Rules & Policies

MSGA Code of Conduct

The MSGA Code of Conduct applies to Competitive and Practice Rounds

Players may be warned, penalized or disqualified for violations of the Code of Conduct (including violations by their caddies). Further, the MSGA may reject an entry application, revoke an accepted application, expel from the tournament and/or suspend a player from future tournaments if the player, their caddie or family members engage in conduct detrimental to the integrity and image of the game of golf and/or public confidence in the MSGA.

Such conduct may include, but is not limited to:

Disorderly behavior, including:
- Excessive use of profanity
- Club throwing
- Verbal or physical abuse, or threats of abuse, to officials, volunteers, other players, staff, or club members
- Damage to the golf course or any player’s equipment
- Unbecoming conduct
Failure to care for the course, including, but not limited to the failure to:
- Fill divot holes or step down on replaced divots
- Repair ball marks
- Rake bunkers
- Follow cart rules
- Dispose of trash into trash receptacles
Failure to abide by the host club’s rules
Dress Code violations

Headphones & Earbuds
Are not permitted for players or caddies during competitive rounds.

Player’s Responsibility for Caddies & Family
Players in MSGA competitions are guests of the host club and accordingly, players are responsible for the behavior and attire of their caddies, and subject to penalty for breaches by either. Players may face withdrawal of their entry, and possible future suspension for the inappropriate behavior of their caddies. Players, caddies or family who repeatedly violate the code of conduct, or who are abusive to officials or club staff, may be suspended from attending future events. Subject to Rules Any person whose entry is accepted will be subject to the Rules and Conditions of Competitions set forth by the MSGA.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Products
The illegal use of drugs or alcohol by players, caddies or family is prohibited. Alcohol should not be brought onto the property. All food & beverage policies of the host club should be followed.

Dress Code – Players, Caddies, and Family (Before, During and After the Round)
Club Dress Code Policy – Supersedes the MSGA dress code

Generally Accepted Golf Attire (or dressier) – Should be worn at all times by players, caddies and family
Shirts – Must have collars or be specifically designed for golf and acceptable at the host facility
Men’s Shirts – Must be tucked in at all times
Hats – Must be worn forward and should be removed indoors.
Shorts/Skirts/Skorts – Generally, should reach mid-thigh in length (half way between hip and knee)
Footwear – Athletic shoes, golf shoes or dress shoes should be worn

Host Club – May have anyone removed from course or property for inappropriate attire

Family & Spectator Involvement in Conduct and Rulings
Please refrain from policing any code of conduct issues and situations involving the Rules of Golf. If you witness a code of conduct breach or Rules of Golf violation that is serious or have seen the same breach multiple times by a player, you may notify an official. DO NOT HANDLE THE SITUATION YOURSELF. Officials and the Tournament Chairman will be responsible for handling all code of conduct issues.

Penalties for Violation of Code of Conduct during Competition
Penalties may be assessed based on each individual situation including the severity of the breach and the factors that contributed to the breach occurring.

1st Offense: Warning
2nd Offense: One Stroke Penalty
3rd Offense: General Penalty (Loss of hole in match play or two-stroke penalty in stroke play)
4th Offense: Disqualification Immediate Disqualification: A player is subject to immediate disqualification for a serious breach of any code of conduct without warning. (A serious breach during a practice round may result in withdrawal of a player’s entry for that competition and subsequent ones.)

Four-Ball Penalties will be imposed to the side (rather than the individual) based on the structure outlined above.

Players may be disciplined, but not penalized for any serious breach of the MSGA Code of Conduct by a spectator (including family members).

Club Groove Policy

Model Local Rule G-2 (Groove and Punch Mark Specifications) effective for all USGA Championships will not be implemented in MSGA Championships.

Dress Code

Appropriate championship golf attire as determined by the Executive Committee is required. Metal spikes are prohibited and the penalty for breach is disqualification.

Additional information can be found in the MSGA Code of Conduct Policy.

MSGA Eligibility

All players wishing to enter an MSGA event must follow the tournament eligibility guidelines below. Please refer to individual entry forms for any additional eligibility requirements (age, gender, handicap guidelines, etc.). All competitors will play from the same teeing grounds, except if the Tournament Rules provide otherwise

Unless otherwise noted on the tournament information page for a specific competition, Association competitions are open to female and male golfers who (1) hold an active GHIN number issued by a licensed MSGA Member Club in good standing and (2) comply fully with USGA Rules of Amateur Status.

MSGA Women’s and Girls’ Events: Only female competitors are permitted. The MSGA has adopted the USGA Competitive Fairness Gender Policy. Contact the Maryland State Golf Association at (410) 943-2379 for the additional entry application procedures.

Local Rules & Terms of Competition

The Rules of Golf as approved by the United States Golf Association and the R&A govern play. See applicable event Notice to Players and Entry Applications for modifications and/or additions to these Local Rules and Terms of the Competition. Complete text of the Rules and Local Rules may be found in the Rules of Golf and Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, effective January 2023. The player is responsible for being familiar with these as well as the Local Rules and Terms of the Competition for MSGA Tournaments and general conditions and regulations for all MSGA events.

2026 MSGA Hard Card (Local Rules & Terms of the Competition)

One Ball Rule

Model Local Rule G-4 (One Ball Rule) is not in effect at MSGA Championships, Qualifiers, and One-Days.

MSGA Pace of Play Policy

Pace of Play Policy

Rule 5.6 states that a player must not unreasonably delay play and must adhere to any pace of play guidelines set by the Committee. Players are responsible for understanding this pace of play policy. Other than at the group’s starting tee and as otherwise indicated in this policy, the Committee is not responsible for advising any player of the details of the pace of play policy.

OUT OF POSITION – LEAD GROUP: The first group off No. 1 (and No. 10 when using a two-tee start) is expected to maintain the pace outlined in the chart above and marked on each player’s scorecard. The first group is OUT OF POSITION when it exceeds the time par printed on each player’s scorecard. A hole is considered complete when the flagstick has been replaced.

OUT OF POSITION – FOLLOWING GROUPS: A following group is OUT OF POSITION when it exceeds the time par printed on each player’s scorecard and is more than 14 minutes behind the group immediately ahead. A hole is considered complete when the flagstick has been replaced.

MONITORING PACE OF PLAY AND TIMING PLAYERS: When any group is OUT OF POSITION, it is ‘on the clock’, and the players in that group are subject to being individually timed.

NOTIFICATION OF BEING TIMED: When a group is OUT OF POSITION and the players are being timed, a referee will place a YELLOW FLAG on the tee to notify them they are being timed. The group will remain ‘on the clock’ until the group is no longer OUT OF POSITION or is informed by a referee that the players are no longer being timed.

STROKE TIMING: A player has 40 seconds to make a stroke. 10 extra seconds will be allowed for the first player to play a) a tee shot on a par 3, b) an approach shot to the green, or c) a chip or putt. If a player takes longer than the allotted time to make a stroke, that player has incurred a BAD TIME. A player who incurs a BAD TIME will be informed as soon as practicable.

Timing for a stroke starts when a player has had sufficient time to reach the ball, it is their turn to play, and they can play without interference or distraction. Any time taken to determine distance and select a club will be included as time taken for the stroke.
On the putting green, timing starts when the player has had a reasonable amount of time to lift, clean and replace the ball, repair damage that interferes with the line of play, and move loose impedimentson the line of play. Any time spent looking at the line of play from any angle will be included as time taken for the stroke.
Timing of a stroke will start when the timing referee decides it is the player’s turn to play and that they can play without interference or distraction. Timing of a stroke will stop when the clubhead strikes the ball.
BAD TIMES accumulate throughout the round. For example, if a player receives a BAD TIME while their group is out of position, and the group later catches up but falls behind again, the same player receiving another BAD TIME will be subject to the corresponding penalty.

PENALTIES: A player who receives a BAD TIME is subject to the following penalties:

Times	Stroke Play	Match Play
1st Bad Time	No Penalty (verbal notification)	No Penalty (verbal notification)
2nd Bad Time	1 Stroke Penalty	1 Stroke Penalty
3rd Bad Time	General Penalty	General Penalty
4th Bad Time	Disqualification	Disqualification

FOUR-BALL PENALTIES: Rule 23.9 applies.

INDIVIDUAL TIMING: REGARDLESS OF POSITION, if the Committee determines that a player or players in a group are delaying play of their group, any subsequent group, or the competition in general, the following applies:

The Committee reserves the right to warn or begin timing a group, match, or an individual player at any time.
Any player or players who are delaying play will be warned.
Any player who is timed by a referee will be notified.
A penalty for breach of Rule 5.6a (Unreasonable Delay) may be applied.

Partner Substitutions

If a team needs to substitute a player after submitting an entry form, please see the tournament event page for the staff contact to make the substitution. The substituted player and team must meet the eligibility requirements listed on the entry form.

Performance Policy

Performance Policy

The Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) recognizes that players may occasionally have a challenging day on the golf course. This policy ensures that the Association maintains a high level of competition for its Qualifiers and Championships while remaining accessible to all qualified players. It also aims to provide all participants with an equitable and distraction-free opportunity to compete.

This policy will be in effect for the following events:

Maryland Am/Open Qualifiers
Maryland Amateur
Maryland Open
Maryland Mid-Amateur
Maryland Senior Amateur
Maryland Senior Open
Maryland Women’s Amateur
Maryland Women’s Open
(Championship Division)

Players who record a score 15 strokes or more over the course rating may be required to provide documentation of their ability to compete in future MSGA events.

All violations of this policy will be reviewed by the Tournament & Competitions Committee on a case-by-case basis.

For multi-round championships, a player must shoot over the threshold in every round to be considered in violation of the policy.

Performance Policy Violations and Consequences

First Violation
Players who return a score 15 or more strokes above the course rating may be required to provide documentation of their ability to compete in future MSGA events. If that is the case, the player will receive an email that will contain the information needed to be reviewed by the Tournament & Competitions Committee.

If the information is not submitted in a timely fashion or is deemed unsatisfactory, the player may be ineligible to participate in MSGA championships for the remainder of the season.

Second Violation
Players with an additional round in the same season that is 15 or more strokes over the course rating will be required to submit documentation of their ability to compete. These players will also receive an email that will contain the information needed to be reviewed by the Tournament & Competitions Committee.

If the information is not submitted in a timely fashion or is deemed unsatisfactory, the player may be ineligible to participate in MSGA championships for 365 days from the date of the second offense.

9-Hole Performance
Players with scores of 12 or more strokes above the course rating for nine holes may be withdrawn by the Committee after nine holes.

No Card Violations
Players who fail to submit a scorecard or walk off the course after nine holes will be designated as a No Card (NC). Repeated violations (more than two NCs) will be subject to review.

Injury or Illness Withdrawals
Players withdrawing due to injury or illness will be marked as Did Not Finish (DNF) if the withdrawal is justified.

Withdrawn (WD) designations are reserved for players who withdraw before starting their round.

Notification of Violations

Players who commit a violation will receive an email notification via the MSGA Golf Genius system.

Clearing a Performance Violation

To resolve a second violation, players must demonstrate their ability to compete at the state championship level. Submitted scores will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Three (3) individual tournament scores within the past two calendar years, meeting at least one of these benchmarks:
- An average score of 80 or lower, or
- An average score within 5 strokes of the course rating, or
- An average score within 5 strokes of the player’s listed handicap.

Additional Requirements:

Club Net and Team events are not acceptable.
At least one (1) result must come from a tournament conducted by an Allied Golf Association or PGA Section.
All submitted results must be available online for MSGA staff to verify.
Scores must be attested by a Golf Professional or Tournament Organizer.

Player Status (NC/NS/DNF)

Players who fail to appear for their assigned tee time without notifying the MSGA before or on the day of a tournament may not be allowed to participate in future MSGA events.

Players failing to appear will be listed as a ‘No Show’. If a player completes a round and does not turn their scorecard in, for whatever reason, will be listed as a ‘No Card’. Players not completing a round for obvious or verifiable reasons will not be considered as a withdraw (WD) but rather will be listed as a ‘Did Not Finish’.

Posting Tournament Scores

The MSGA will post all individual stroke play rounds to each player’s GHIN account after each round is completed. Players must post each four-ball and match play score as a tournament round on their own. Should a player wish to post statistics to their GHIN they should contact the MSGA directly. The tournament slope/rating will be posted on the tournament page.

Practice Rounds

The MSGA will make every effort to ensure practice round availability for championships and qualifiers. The practice round policy (including days and times) for any event is determined by the host club and can be viewed on the tournament event page. During a practice round, players should not play additional practice shots except on the putting green if such practice does not delay play.

Starting Times & Tee Time Requests

Starting times will be emailed to the field seven (7) days prior to the start of the event via email. Tee time requests can be submitted, however they should be sent as soon as possible. The MSGA does not guarantee the request will be accommodated. Tee time requests for USGA qualifiers will not be granted. To submit a request please use the following staff contact:

Transportation

One-Seat Policy: A player and their caddie may ride in a golf cart during a round but both may not ride at the same time. Players can also ride in a golf cart with another player’s caddie in it if that player’s caddie is not riding in another cart at the same time. Players are responsible for the actions of their caddie. Intentional disregard for the policy may result in Code of Conduct penalties, including disqualification.

Carts: Motorized transportation is permitted at various MSGA events except for the Girls Junior Amateur Championship. Please refer to the tournament event page of any specific event for information on carts. The MSGA will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis any request to use a cart in MSGA walking only championships due to a disability. Players will need to submit necessary medical documentation in writing to Grace Appel, Manager of Development & Programming, 10455 Falls Road, Lutherville, MD 21093 or grace@msga.org. These requests must be received by the MSGA no later than 10 days before the entry deadline. Requests due to temporary injuries or impairments that do not qualify as a disability under the ADA will not be granted.

Spectator Carts: Spectator carts are not permitted at MSGA events. Spectators who comply to ADA standards may request golf carts. Request for golf carts must be submitted with medical documentation in writing. Requests must be received by the MSGA no later than 7 days before the start of the event. Requests due to temporary injuries or impairments that do not qualify as a disability under the ADA will not be granted.

Waiting List/On Site Waiting List

Entries received after the field limit has been reached will be placed on a waiting list. Applicants will be ranked on the waiting list in the order their application was received by the MSGA unless otherwise specified on the entry form.

NEW IN 2023 – On-Site Waiting List: Players who have previously registered for the event and have been placed on the waiting list are eligible to be placed on an on-site waiting list. Players wishing to be added to the on-site waiting list will need to text or call 410-943-2377 30 minutes prior to the start of the event. Players will be added to the list on a first come, first served basis. If a player in the event fails to show up at the starting tee at their designated tee time, an on-site waiting list player will be called. If the player does not show within five minutes, the on-site waiting list player’s ball will be in play.

Walking Required Championships

The Maryland Women’s Amateur is a walking only event. Players can either carry their own bag or use a caddie.

For players wishing to request the use of transportation during other events, please see the ‘Transportation’ policy tab.

Withdrawal/Refund Policy

A withdrawal made prior to five days of the event will receive a refund minus a $25 processing fee. To withdraw prior to the entry deadline, players should do so through their Golf Genius user profile. After the entry deadline has passed players should call the MSGA at 410-653-5300 or email the staff in charge listed below. There will not be a refund if a withdrawal is received less than seven days prior to the event without a written medical excuse. Please use the following staff contacts to withdraw:

Policies updated and effective as of March 11, 2026

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

PRACTICE ROUNDS – The practice round policy for any event is determined by the host club.

WITHDRAWAL/REFUND POLICY – A withdrawal made prior to seven days of the event will receive a full refund. There will not be a refund if a withdrawal is received less than seven days prior to the event without a written medical excuse. Please contact either the Officer-in-Charge or boatwright@msga.org or 410-653-5300 to notify us of a withdrawal to ensure that an alternate has a fair opportunity to play.

WAITING LIST – Entries received after the field limit has been reached will be placed on a waiting list. Applicants will be ranked on the waiting list in the order their application was received by the MSGA, unless otherwise specified on the entry form.

PARTNER SUBSTITUTIONS (TEAM COMPETITIONS) – If a team needs to substitute a player after submitting an entry, please contact boatwright@msga.org or 410-653-5300. Please provide the substitute’s name, contact information, date of birth and club affiliation. The substitute and team must meet the eligibility requirements listed on the entry form.

DRESS CODE – Players will abide by the dress code of the host club. If there are questions, please check with the host club regarding their policy.

BALL PLAYED from OUTSIDE RELIEF AREA WHEN TAKING BACK-ON-the-LINE RELIEF – Local Rule as prescribed in the Clarifications to the 2019 Rules of Golf is in effect. Model Local Rule E-12.

CODE of CONDUCT – See separate memorandum to players for code of conduct policy.

DAMAGED AREAS TYING INTO ARTIFICIALLY SURFACED ROADS and PATHS – Areas of damaged ground (whether white-lined or not) and the artificially surfaced roads, paths or other identified obstructions that they are connected to are treated as a single abnormal course condition when taking relief under Rule 16.1.

GROUND UNDER REPAIR – Defined by white lines. French drains are ground under repair. Ground under repair may include areas of unusual damage, including areas where spectators or other traffic has combined with wet conditions to affect materially the ground surface, but only when so declared by an authorized member of the Committee. When immediately adjacent to an immovable obstruction, such an area is part of that obstruction.

INTEGRAL OBJECTS – Include cables, rods, wires and wrappings when closely attached to trees, and artificial walls and pilings when located in penalty areas and bunkers, and bunker liners. An exposed bunker liner may be treated as ground under repair, but interference does not exist if the liner interferes with only the player’s stance.

LIST of CONFORMING DRIVER HEADS – Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule G-1.

LIST of CONFORMING GOLF BALLS – Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule G-3.

MULCH and WOOD CHIPS – Are loose impediments unless otherwise provided for in the Notice to Players.

OUT of BOUNDS – When defined by reference to stakes or a fence, the line is determined by the nearest course-side points at ground level of the stakes or fence posts. When defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds.

PACE of PLAY – See separate memorandum to players for pace of play policy, when applicable.

PENALTY AREAS – When a penalty area is defined on only one side, it extends to infinity. When a penalty area is connected to the out-of-bounds edge, the penalty area extends to and coincides with out of bounds.

PROHIBITING USE of SHOES with METAL or TRADITIONALLY DESIGNED SPIKES – Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule G-7.

RELIEF from SEAMS of CUT TURF (SOD SEAMS) – Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule F-7.

REPLACEMENT of BROKEN or SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGED CLUB – Local Rule as prescribed in the Clarifications to the 2019 Rules of Golf is in effect. Model Local Rule G-9.

STOPPING and RESUMING PLAY – Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule J-1. All practice areas are closed during an immediate suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open. Players who practice on closed practice areas will be asked to stop practicing; failure to stop practicing might result in disqualification. An immediate suspension will be signaled by one prolonged air horn note. All other types of suspension will be signaled by three consecutive air horn notes. Resumption of play will be signaled by two short air horn notes.

TEMPORARY IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS – Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule F-23.

USE of AUDIO and VIDEO DEVICES – Electronic devices may be used in accordance with the Rules of Golf and any Local Rules and Terms of the Competition in effect. These devices are not to be used in a manner that distracts other players. A violation could be regarded as unbecoming conduct and constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including disqualification for serious misconduct.

WHEN COMPETITION is FINAL – The competition is final when the trophy has been presented to the winner or, in the absence of a prize ceremony, when all scores have been approved by the Committee. The result of a match is final when the Committee has approved the result as posted on the public scoreboard.

DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE LOCAL RULES & TERMS OF THE COMPETITION

PACE OF PLAY POLICY

Rule 5.6a states, in part: “A player must not unreasonably delay play, either when playing a hole or between two holes.” To encourage and enforce prompt play, the Committee has adopted the following Local Rule setting a Pace of Play Policy to be used at all MSGA competitions.

Definition of “Out of Position”

The first group to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, the group is behind the prescribed schedule as detailed on the score card for that round in stroke play, or behind the time prescribed here for match play: the time limit for each four-ball match will be 17 minutes to play par 5’s, 15 minutes for par 4’s, and 13 minutes for par 3’s, and for each singles match will be 14 minutes to play par 5’s, 12 minutes for par 4’s, and 10 minutes for par 3’s. In both match and stroke play, any following group will be considered out of position if it completes play of a hole (replaces the flagstick) later than the maximum allowable time and: a) reaches a par-3 hole and all players in the preceding group have played their strokes from the teeing area of the next hole; b) reaches a par-4 or par-5 hole which is not open, but which becomes open before all players in the group have played their strokes from the teeing area; or c) reaches a par-4 or par-5 hole which is open.

Notification

If a group is out of position, the players in that group may be monitored and timed for failing to comply with this Pace of Play Policy. A member of the Committee will notify a group if it is to be monitored and timed. This notification will be made after all players have left the putting green and before any player plays from the next teeing area.

Timing and Penalties

When a group is being monitored and timed, each player in the group is expected to play any stroke within 40 seconds after the timing of the player’s stroke starts. Other than on the putting green, the timing of a player’s stroke will start when she has had sufficient time to reach the ball, it is her turn to play and she is able to play without interference or distraction. Time taken to determine distance and select a club will count as time taken for the next stroke. On the putting green, timing will start when the player has had a reasonable amount of time to mark, lift, clean and replace the ball, repair damage that interferes with her line of play and remove loose impediments on her line of play. Time spent looking at the line of play from beyond the hole and/or behind the ball will count as time taken for the next stroke.

Note: The Committee reserves the right, at any time, to time a group when the Committee deems it necessary. Players should also be aware that the Committee may assess a “bad time” to a player in a group which is out of position if the player makes no effort to help her group get back in position. An example of this would be a player who unduly delays play between shots.

The following are the penalties for any player in a group being timed who takes more than the maximum time to play a stroke after timing of the player’s stroke starts:

Match Play: 1^st breach – loss of hole; 2^nd breach – loss of hole; 3^rd breach – disqualification (applicable to the side in four-ball match play);

Stroke Play: 1^st breach – one stroke; 2^nd breach – additional two strokes; 3^rd breach – disqualification (applicable to the side in four-ball stroke play).

If a group that has been timed regains its proper position, any previous offenses will be carried over for the remainder of the round in the event that the group requires additional timing.

If a ruling or some other legitimate delay occurs and causes a group to lose its position, that group is expected to regain its position within a reasonable time.

In match play, in the absence of an MSGA Rules Official, a side may make a timely request for a ruling if they feel that this pace of play is not being maintained by their opponents.

DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE PACE OF PLAY POLICY

The MSGA Code of Conduct applies to Competitive and Practice Rounds.Players may be warned, penalized or disqualified for violations of the Code of Conduct (including violations by their caddies). Further, the MSGA may reject an entry application, revoke an accepted application, expel from the tournament and/or suspend a player from future tournaments if the player, their caddie or family members engage in conduct detrimental to the integrity and image of the game of golf and/or public confidence in the MSGA.

DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY