Policies

One-Day Events – Rules & Policies

To ensure that our members have the best possible experience when participating in Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) events, it is helpful to be knowledgeable of the following information. Upon submitting an entry form, all players have agreed to abide by all MSGA rules and policies. Entries may be refused by the MSGA or the host club at any time, including during the tournament. The reason for rejection may include unbecoming conduct, such as violation of host club policies, or the failure to comply with the requirements of the handicap system. Final decisions on these matters will be made by the MSGA One-Day Committee.

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Age Requirements: The minimum age for entry is 13 years of age as of the tournament date. Players age 17 years or younger must have written consent from a parent/guardian.

Practice Rounds: The practice round policy for any event is determined by the host club. During any practice round, the player should not play additional practice shots except on the putting green if such practice does not delay play.

Withdrawal/Refund Policy: A withdrawal made prior to seven days of the event will receive a refund minus a $25.00 processing fee. 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 Kevin Crowley Jr. at kcrowley@msga.org or 410-653-5300 x 203 to withdraw.

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.

Partner Substitutions: If a team needs to substitute a player after submitting an entry form, please contact Kevin Crowley Jr. at kcrowley@msga.org or 410-653-5300 x 203. 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. Any on-site partner substitutions may result in the new partner playing at scratch.

Dress Code: Appropriate golf attire as determined by the host club is required. Knee-length shorts are acceptable. Metal and ceramic spikes are prohibited and the penalty for breach is disqualification.

Transportation: Cart use is required for tournament rounds and caddies are not allowed. Spectator carts are not permitted.

Handicaps: The MSGA validates/monitors handicap indexes and reserves the right to adjust course handicaps and/or withhold prizes for competitors whose handicaps are considered unrealistic or who have participated in a disproportionate share of MSGA prize distribution.

No Show / No Card: A team that is a “no show” (DNS) or “no card” (NC) risks suspension from the remaining MSGA One-Day events for that season.

Tee Time Requests: Requests will be accepted, but courtesy pairings are not allowed.

Club Groove Policy: The groove condition effective for all USGA Championships starting in 2014 will NOT be implemented in MSGA One-Day events. This groove condition has been utilized in the US Open, US Women’s Open and US Senior Open Championships since 2010 as well as at various qualifying levels related to these championships in the last four years. Now the condition will apply throughout the full range of USGA^® Championships and Qualifiers.

One-Ball Rule: The so-called “One Ball Rule” is NOT in effect at MSGA One-Day events.

LOCAL RULES

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.

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. 

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.

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.

TRANSPORTATION – Players must not ride on any form of transportation during a stipulated round unless allowed on the Notice to Players or otherwise authorized by the Committee. Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures in in effect. Model Local Rule G-6.

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.

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

PACE OF PLAY MEMORANDUM

The MSGA strives to create an atmosphere where each player can enjoy our events. Playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course; it is simply about being more efficient with your valuable time, as well as everyone else’s. Adopting this mindset – and not being afraid to share it with your fellow players – will ultimately add enjoyment to your golf experience. Please observe the following guidelines to help ensure a pleasant tournament experience for all:

• Keep up with the group in FRONT of you: Your correct position on the course is immediately behind the group in front of you. Please see Definition of “Out of Position” below for guidelines regarding the group ahead of you.
• Minimize your time on the tee: On the tee it is usually acceptable for players to “hit when ready.” You can also save time by playing a provisional ball (Rule 18.3) if you think your original ball might be lost or out of bounds.
• Be ready to play when it is your turn
• Be efficient on the putting green: Mark your ball and lift and clean it when you arrive at the putting green so you will be ready to replace it when it is your turn to play. You can usually line up your putt while others are putting, without disturbing them. Leave your clubs on the side of the putting green closest to the next tee, and leave the green promptly after holing out. Wait until the next tee to record your score.
• Remember that picking up your ball is permitted by the World Handicap System: In a best-ball format, it is generally OK to pick up your ball if you are “out” of a hole and want to maintain pace of play.
• Aim to play in 20 seconds: From club selection to pre-shot routine to execution, strive to hit your shot in 20 seconds when it is your turn to play. Help keep play moving at a brisk pace.
• Keep time taken at the snack bar or between nines to a minimum

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. Any following group will be considered out of position if it (a) is taking more than the allotted time to play and (b) reaches the teeing ground of a par-3 hole and the preceding group has cleared the next tee; reaches the tee of a par-4 hole and the putting green is clear; or reaches the teeing ground of a par-5 hole when the preceding group is on the putting green.

If an official approaches you about being out of position, it is an effort to improve the quality of the event so everyone can enjoy themselves. Please be respectful of the officials and the other players and do your part to help improve the pace of play.

If everyone does their part, then 4 ½ hours should be the maximum time taken to play a round of golf at an MSGA One-Day event. Your MSGA issued score card will have the acceptable pace of play per hole printed on it.

Thank you for your efforts to improve the quality of our One-Day events!