PWGA Local Rules

PWGA LOCAL RULES - UPDATED 1/2025

Play is governed by the USGA rules of golf. Additionally, please use the following PWGA local rules.

LOCAL PWGA RULES:

RELIEF FROM A SPRINKLER HEAD NEAR THE GREEN: For relief from a sprinkler head that interferes with line of play, the

sprinkler head must be within 2 club lengths of the green and your ball must be within 2 club lengths of the sprinkler head. Free

drop, nearest point of relief, 1 club length.

RELIEF FROM CART PATHS: All areas considered a cart path are defined only as pavement OR gravel (not dirt). FREE

RELIEF - Obstructions Rule 6. Nearest point of relief plus one club length. Please get approval from your playing partners before

drop.

tracks on dirt paths or ANYWHERE on the course unless marked as GUR with white lines.

RELIEF FROM SOD SEAMS: You may take FREE RELIEF if your ball comes to rest specifically in the seam of a newly sodded

area. Drop 1 Club Length from nearest point of relief, but must remain in sodded area.

DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES: Allowed in all events, but not if they measure wind and/or elevation. Rule 4

CADDIES: Caddies are not allowed for any of our 4 major Tournaments.

NO FREE RELIEF FROM DIRT PATHS AND TIRE TRACKS: No free relief from DIRT paths. And no free relief from tire

USGA RULES TO KEEP IN MIND:

Hole #11 - The water in front of the green is a Yellow Penalty area (not Red)

You may not take a drop where your ball enters the water on the side near the green. You MAY use the drop area (even if the

drop area is across the water near the green), OR proceed under the yellow penalty area relief. Rule 17

Hole #12 - The fenced area on the left of the fairway is an immovable obstruction. Free relief for swing and stance only, not line

of sight. Rule 16

Hole #18 - The fenced area on the left of the fairway, and the pile of sand on the left of the fairway, are both immovable

obstructions. Free relief for swing and stance only, not line of sight. Rule 16

NO RELIEF FROM DIVOTS IN THE FAIRWAYS

LOST OR OB BALL: You MUST re-tee from the tee box or from the spot of your previous stroke if not the tee box (1 stroke

penalty). If you are in doubt about finding your ball, PLEASE HIT A PROVISIONAL before you go look for your ball. You can only

look for your ball for 3 minutes – then hit your provisional ball. If you happen to find your 1st ball after you hit your provisional (as

the 2nd shot) – too late – the provisional is in play. Provisional balls speed up play. Rule 18

UNPLAYABLE LIE: You always have 3 relief options, all for 1 penalty stroke. Your 1st option is to go back to the spot of your

previous stroke and play again (stroke and distance relief). Your 2nd options is to go back as far as you’d like and drop on the

line from the hole through the spot where your ball lies (back-on-the-line relief). Your 3rd option is to drop anywhere within 2 club

lengths of where your ball lies, no closer to the hole (lateral relief). Rule 19

OUT OF BOUNDS: Perimeter fencing surrounding the golf course. Out of bounds is defined by the inside points off fences and

posts. Rule 18

PENALTY AREAS: Are identified by red or yellow stakes and/or lines. Use the line if available, otherwise use the stakes for

relief reference. Rule 17

IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS: All control boxes and weather stations are obstructions. Swing and stance relief, plus one club

length only, NOT line of sight. Rule 16

GROUND UNDER REPAIR: Must be defined by white lines or specific sign. Rule 16

LOOSE IMPEDIMENTS: Loose impediments may be removed from bunkers and all penalty areas. Rule 15

BALL ACCIDENTALLY MOVED ON THE PUTTING GREEN: No penalty ON THE GREEN if the ball or ball-marker is

accidentally moved by the player, partner, opponent or any of their caddies or equipment. The moved ball or marker must be

replaced. Rule 15

BALL ACCIDENTALLY MOVED DURING SEARCH: There is no penalty if you or anyone else moves your ball during a search.

Simply replace it. Rule 7.4

DOUBT AS TO PROCEDURE: In stroke play, a player may play a second ball under Rule 20.1c(3) – confirm with pro shop

after play which score counts.