Format & Scoring

1 · Format

How We Play

1.1

Gross stroke play

Every event is 18 holes of individual gross stroke play . You count every stroke, no handicap strokes are given or received, and the lowest gross score in each flight wins.
1.2

Rules of Golf

Play is governed by the USGA Rules of Golf , plus the tour's local rules below and any local rules posted by the host course. Where they conflict, the course's posted local rules apply.
1.3

Hole out

Every hole must be completed. Gimmes aren't allowed in stroke play, and a player who doesn't hole out is disqualified under Rule 3.3c.
1.4

Tees

Each flight plays the tees set for it at each event, announced with tee times. Every player in a flight plays the same tees.
1.5

Groupings and tee times

Groups are made up of players from the same flight wherever possible and are published 48 hours before the event. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your tee time. A player who isn't ready to start on time is penalized under Rule 5.3a: 2 strokes if within 5 minutes, otherwise disqualification.

2 · Local Rules

USGA Model Local Rules in effect at every event unless the host course says otherwise.

2.1

Distance-measuring devices

Rangefinders and GPS devices that measure distance are allowed (Model Local Rule G-5). Slope and wind features must be turned off.
2.2

Preferred lies

Preferred lies may be announced on the day for wet conditions. When in effect, a ball in a closely mown area through the green may be lifted, cleaned and placed within one club-length, no nearer the hole.
2.3

Lost ball or out of bounds

The alternative to stroke-and-distance is in effect (Model Local Rule E-5). Instead of returning to the previous spot, a player may drop in the fairway area alongside for two penalty strokes. This keeps play moving.
2.4

Carts

Course cart rules, such as 90-degree or cart path only, must be followed.

3 · Scoring

3.1

Marking cards

Your marker, a playing partner, keeps your scorecard. Check your hole-by-hole scores, sign the card and return it to the scoring table within 15 minutes of finishing.
3.2

Wrong score

Under Rule 3.3b, returning a score lower than you actually made on any hole is a disqualification. A score higher than you made stands as returned.
3.3

Ties in a flight

Ties for a paid place or for points aren't played off. The prize money and points for the tied places are combined and split evenly. For example, two players tied for 2nd in a top-3 payout split 2nd- and 3rd-place money.
3.4

Ties for the win

A tie for 1st is decided for the title by matching scorecards: lowest back 9, then last 6, last 3 and the 18th hole. Money and points for the tied places are still combined and split.
3.5

Score posting

The tour posts every event score to GHIN as a competition score . These are the rounds used to calculate Tournament Index.

4 · Skins

Both skins games are optional and paid in cash on the day.

4.1

Flighted skins ($20)

Gross skins within your flight. A skin goes to the only player in the flight with the lowest score on a hole. There are no carryovers , and the pot is split evenly by the number of skins won. If no skins are won, entries are refunded.
4.2

Super skin ($10)

One skins game across the whole field, every flight together. A skin goes to the only player in the field with the lowest gross score on a hole. The pot is split evenly by skins won. If no skins are won, entries are refunded.

5 · Pace of Play

Rounds have a 4½-hour cap, and starting groups are expected to finish in under 4. The group in front sets the pace for everyone.

5.1

Out of position

A group is out of position when it is more than one full hole behind the group ahead, or over the posted time at a checkpoint after holes 6, 12 and 18.
5.2

Ready golf

Play ready golf: hit when you're ready, keep searches to the 3-minute limit and record scores at the next tee.
5.3
Penalties

For a group that stays out of position after being told:
- First breach: a warning to the group
- Second breach: 2 penalty strokes for each player in the group
- Third breach: Skip hole(s) till back in position and take matching score of highest player in flight for hole(s) skipped
- Fourth breach: disqualification
If one player caused the delay, the group can ask the Committee to apply the penalty to that player only.