the next tee, not beside the green that you’ve just finished playing.
• On The Green
  • Line up your putt while others are preparing to putt.
  • Follow CONTINOUS putting rules until holed out or restricted by another’s line.
• On The Cart
  • After teeing off, decide which player should hit first and drive straight to that ball.
  • Leave that player with one or more club should he be undecided and proceed to your ball.
  • Hit your shot then pick up your driving partner who is already walking to his next shot.

FINALLY

REMEMBER, THIS IS A VERY LARGE LEAGUE!   IT IS NOT THE PGA, THE LPGA , THE WEB.COM TOUR OR EVEN BIG BREAK  100!!!!

HAVE FUN AND DON’T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY.

EVEN THOUGH WE ARE ON DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME,  PLEASE,  FOR THE SAKE OF ALL OF US,  ALWAYS PLAY READY GOLF!!!!

AFTER YOUR ROUND PLEASE PLACE ALL SCORE CARDS IN THE BUCKET AT THE BAR. IF YOU DO NOT TURN IN A SCORE CARD, YOUR ENTIRE GROUP GETS ZERO POINTS.