STMGC Local Rules

1. Anywhere in the General Area, a ball embedded in its own pitch mark in the ground, except in loose sand, may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to the spot where it lay, but not nearer the hole. Local Rule under Rule 16.3 (Embedded Ball).
2. Free relief is provided from flower beds and cart paths, including the area encompassed by the loop of the cart path near the eighteenth green. Relief is available under Rule 16.1 (Abnormal Course Conditions).
3. Even on temporary greens, the ball must be holed out. The two-putt maximum rule is not in effect during STMGC tournaments and is not permitted under the Rules of Golf for stroke play competitions.
4. A player may obtain distance information by using a Distance Measuring Device (DMD) as permitted under Rule 4.3a(1). If the DMD also includes functions that measure elevation change (slope) or wind speed, use of the device is permitted provided those functions are not utilized.
   
   Penalty for first breach: General Penalty (two strokes).
   Penalty for second breach: Disqualification.
5. Out of Bounds is defined by all boundary fences bordering the course, Right of OB stakes on holes 3, 11, 12 and 18, and the Beyond OB stake on the 9th green.
6. Bark under trees is considered part of the playable area. No free relief is provided.
7. A ball striking overhead wires must be replayed from the original position without penalty.
8. A ball striking a steel tower is in play. The steel tower itself is an immovable obstruction and relief is available for stance or swing interference only under Rule 16.1.
9. Staked trees are protected. Players must take free relief when their stance or swing might injure the tree.
10. Penalty Areas are defined by yellow stakes or lines.
11. Red Penalty Areas are defined by red stakes or lines.
12. In the General Area, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to the spot where it lay, but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must first strike a part of the General Area.
    
    On the putting green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be placed at the nearest spot not nearer the hole that avoids the situation.
13. Abnormal Course Conditions include temporary water, ground under repair, holes, casts and runways made by animals, and immovable obstructions such as cart paths and sprinkler heads. Relief is available under Rule 16.1.
14. When a player’s ball or ball-marker on the putting green is accidentally moved by the player, partner, opponent, caddie or equipment, there is no penalty and the ball or ball-marker must be replaced in accordance with Rule 13.1d.
15. Playing and Listening to Music
    

    Music is permitted during STMGC tournaments with the following guidelines:

    • Confirm on the first tee that everyone in the group is comfortable with music being played.
    • Music volume should remain low enough that it cannot be heard more than approximately 50 feet away.
    • Be courteous to nearby groups, especially where greens and tees are close together.
    • If another group requests the music be turned down or off, please comply graciously.
    • Music is not permitted during NCGA Qualifier events.

    Note: Listening to music to eliminate distractions or assist with swing tempo is addressed under Rule 4.3a.

16. Model Local Rule E-5
    Alternative to Stroke and Distance for Lost Ball or Ball Out of Bounds

    When a provisional ball has not been played, significant pace of play issues can result if a player must return to the location of the previous stroke. This Local Rule provides an additional relief option that allows a player to continue play without returning to the previous spot.

    For a complete explanation, click here.

17. Model Local Rule F-5
    Relief from Interference by an Immovable Obstruction Near the Putting Green

    Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be taken under Rule 16.1.

    Additional relief is available when the obstruction is close to the putting green and on the player’s line of play when:

    • The obstruction is on the line of play.
    • The obstruction is within two club-lengths of the putting green.
    • The obstruction is within two club-lengths of the ball.

    Exception: Relief is not available if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable.

18. Rule 20.1c(3): If you know or believe another player has breached the Rules and does not recognize or is ignoring the breach, you should inform that player, the player’s marker, a referee or the Committee as soon as possible and certainly before the player returns his or her scorecard.
    
    Failure to do so may constitute serious misconduct and could result in disqualification.