The Masters Rules

Rules

Stableford

  • The competition day will be a Stableford format. Each player has been given a Handicap by CGA. Handicaps affect how many strokes have been allowed for on each hole compared to another player. (For more information on Stableford Rules see https://socialgolfaustralia.com.au/the-golf-beginners-guide-to-scoring/)

    Putting & General Play

  • Rule 1.1 - No Gimmes on any hole. All putts must be made by the player whose ball it is.

  • Rule 1.2 - If you are putting you are not allowed to touch the ball including aligning or adjusting if it is off the green unless you have an obstruction (ie sprinkler head - see Rule 3.3).

  • Rule 1.3 - There are no Mulligans.  All shots made must be counted.

    Lost Ball Rule

  • Rule 2.1 - You have 3 minutes to search & find your ball.

  • Rule 2.2 - If your ball cannot be found you must take a drop - 1 stroke penalty. Drop the ball anywhere on its original flight line, not adjacent or level with where you think it landed (see diagram 1). Consult with one of your playing partners to determine your drop zone.

    Hitting a ‘provisional ball' is another available option which will also attract a 1 stroke penalty.

Diagram 1

Unplayable Ball

  • Rule 3.1 - It is the player who’s ball it is that deems the ball is unplayable.

  • Rule 3.2 -If a ball is deemed unplayable, a 2 club length relief (no closer to the hole) can be taken - 1 stroke penalty.

  • Rule 3.3 - If the ball is unplayable due to a non-course obstacle like bollards, sprinklers, etc. then the player can take a 2 club length relief (no closer to the hole) without penalty. Consult with one of your playing partners to help determine relief.

  • Rule 3.4 - If you are in a bunker and the ball is unplayable (plugged in the wall) the relief drop must be taken within the bunker on the line of relief* for a 1 stroke penalty. Alternatively you can drop the ball outside of the bunker, away from the green on the line of relief* and not closer to the hole for a 2 shot penalty. (See Diagram 2)

Diagram 2

  • Rule 3.5 - If your ball lands on a path a player can take relief at the nearest point of relief. The players stance can be affected by the nearest point of relief if that stance is still on the path (See Diagram 3 - RH Player). Taking relief in this situation does not incur a penalty.

Diagram 3

Slow Play Rule

  • Rule 4.1 - Once a player has exceeded four shots over par then they should pick-up. (Note: As we are playing a Stableford competition your score will not be affected)

    Wet Weather Rules

  • Rule 5.1- Whenever you can see standing water (puddle) under your feet or your ball you are allowed free relief at the nearest point where there is no standing water. This applies on fairways, in the rough, in bunkers and on the putting green.

  • Rule 5.2 - If a ball is plugged in muddy, soft ground either on the fairway or in the rough due to wet weather conditions and it is unplayable then, relief can be taken within 2 club lengths, not closer to the hole, for no penalty.

  • Rule 5.3 - If conditions are very bad a 'Lift, clean & place’ rule could be implemented - this will be advised on the day prior to play commencing.

    *Line of Relief - Line between where your ball has landed and the hole.