WLGA Rules of Play/Local Rules
Play is governed by the 2020 USGA Rules of Golf and, where applicable, by the following Local Rules.
1. OUT OF BOUNDS: Defined by white posts and/or white lines. When white stakes are used, the out of bounds line is determined by the nearest inside edge of the stake at ground level. When a white line on the ground is used, the line itself is out of bounds. The inside edge of a road or curb is out of bounds. A ball that crosses the inside edge of a road or curb and comes to rest beyond the road or curb is out of bounds, even though it may be on another part of the course.
2. STROKE AND DISTANCE FOR OUT OF BOUNDS: If a player is unable to find the ball that is out of bounds or in thick shrubbery, she may drop another ball on the nearest part of the fairway no closer to the hole where the original ball is estimated to have crossed the OB line or where it is estimated to be lost. This will result in a 2 stroke penalty. This rule cannot be used if the player’s ball is in a penalty area or a provisional ball has been hit.
3. SUSPENSION OF PLAY: Players who feel they are in danger may discontinue play when lightening is near. Play may resume 30 minutes after the last lightening/thunder and the radar shows clear. The round must be completed the same day in to count in the game.
4. TURF PLUGS ON PUTTING GREENS of any size may be repaired.
5. AERATION HOLES: In the “general area,” a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped (placed, if in fairway) as near as possible to the spot where it lay, but no nearer the hole. On the putting green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be placed at the nearest spot no nearer the hole that avoids the situation.
6. WASTE BUNKER: Waste bunkers are considered “general area.” As a result, a player may ground her club without penalty. (Jones #3 left, and #14 right)
7. DECORATIVE GARDENS AND BUSHES: These are considered to be “general area,” and no “free” relief is available (including magnolia trees previously used to designate 150 yards).
8. SLOW PLAY/UNDUE DELAY: The Committee has determined an acceptable pace of play to be no more than 4 hours to complete 18 holes and be “out of position” by one hole or more. Groups falling “out of position” will be expected to regain the proper position. Keep pace with the group in front rather than basing pace on the group who is behind. Use the pace of playing three holes in 40 minutes as a guide.
9. PRACTICE: During a round, practice, including rolling a golf ball, is prohibited on or near the putting green of the last hole played.
10. LIFT, CLEAN AND PLACE: If you choose, you may mark your ball, then lift, clean and place it not more than six (6) inches in your own fairway, no closer to the hole, throughout the year.
11. CLARIFICATION OF PLAYING #11 OF THE CUPP: The ledge is considered fairway. After the creek, to the green is considered fairway where cut as such. Down the hill and the area before the creek are considered rough.
12. BUNKER LINERS are treated as obstructions. The liner is treated as a moveable obstruction if it is able to be moved without unreasonable effort, without unduly delaying play and without causing damage. If the liner cannot be moved and the player wants to take relief, the liner becomes an immovable obstruction. Complete relief from the liner, no closer to the hole, must be taken and the ball must be dropped in the bunker WITH NO PENALTY.
1. OUT OF BOUNDS: Defined by white posts and/or white lines. When white stakes are used, the out of bounds line is determined by the nearest inside edge of the stake at ground level. When a white line on the ground is used, the line itself is out of bounds. The inside edge of a road or curb is out of bounds. A ball that crosses the inside edge of a road or curb and comes to rest beyond the road or curb is out of bounds, even though it may be on another part of the course.
2. STROKE AND DISTANCE FOR OUT OF BOUNDS: If a player is unable to find the ball that is out of bounds or in thick shrubbery, she may drop another ball on the nearest part of the fairway no closer to the hole where the original ball is estimated to have crossed the OB line or where it is estimated to be lost. This will result in a 2 stroke penalty. This rule cannot be used if the player’s ball is in a penalty area or a provisional ball has been hit.
3. SUSPENSION OF PLAY: Players who feel they are in danger may discontinue play when lightening is near. Play may resume 30 minutes after the last lightening/thunder and the radar shows clear. The round must be completed the same day in to count in the game.
4. TURF PLUGS ON PUTTING GREENS of any size may be repaired.
5. AERATION HOLES: In the “general area,” a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped (placed, if in fairway) as near as possible to the spot where it lay, but no nearer the hole. On the putting green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be placed at the nearest spot no nearer the hole that avoids the situation.
6. WASTE BUNKER: Waste bunkers are considered “general area.” As a result, a player may ground her club without penalty. (Jones #3 left, and #14 right)
7. DECORATIVE GARDENS AND BUSHES: These are considered to be “general area,” and no “free” relief is available (including magnolia trees previously used to designate 150 yards).
8. SLOW PLAY/UNDUE DELAY: The Committee has determined an acceptable pace of play to be no more than 4 hours to complete 18 holes and be “out of position” by one hole or more. Groups falling “out of position” will be expected to regain the proper position. Keep pace with the group in front rather than basing pace on the group who is behind. Use the pace of playing three holes in 40 minutes as a guide.
9. PRACTICE: During a round, practice, including rolling a golf ball, is prohibited on or near the putting green of the last hole played.
10. LIFT, CLEAN AND PLACE: If you choose, you may mark your ball, then lift, clean and place it not more than six (6) inches in your own fairway, no closer to the hole, throughout the year.
11. CLARIFICATION OF PLAYING #11 OF THE CUPP: The ledge is considered fairway. After the creek, to the green is considered fairway where cut as such. Down the hill and the area before the creek are considered rough.
12. BUNKER LINERS are treated as obstructions. The liner is treated as a moveable obstruction if it is able to be moved without unreasonable effort, without unduly delaying play and without causing damage. If the liner cannot be moved and the player wants to take relief, the liner becomes an immovable obstruction. Complete relief from the liner, no closer to the hole, must be taken and the ball must be dropped in the bunker WITH NO PENALTY.