WGA 18-HOLE ADOPTED LOCAL RULES OF GOLF
The USGA Rules of Golf effective 2023 govern play. In addition, the USGA Local Rules and Terms of Competition (Hard Card) for 2026 and supplemental HSV Local rules are in effect.
Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for breach of a Local Rule or Condition is:
Match Play – Loss of Hole (General Penalty)
Stroke Play – Two Strokes (General Penalty)
Exception: The Two Day Championship will have a separate “Terms of the Competition.”
Preferred Lies - Local Rule E-3, “Official Guide to the Rules of Golf”: Occasional local abnormal conditions such as wetness might interfere with fair play. On the day of play, the Play Day Chairman may advise the starters to inform the players that the rule is in effect as follows: “When a player’s ball lies in the general area, the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area:
Reference Point: Spot of the original ball, one club length no closer to the hole than the reference point and must be in the general area.
In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e.
Rule 5.6 - Pace of Play will be monitored during each play day event. Play ready golf!
A player must not unreasonably delay play either when playing a hole or between two holes. A roundof golf is meant to be played at a prompt pace. Each player should recognize that their pace of play is likely to affect how long it will take other players to play their rounds, including both those in theplayer’s own group and those in following groups. The rule prescribes penalties for slow play so toavoid such penalties players should review these guidelines.
A group is considered behind if they are out-of-position and slower than their allotted time.
Allotted time:
A time chart for every course will be published with the allotted time for the play day event.
Out-of-position:
If a group falls behind and out-of-position they will be asked to pick up the pace and regain itsposition. After a reasonable amount of time if they fail to improve their position, they will be warnedthat they are still behind and could be assessed a penalty of 1 stroke.
If a group again after a reasonable amount of time fails to improve their position, they will be informedthat the group has incurred a penalty of 1 stroke.
Appeals:
Before a group returns their scorecards, a player may appeal the pace of play penalty and ask for theCommittee to review the circumstances that caused any delay.
Prohibiting use of Audio and Video Devices:
Rule 4.3a(4) is modified in this way: During a round, a player must not listen to or watch content of any nature on a personal audio or video device.
First Breach: General Penalty. Second Breach: disqualification
However, it would not be a breach if a player briefly used a cell phone.
Temporary Immovable Obstructions (TIO):
Relief is available under Model Local Rule F-23, “Official Guide to the Rules of Golf.” Examples are electrical fans and boxes, supporting wires and cables.
The player can choose to treat the TIO as if it were an immovable obstruction and use the relief procedure under Rule 16. This local rule also provides additional relief from line of sight interference. Line of sight interference exists when the TIO is located on a straight line between the ball and the hole. This includes a one club-length wide area (corridor) measured on the equal distant arc from the hole.
Playing Two (2) Balls When Uncertain What to Do – Rule 20.1c(3):
When a player is uncertain how to proceed, she may play 2 balls after the uncertain situation arises and before making a stroke.
She must choose which ball will count and announce her choice before making a stroke. If she does not choose, the ball played first is treated as the ball chosen.
She must report the facts of the situation to the Committee before returning her scorecard, even if she scored the same with both balls. The player is disqualified if she fails to do so.
2/11/26