RULES & REGULATIONS
Overview
For the convenience of our members and guest, we are making available the rules and regulations for USGA and UCFGA online. Our goal is to help educate our members and provide quick reference to the rules of the game.
- USGA Rules HUB
- Rules of Golf – Approved by R&A Rules Limited and United States Golf Association
All UCFGA tournaments are subject to the USGA Rules of Golf with a few exceptions. These are local UCFGA rules to assist with pace of play and, in general, make the golf more enjoyable and less punishing. Let’s review these exceptions.
Mulligans - UCFGA Rule #1
Movement of Ball in the Fairway - UCFGA Rule #2 (Updated 12/9/2017)
At times, players may experience poor conditions on the course due to either poor course management or player negligence. If a player deems his lie unfavorable, the ball may be moved a maximum of 6 inches anywhere on the course but no closer to the hole. Movement of the ball is for lie improvement only. If you’re on the edge of the rough, hazard or out of bounds, you must maintain that ball position. You cannot move the ball in-bounds, out of the hazard, out of a bunker or from the rough to the fairway. Golf balls that are plugged on the course may be marked, lifted, cleaned and replaced within the distance as described above with no penalty. Additionally, if mud or another type of debris is on the ball, it may be marked, lifted, cleaned and replaced within the distance as described above with no penalty.
No Loss of Distance - UCFGA Rule #3
Triple-Bogey Maximum - UCFGA Rule #4
To maintain the pace of play, UCFGA has a maximum triple-bogey rule in effect for each round. If a player does not hole out on their stroke for double-bogey (+2), the ball must be picked up and a triple bogey (+3) must be scored for that hole. The maximum number of strokes played on each hole is:
- Par-5 Holes: Seven (7) strokes
- Par-4 Holes: Six (6) strokes
- Par-3 Holes: Five (5) strokes