Competitive Stroke Play Rules

Question 1

Applying the rules

Answer 1

Players are responsible for knowing/applying the rules correctly

Question 2

Time of starting

Answer 2

• must be present and ready to play
• present could be on the tee or in a defined area
• ready to play - club and ball ready for use
• starting time is an exact time

Question 3

Penalties for lateness

Answer 3

no more than 5 mins = general penalty

more than 5 minutes = DQ

Question 4

Equipment

Answer 4

14 clubs at all times
-if you discover more than 14 clubs you must take out excess clubs before next stroke, declare to another player and take a clear action (giving to official)

Question 5

Penalty for equipment

Answer 5

penalty is applied to hole just completed or about to be completed

• stroke play - general penalty for each hole with too many clubs (no more than 4 strokes though)
• match play - match adjustment penalty
• deduct one hole for each where penalty occurred with a max of 2 holes deducted (go from 3 up to 1 up)

Question 6

Distance Measuring Devices

Answer 6

only allowed to use a rangefinder and can only use for distance not slope
-can not use any training aids during round

Question 7

Caddies

Answer 7

allowed to have one caddie that can give advice
caddie can not stand close to an extension of your line of play once the player takes a stance
caddie breach is a player breach and anything the caddie knows it is considered the players knows too

Question 8

Playing 2 balls

Answer 8

players should play 2 balls when there is doubt or uncertainty and must decide before making a stroke

• this is only in stroke play
• if both are played without penalty you must say which ball you prefer before playing - if not then its the first ball played
• must report this to committee and failure to do so is a DQ

Question 9

Ball at rest moved

Answer 9

99% of the time the ball is replaced

• ball is not replaced if moved…
• in the middle of a stroke
• by natural force in general area, bunker, penalty area
• it is replaced on the green

Question 10

Returning scorecard

Answer 10

sign lower score (DQ)
sign higher score (that’s your score)
no signature (DQ)

Question 11

Damage to equipment

Answer 11

You may continue to use damaged equipment during a round regardless of how it was damaged
You may only replace club if damage is from outside/natural influence