CTGA Tournament Rules of Play

CTGA tournament play is governed by the USGA Rules of Golf and, where applicable, by Local Rules of the Course and, finally, by our CTGA Specific Rules (Exception to the Rules of Golf). Unless otherwise provided, penalty for breach of a Local Rule is two strokes.

Specfic Rule Reminders

  • Maximum 14 club limit (Rule 4-4): All clubs must be USGA conforming (Rule 4-1).
  • Golf balls: Ball must be on USGA "Conforming Golf Ball List." Balls marked by “Practice” or “X Out” are permissible.
  • Hole all putts: Failure to hole out a putt on any hole will result in disqualification.
  • No separate putting ball: Player must complete play through the green with same ball used to begin hole. However, a damaged ball may be replaced at any time during the round (Rule 5-3).
  • Doubt as to a procedure: If in doubt as to a procedure, play a second ball in addition to your original ball (Rule 17-2) and report to the Club Professional for clarification and ruling.
  • Distance-measuring devices: Permitted in CTGA tournament play as long as they do not have slope-reading capability.
  • All players are responsible for correct hole-by-hole scores only. We do, however, request all players to complete addition of Front, Back and Total Scores.
  • Failure to submit completed scorecard prior to leaving course will result in disqualification.
  • Failure to Mark and Measure Close-to-Pin Distance prior to putting will result in disqualification for CTP on that hole.
  • Pace of Play: Rule 6-7 Undue Delay will be enforced at all CTGA tournaments. Failure to complete 18 holes within acceptable time will result in a 2-stroke penalty for the entire foursome. Exception: If it is determined that a single player with the foursome is the cause of Undue Slow Play, then that single player will be assessed the penalty.
  • Inclement Weather: Stoppage of play during a tournament round will be handled as follows:
    • Any foursome not completing at least 9 holes will result in full event cancellation
    • If all foursomes complete 9 holes but not 18, the tournament results will be based on the number of holes completed by all foursomes.

CTGA Specific Rules

  • Embedded Rock Rule: Except in a marked hazard, allows for relief without penalty from embedded rocks that are a natural part of the golf course. See specific Rule explanation in our CTGA Website under CTGA Rules of Play.
  • Exposed Root Rule: Except in a marked hazard, allows for relief without penalty from roots that are not an extension of the tree trunk and have resurfaced above ground level. See specific Rule explanation in our CTGA Website under CTGA Rules of Play.
  • 9 Stroke Limit: To help maintain Pace of Play, the maximum stroke limit on any hole is 9. Exception: No stroke limit in our Fall Classic.
  • Practice putting on green of hole last played is prohibited: Between the play of two holes, no practice stroke or roll of the ball with the putter may be made on or near the putting green of the hole last played.

  • In the interest of Time and Pace of Play, a Provisional ball may be played if the original ball is deemed to have gone into an unmarked hazard or natural growth area: 

    • If original ball cannot be found in the unmarked hazard or natural growth area, play the  provisional ball and add 1 stroke to your score (modification to Rule 26-1).

Rules Committee

CTGA Directors: Eddie Nunez, Sean Nunez, John Vayo, Scott Preece, and Steve Barnes.

In addition, golf course staff will help interpret and rule on specific situations.

 

Revised March 22, 2015