General Rules

The Tournament Committee suggests that if the following General Rules are followed, it will make the day more enjoyable for all:

1. Check in at registration table immediately upon arrival. Have your putter marked with tape at the check-in table. All guests also need to check in personally.

2. Please do not move your cart until the announcement is made to proceed to your assigned tee.

3. Rules of Play

A. USGA rules apply except for course “local” rules and OCSGA “local” rules noted below, on your scorecard, or on the tournament Rules Sheet. B. All play will be from the men’s tee markers as specified by the Tournament Committee for each tournament.

Tournament Pairings Policy

The Tournament Director shall decide the pairings for each event. 

Considerations include:

• Pairing members and guests.
• Pairing by index, if the competition format requires.
• Pairing to obtain a balance of team handicaps within a team flight.
• Pairing of candidates with a member evaluator from a different club.
• Pairing to accommodate special requests.
• Pairing to encourage players from different clubs to mix.
• Placing the President on the first tee.
• Placing the tournament committee to allow timely access to the scoring area.

Team Captain Duties

The low handicap member in each foursome will act as team Captain and has the following duties:

• .Maintain proper pace of play.
• Ensure team compliance with the USGA Rules of Golf, the OCSGA local rules and course local rules.
• Complete the Official Scorecard
• Compare the Official and Attest Scorecards for agreement.
• Sign the card and have it attested by another team member.
• Promptly deliver the Official Scorecard to the Pro Shop or a member of the Tournament Committee on completion of play.

Guest Policy

Guests shall observe proper golf etiquette and pace of play.

Guests may be registered for Association events in advance.  Member priority over guests is specified in the Association’s Event Entry Priorities rule above.

Guests' event fees will include a surcharge of approximately 10%  Spouses, significant others and member candidates will be excluded from this surcharge.  Guest surcharge fees collected may be applied toward membership dues, not to exceed $250, if the guest joins within one year of the event.  

Awards Policy

For all tournaments, a portion of the entry fee shall be used for prizes. These prizes may be in the form of cash, negotiable gift certificates or merchandise. Gross scores may be recognized, but the majority of prizes shall be awarded for net scores competition.  Prizes for annual awards shall be determined by the Board.

Ties for awards will be decided by matching scorecards.  If more than one round was played, the winner is determined by the best score for the last round. If the tying players have the same score for the last round or if the competition consists of a single round, the winner is determined based on the score for the last nine holes, last six holes, last three holes and finally the 18th hole. If there is still a tie, then the last six holes, three holes and final hole of the first nine holes will be considered in turn.

OCSGA Local Rules

The USGA Rules of Golf, the following Association Local Rules and the Rules specific to the event course govern all play.  Rules may be noted on the event scorecard or tournament rules sheet.

Conceded Putts:  Only putts within 20” of the hole may be conceded.  A marked putter shall be used to measure balls which are near that limit.

Balls Lost or Out of Bounds:  If no provisional ball was played, drop a ball within two club lengths of the nearest fairway edge, no closer to the hole, for a two stroke penalty.

Maximum Score:  Do not record more than a net double bogey on a hole.  Pick up once that score is reached.

Additional Relief Area:  Balls entering a penalty area may be dropped on the hole side of the penalty area, for a one stroke penalty.

Pace of Play:  Play ready golf.  Keep up with the group in front of you.  Comply with course marshal.  If requested to skip a hole, record Maximum Score.

Remember, gentlemen, we are guests of the local country club, so please observe good golf etiquette. Failure to do so may result in the inability of the OCSGA to book the club as a future tournament venue.

In particular all players must be dressed appropriately in country club golfing attire.  All players must wear collared shirts tucked in at all times, no cargo shorts or jeans, all shorts shall be above the knee, but no more than 4″ above, and brimmed hats are never to be worn in reverse. The Chairman of the Tournament Committee may request any player arriving at the venue inappropriately dressed to correct it by buying appropriate attire in the Golf Shop or to leave the premises at the potential loss of his entry fee.

The OCSGA Club General Rules are prepared and approved by the Board of Directors.