JackPot Golfing Series Rules
The Jackpot Golfing Series is a member only competitive tournament format using 100% handicap. There are two divisions based on skill level in both team and individual competitions. An 80% payout from each Jackpot will be paid to the top 10% finishers. Accumulative annual earnings can qualify a team or individual for an end of the year finale to win a salary worthy jackpot. You don’t have to be a pro to earn winnings playing a skilled sport!
Rule 1- How it works. Each player shall carry themselves in a professional manner at all times and must wear proper attire. Proper attire includes a polo shirt (long or short sleeve), hat, and slacks or shorts that are in good taste and include a belt loop. Gym shorts are not allowed. Players also need to wear closed toed shoes or golf shoes. The game of golf is based on honesty and integrity and the Jackpot Golfing Series will not tolerate any one who jeopardizes this premise. Each player will abide by the rules and obey course markings.
There will be a partner finder option if you need a partner for the best ball tournament. We will do our best to match you with someone and will try to match you with a player of similar skill level.
You must have a photo ID when showing up for your tee time in an entered tournament and must present it to the pro shop prior to starting your round. Failure to present a photo ID will result in a forfeit of your entry fee and the player will not be able to compete. This is to ensure players are playing as themselves and not someone else. If a player is caught trying to cheat and play as someone else they will be terminated from the association and all their winnings and entry fees will be forfeited to the JPGS. This will not be tolerated. Winnings that an individual accrues throughout the year will receive a 1099 form at the end of the year. W-9’s will have to be filled out prior to collecting your winnings.
Disclaimer: Any situation or scenario that arises that is not covered in the rules shall have a best judgement determined by the JPGS or designee. A designee shall be a judge at the course hosting the event.
Disclaimer: The JPGS does not take any responsibility for an injury that may occur to an individual while participating in any JPGS events. It is at the risk of the individual player.
Rule 1.1- Format
There are two formats that will be utilized in our tournaments. They will include individual net play and two-man best ball using 100% of each player’s handicap. There will be two divisions for individual play. Players with a handicap of 15 and below will be the elite division. Players with a handicap of 16-30 will be the champion division. 30 is the max handicap a player can have. This will be correlated to your ability level. If the two divisions are uneven, the JPGS may adjust as necessary to make each division equal in number of players. This goes for the team divisions also. There will be two divisions for two-man best ball as well. In the two-man best ball, the two divisions will be a combined handicap of 30 and below still known as the elite division and 31-60 for the champion division. If a player wants to play up a division that is fine but they will only receive the max amount of strokes allowed for the division. For example, if you are a 17 handicap and you play in the elite division, you will only receive 15 strokes on your handicap. You may not play down a division. These tournaments will be based on 18 holes. Upon completion of the round each player is responsible for signing the official scorecard validating their score after each member in the group has agreed on the score. Each member is also responsible for putting their “pops” on their scorecard and having the other players in your group verify they are correct. That goes for individual and team best ball. A picture of the scorecard will then be taken by someone in the group along with each group member’s photo ID in the picture and as a whole the group will watch the scorecard get e-mailed to info@jackpotgolfingseries.com. This is to ensure that the group is playing as they say they are. If each member of the group wants to get a copy of the email the player sending the scorecard will send it to each member at that time. If there is a discrepancy with the hard copy that was turned in to the judge and the one e-mailed, we will use the one e-mailed because each member will have agreed and signed off on the scorecard and watched it get e-mailed. Once the scorecard is sent the scorecard will be given to the judge for that day so it can be recorded. Each person’s team score or individual score needs to be recorded and agreed upon by the group before starting the next hole. For example, if you are a 15 handicap, you will get 15 “pops” on the 15 hardest holes. If your final gross score is 87, your net score will be 72. The winners will be based on net scores. In stroke play each participant will compete against all individuals or teams within your division and the rules will be applied equally to each participant. In team competition or best ball, if your partner gets disqualified for any reason the whole team does. There are no refunds for the team. You are responsible for yours and your teammate’s actions. If you get injured during the round and cannot finish, you forfeit your entry fee. If a teammate gets injured and cannot continue, you can continue to play for the team and use your scores as the team’s scores. If you decide not to continue your team will be disqualified and you will not get a refund.
Rule 1.2- Establishing your number/handicap
You will be required to answer the following questions and have 3 references that will validate what your scores are. This will establish what your handicap will be in the Jackpot Golfing Series. The Jackpot Golfing Series will continue to evaluate and accrue information on scores of players as they play in JPGS tournaments and will adjust each player’s handicap using a handicapping system. This is to ensure a fair and level playing field for all competitors competing in the Jackpot Golfing Series. We will use a handicapping system that will evaluate the scores put in and only JPGS scores will be used when calculating these handicaps.
1. What is your current handicap?
2. If you played ten rounds of golf what would you average?
3. List 3 names of people who will verify your skill level.
4. Is this information true and accurate?
5. What were the last 5 scores you had and what tees did you play from? What were the courses you played for the last 5 scores?
Note: If the JPGS finds you’re not being honest with your abilities, they reserve the right to adjust your number as they see fit, suspend you, or ban you from the organization. We will not tolerate people trying to inflate their handicap or cheat.
Once a handicap has been given to a member if there handicap is a .5 or higher there handicap will be rounded up. If it is a .4 or lower, it will be rounded down. For example, 10.5 would play as an 11, and 10.4 would play as a 10.
Rule 1.3- Memberships
You will be required to purchase a membership with the Jackpot Golfing Series in order to participate in our tournaments and collect winnings. The membership will also make you eligible for the finale at the end of the year. If you participate without a current membership you will not be eligible for any prize money and your entry fee will be forfeited. The membership will be $100.00 which becomes effective January 1st of the respective year and ends December 31st. Members who are 72 and older will receive free renewing memberships. You must be 18 years or older to participate in the Jackpot Golfing Series events. If you turn 18 in the calendar year of the events by the finale you are eligible to participate.
Rule 1.4- Tees
15 and under handicapped golfers or elite division golfers will tee off from the farther back tees than the champion division. The tees that they tee off from will be established before the start of the round. 16-30 handicapped golfers or champion division golfers will tee off on the next set of tees up. Women will tee off from the women’s tees. Seniors 65 and older will tee off from the senior tees. Team handicaps of 30 and under will tee off from the farther back tees than the champion division. Once again they will be determined prior to the start of the tournament. Team handicaps of 31-60 will tee off on the next set of tees up. Women from women’s tees. Seniors from senior tees. The tees are subject to change based on the course but will be consistent for the tournament. The women’s tees and senior’s tees will not change.
Rule 1.5- Payout
There will be an 80% payout on all Jackpot Golfing Series events. You must earn $1,000 individually or $2,000 dollars per team to qualify for the finale. The finale will be a $1,000 entry fee for individuals and $2,000 for two man teams. You may use accumulated earnings to qualify for the finale. You will be eligible to qualify in both events. Upon winning your qualifying spot, your entry must be paid within 30 days of winning or you will pay a late fee of $300. The finale will be conducted in October of this year and it will be a three day event for both individual and team with a cut being made after the first two days. If you make the cut and play in the third round you are guaranteed money. If needed, there will be regional qualifiers to qualify for the finale because of the number of participants competing or we will add divisions to accommodate more golfers. That will be advertised and relayed to golfers competing. At each JPGS event we will payout the top 10%. For example if we have 33 teams entered we will pay top three. If we have 58 teams we will pay out top 5. This goes for both formats. We will always pay out at least the top two places no matter how many participants or teams we get. Anything over 29 participants or teams will follow the top 10% rule. You may direct enter after November 1st depending on availability. Direct entries will be taken until all slots are filled up for both formats. The direct entry amount will be $1300.00 per player and you must compete in at least two qualifying events during the year to be eligible for the direct entry. Participating in the individual tournament and the two-man best ball in the same weekend does not count as two events.
Rule 1.6- Player Conduct
Each group that plays together will be responsible for making sure each other’s scores are accurate. If a player continues to have their scores or strokes come into question they may be suspended from the Jackpot Golfing Series for a period of time and any repeat offenses may disqualify them for life. We do not tolerate cheating. The group shall come to an agreement on what the score for an individual shall be and if it cannot be agreed upon the representative for the Jackpot Golfing Series will decide that persons score after a discussion is done amongst the group. If there is a question on the rules the representative shall be contacted and a ruling shall be decided prior to the ball being moved or hit. There are no “gimmees”, everything must be putted out.
1.7- Weather
In the event an event is not able to be produced because of the weather each contestant will be refunded their money until a make-up day can be made. If the event is in the middle of occurring and weather delays the event, an executive decision will be made whether to postpone it for another day and pick up where it is left off, continue after the weather breaks, or to refund the event and re-schedule completely.
1.8 Tiebreakers
If an individual or team is tied after 18 holes, they will split the money amongst those placing unless there is a tie for 1st and the course allows for a playoff between the players tied for 1st. In this case, they will start on hole #1 and will continue through the holes until a winner is decided. It will be process of elimination if there are more than two people tied. The strokes given on that hole will be determined by how the scorecard shows the “pops” you received on it during regular play. If a playoff is not played this is the example of how the payouts would work. A tie for 1st will split 1st and 2nd place money. If it’s a three way tie they will split 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place money and so on. In the finale, if there is a tie for 1st, then a playoff will happen to determine 1st place. The strokes given on that hole will be determined by how the scorecard shows the “pops” you received on it during regular play. Ties for 2nd and so on will remain tied and teams will split money for those places. For example, a tie for 2nd will split 2nd and 3rd place money. If it’s a three way tie they will split 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place money and so on. The additional holes are part of the same round, not a new round.
Rule 2-Rules of playing on the course
Note: The JPGS reserves the right to disqualify or remove any contestant for misrepresenting the sport, themselves, or the JPGS.
All players must play with honesty, take care of the course, be respectful of others, and play at a fast pace.
Rule 2.1- Application of Rules
Each player is responsible for applying the rules and being honest in applying their own penalties. If a player deliberately cheats they will be disqualified with no refund. If a team, or two or more players deliberately cheat, they will all be disqualified with no refund.
Rule 2.2- Questions regarding the rules
If there is a question by a player, they should seek help or find a judge that can help them make that determination within a reasonable timeframe. If there is no one to help, the player and group shall make a decision and address it with a judge when possible. Each player and group should use reasonable judgement when making a determination. Depending on the situation, some penalty strokes could be added to the golfer’s score depending on the ruling after the fact if a judge is not present at the moment to make a ruling. If the situation is ruled upon prior to another shot being made or in real time, the situation has been resolved and the golfer may move forward with the round. Players are encouraged to enforce the rules with each other and if a rule is breached, it shall be brought to the player’s attention as soon as possible. It shall be noted and marked as such and if further ruling is needed, it shall be done prior to the scorecard being turned in by JPGS or designee. Any major misconduct or major infractions could lead to disqualification and is not tolerated at any JPGS events. Judges are the officials named by the JPGS who will make the determination on a ruling based on the rules. Their ruling is final and the score of the golfer in question will reflect their ruling.
Rule 2.3- Penalties
A penalty stroke or strokes are applied when a rule is broken by the player or other players. A penalty may also occur if you see a player about to breach a rule and don’t prevent it from happening. Penalties are created to not allow any advantage to a player.
A one-stroke penalty should be applied if the breach of a rule is not a serious offense.
One-stroke penalty will also occur if a player moves the ball for relief away from the original spot it laid. (Exception: You will get to clean and place ball in the same area of where it came to rest if the ball is in the fairway no closer to the hole). If the ball is anywhere else other than the fairway the ball cannot be moved or a penalty will occur. If the ball is in the fairway, on the fringe, or on the green, the ball may be cleaned and placed. If on the green or on the fringe it must be marked prior to being picked up. If it is on the fairway the ball can be cleaned and placed in the same area where the ball came to rest no closer to the pin).
A two-stroke penalty occurs if the breach of a rule is more significant or creates a bigger advantage than a one-stroke penalty would create.
Disqualification can result from significant rule breaches or situations that would make the golfer’s scorecard not valid and the JPGS reserves the right to deem the infraction disqualification worthy.
If a penalty or wrong application is found and it is too late to correct, the penalty will stand.
If a player moves a ball when he is not supposed to, or does not mark a ball when picking it up, they will incur a one-stroke penalty.
If a player plays the wrong ball, they will incur a two-stroke penalty. They must find their ball and hit the correct ball. If they don’t find their ball they will incur another two stroke penalty using the lost ball ruling. The player whose ball was hit will take a free drop in the area of where their original ball was and will hit from there with no penalty. Players may switch out balls throughout the hole when allowed to pick up the ball and clean it. No balls shall be switched out if the ball is not supposed to be moved. A two-stroke penalty will occur if this rule is breached. It is the responsibility of the player to relay what ball they are playing to the group.
It is the player’s responsibility to tell their opponents about any stroke penalties they have incurred even if the opponents are not aware that a penalty has occurred.
If a player loses a ball, the penalty will be addressed as follows: For the elite division (15 and below), the player will take a drop back where they last hit their shot prior to the ball being lost if they don’t find their ball in the four minute time frame. For example, if you hit your second shot from the fairway and couldn’t find your ball, you would go back to where you hit from and drop your third shot and hit your fourth shot from there. For the champion division (16-30), the player will go to the area they are expecting the ball to be. They have four minutes to look for the ball and if they don’t find it the player will drop a ball back in play on the fairway laterally from where the ball was lost. That will cost them an unplayable ball along with a drop. So two strokes total will be accrued for a lost ball and they will hit from the fairway. The other option to a lost ball is to hit a provisional if you think you lost your ball. The provisional needs to be declared prior to hitting it and an additional stroke will be added to the provisional as well. For example, if you hit your second shot and feel it is lost, you can hit a provisional which means that you will take a drop which would be your third shot, and will hit four as your provisional. If you hit a second provisional the same procedures go for the second provisional as the first one. The provisional procedure would go for all divisions. If you hit your ball out of bounds on the drive, all divisions will hit their third shot from the tee boxes. Any division can hit a provisional if they choose to do so.
In the bunker you are not allowed to ground your club and take a practice swing in either division. The area shall be raked after your shot has been attempted.
A player may hit a provisional ball if they think their original shot may have gone out of bounds or is lost. If the original ball is found and in play the provisional shot may be picked up.
There is no penalty if a ball is seen where it landed and is moved by another person prior to the shot being made. The ball will be placed back in the original spot or general area if the exact spot is not known and there will be no penalty. This also goes if a ball is run over by a cart. The ball will be placed next to the spot it got run over and a similar lie will be created prior to it getting run over. There will be no penalty for this situation.
If an opponent finds a golfer has breached a rule the opponent needs to address the breach. If the opponent and player knows a rule has been broken and allows it to happen they both will be disqualified. If there is a question on the rule and the golfer and opponent disagree, they can ask for a ruling by the JPGS or designee.
Rule 2.4-Accumulation of strokes
Each stroke is accumulated throughout the round of 18 holes. Your total score is used as your gross score and your handicap will factor in to your net score. In best ball team play and individual play, you must have a score for each hole. For individual play you pick up at double par. For best ball team play, you pick up at triple bogey for the elite division (30 and under) and double par for the champion division (31-60).
Rule 2.5- Hazard
If you have a ball that goes into a hazard you must play the ball where it lies or take a stroke, go back in a straight line to the point of entry, and drop it from shoulder height with arm straight out no closer to the hole. This includes the water. If you hit your ball into the water, you go to point of entry into the water and take a penalty stroke by taking a drop. You may take the drop up to the point of entry or go as far back as you want in a straight line where the ball crossed the boundary into the water or if there is a designated drop area, you drop it there. The drop technique will be used and the ball shall be played as it lies once the ball has been dropped. You may ground your club and take practice swings in the hazard. Just make sure while attempting the practice strokes you don’t make the ball move, otherwise it’s a one-stroke penalty.
Rule 2.6-Unplayable
If your ball is unplayable, you get one club length no closer to the hole and you take a stroke penalty prior to hitting your next shot. You drop within the one club length using the same technique referenced in 2.5. The other option is to take a stroke penalty and you can go as far back as you want in a line with the point of entry and the tee box. It cannot be any closer to the hole and it cannot go laterally unless it stays within the one club length as stated above.
Rule 2.7- Lies
You will play the ball as it lies unless you are in the fairway, then you get to clean and place in the same area to give yourself a good lie, no closer to the hole. If you are on the fringe or green, you may mark and lift your ball. If you are moving something away from the ball and the ball moves you will be assessed a one-stroke penalty. The golfer will be given free relief in the following circumstances:
If there are abnormal course conditions which include ground under repair, animal holes, or temporary standing water.
You will also get a free drop if the ball is found to be plugged.
A ball may be lifted and placed right back down where it was only to help identify it. No cleaning of the ball is allowed.
If a ball lands on bleachers, or any movable object that would not normally be there, the player gets free relief and can drop the ball at the point of entry into the movable object without penalty. The player must drop the ball using the drop technique.
If a ball gets stuck in a tree, the player will take a one-stroke drop penalty in the area of where the ball would have fallen. The player will then use the drop technique to drop their ball.
If a ball gets picked up from its original location for identification purposes and the ball will not stay at rest in the exact same spot, the player must try to place it a second time. If it does not work again, the player will place it in the nearest spot possible not changing the lie they originally had. It will not be any closer to the hole. There will be no penalty for having to re-place it.
Cart paths- If the ball lands on the cart path, the player will be granted free relief. They get a drop using the drop technique on whatever side the ball is closest to. If the ball is in the middle, it goes to the fairway side. The drop can be a club length away from the cart path so that the footing for the golfer is not inhibited by the cart path. If the player attempts to drop the ball and it goes back to the cart path or inhibits the golfer’s stance, the ball shall be picked up and dropped a second time. If after the second time the same result occurs, the ball shall be placed in the correct area. This same rule applies for other situations that may arise where an additional drop is needed because of where the ball came to rest after being dropped. Once the ball lands and is in the correct area of where it should be and has stopped moving, the player has completed taking relief and must play the ball as it lies.
Rule 2.8- Out of Bounds
If your ball goes out of bounds you will take a stroke penalty and re-hit from the same spot you hit from previously before your ball went out of bounds. If you are on the tee you will re-hit from the tee box hitting three. Out of bounds will be designated by the individual course and if there is any question call the representative out to get clarification. If you think your ball may have gone out of bounds, hit a provisional so that you don’t have to go back to the original spot. Be sure to announce it is a provisional ball. This is to keep pace of play going. Be sure to identify what your provisional ball is so there is no confusion when finding the two balls. If you are not sure which ball is the original and which ball is the provisional, the ball found will be treated as the provisional and will become the ball in play with the penalty strokes. If you go out of bounds again and have to hit another provisional the same procedure continues for the second provisional as the first one and the strokes continue to accumulate. The ball is considered in bounds if any part of the ball is on the boundary line. The ball has to be completely out for it to be out of bounds. A player may stand out of bounds to hit their ball as long as any part of the ball is on the boundary line or in bounds.
Rule 3- How Scores Become Final
Rule 3.1- Scores become final once the golfer has signed the official score card and all other members of the group has signed it as well. A picture will then be taken with the official score card signed by all four golfers along with each photo ID for each player. This is to ensure the players are who they say they are. The photo will be e-mailed to info @jackpotgolfingseries.com. The official score card will then be turned in to the pro shop where it will be recorded on the leader board. Any discrepancies need to be dealt with by the JPGS committee or designee. Once the card is signed by all members and has been turned in to the committee the score is final. The master score card must have all of the golfers scores on the same card with all of their signatures present. This is for the individual tournament. Also, once again make sure your “pops” are filled out correctly on the scorecard based on your handicap. It is in the best interest of the golfer to keep track of their own score but each score should be agreed upon and marked after each hole for each individual on a master score card for the group. The master score card is the card that will be turned in as the official card for the whole group. For the group scoring on the two-man best ball, there will be two master score cards. One for one group and one for the other. You will trade score cards so that each team has the opposite team’s score card. They will have each player’s score on their own line, and then a best ball score at the bottom which will be the team score for each hole. Make sure you all have the correct “pops” filled out for each other’s score card prior to the round starting. Both score cards will be signed by all four players once the round is complete and the same procedure as above will be followed. A picture will be taken with both official score cards and all four signatures on each score card along with the photo ID’s of the four players around the score cards. The picture will be e-mailed to info@jackpotgolfingseries.com. The two score cards will then be given to the pro shop to be recorded on the leader board. If a player is found to be altering their score to give themselves a lower score the player will be disqualified. If the score is found to be higher, the higher score will stand. If a player’s score is off because of a questionable penalty, the penalty in question will be evaluated by the JPGS or designee and the correct score will be recorded.
Rule 3.2- Handicap
It is the responsibility of the golfer to make sure the scorecard reflects their handicap correctly prior to the start of the competition. If a player plays with a higher handicap than they are supposed to play with and doesn’t correct it, they will be disqualified from the competition. If they play with too low of a handicap and don’t correct it they will have to use the low handicap they had. This should be fixed prior to the round starting.
Rule 4- Clubs
Rule 4.1- Number of clubs allowed
Each participant is allowed 15 clubs in their bag. Any more clubs than that and the participant will not be allowed to use any more than the 15 clubs allotted and will be assessed a two-stroke penalty.
Rule 4.2- Equipment and Balls
Each participant is not allowed to use equipment that would give them artificial help in their play. Balls need to be regular balls. If a club is damaged during a round, the club may not be replaced during that round. A player may not alter the characteristic of a club during a round, meaning it will not be modified during a round. Players must use only their own clubs and not the clubs of anyone else. If the equipment guidelines and balls are not conforming to these guidelines the player will be disqualified.
Rule 4.3- If a Ball Busts
If a ball busts during a stroke, the stroke will not count and the participant will be allowed to hit another ball from the same spot they hit the initial ball. Cracks, scuffs, or cuts do not count as getting another shot.
Rule 4.4- Training or swing aids
This type of equipment is not allowed during competition. Any equipment that gives an unfair advantage with grip pressure or hand position. If there is a question seek clarification from the JPGS or designee.
Rule 4.5- Medical equipment
If a player uses a piece of equipment because of a medical condition that player may use it if it is medically necessary and does not provide an unfair advantage against the other players. Medical or athletic tape is ok granted it is medically needed and does not immobilize a joint or provide an advantage for the golfer’s swing. If in question consult with the JPGS or designee. Failure to comply will result in a two-stroke penalty and if it continues to happen, disqualification will occur.
Rule 5-Range Finders
Range finders are allowed while competing.
Rule 6- Beginning each round
Rule 6.1- On time
We will start each round on time and will play continuously through the round at a steady and consistent pace until the round is complete. Playing too slow could be grounds for disqualification. It is important to keep a good pace of play and players shall play ready golf in a safe way.
Rule 6.2- Tee times-Shot gun start
If you miss your scheduled tee time you may be disqualified and lose your entry fee. It is important that you arrive on time to make your scheduled tee time.
We may do shot gun starts as well depending on the number of players and courses. We will relay that information to all players prior to the tournament as to the format we will be using.
6.3- When Round Starts
The players round begins after the first stroke on their first hole and ends after their last putt on their last hole. Players must stay in their assigned group. If they don’t, they will be disqualified.
6.4- Additional strokes while playing
There will be no additional practice shots used during play with the intent to hit a ball. The following exceptions are ok:
Practice swings with no intent to hit the ball and hitting a ball back to a player as a courtesy. There will be no practice shots between holes.
6.5- If play is stopped
If play has to be stopped for weather reasons or unforeseen circumstances, the players shall play out the hole if possible. If it is not possible, the balls shall be left in place where they are until play can resume. If a ball is moved without the fault going to the golfer whose ball it is, a ball shall be placed in the estimated spot of the old ball without penalty.
6.6- Teeing area
Players must hit their ball from inside the teeing area and ball must be set up behind the tees and no more than one club length back from the tee box. If these rules aren’t followed a two-stroke penalty will occur and the player will have to correct the penalty and re-hit within the stated guidelines. The player may stand outside of the teeing area as long as the ball is placed inside it. When teeing off, the ball can be played from a tee in the ground or on the ground itself. If a ball falls off the tee prior to hitting the ball, the player can re-tee it anywhere in the teeing area with no penalty. If the player is swinging at the ball as it is falling off the tee, the stroke counts and the ball will be played as it lies.
The tee boxes shall not be moved while teeing off. If a player moves them they will incur a two-stroke penalty and on the second offense will be disqualified.
6.7- Who Tees Off First
At the beginning of the round any player may start the round by teeing off first. Whoever shoots better on the previous hole gets the honors of going first. If ready golf is needed to keep play moving, the honors do not need to be followed.
The player that is farthest out should shoot first when approaching the green and while putting on the green, but ready golf is encouraged as long as it is not distracting to the other players in the group and it is respectful.
There is no penalty for playing out of turn unless they play out of turn to gain an advantage over other players.
Rule 7- Searching for Balls
Rule 7.1- Moving objects
A player is responsible for finding their own ball. Members of the group should help them look for it. If a player is looking for a ball they are able to move grass, shrubs, or branches while looking for it. If the ball moves while looking or if a player accidentally steps on it while looking there will be no penalty and ball will be placed in original spot. If a player does not place it back where it was after finding the ball and improves their lie, they will be assessed a one-stroke penalty. A player is not allowed to break branches to improve their swing on making contact with the ball. If this is done a one-stroke penalty will be enforced. If an object is attached or growing it must stay attached. The player is allowed to move loose impediments around the ball as long as the ball doesn’t move from the original spot. If the ball moves, they player will incur a one-stroke penalty. Branches can be bent as long as they are placed back where they should be and the branches do not break. Stakes and boundary objects may also be moved in order to hit the ball as long as they are placed back in the original spot once the ball has been hit.
7.2-Identifying Ball
If it is not possible to identify a player’s ball the player may lift the ball only to positively identify it. The ball must be placed right back down into the same spot it was located. It is the player’s responsibility to know what ball they are playing and any identifying marks the ball has on it. If a player hits a provisional, the player needs to know which one is which, if they cannot distinguish between the two the player will have to use the provisional as their ball and score it accordingly.
7.3- Plugged balls
If a ball becomes plugged or embedded the player is able to unplug it and place the ball next to the spot where the ball plugged without penalty. The player is able to clean their ball in this instance.
7.4- Moving rocks
Rocks may be moved out of the way in order to make a stroke as long as the ball doesn’t move in the process of moving the rocks. If the ball moves, a one-stroke penalty will be enforced.
7.5- Animals
If an animal picks up and moves your ball after it has come to rest, the ball will be placed in the area of where the ball was originally hit to prior to the animal taking it. There is no penalty for this.
Rule 8- Moving Ball
8.1- Ball moving
If a ball is moving while you are swinging and you hit it, the stroke counts and you play it as you hit it. If you are not certain that a ball moved prior to hitting it, it is played as the ball did not move. If a player caused the ball to move and is certain it moved, a one-stroke penalty will be incurred. If a ball is moved by natural forces such as wind or water after the ball has come to rest, there is no penalty and the ball will be played from the new spot.
8.2- Ball moving while putting
If the ball on the putting surface moves after it has been marked and lifted the ball shall be placed back into the original spot where it was marked. This occurs no matter what caused it to move. There is no penalty for this. If the ball moves as you are putting, the stroke counts and ball is played as is. If the ball moves while on the green prior to marking it, the ball will be played from where it stops.
Rule 9- Marking your Ball
If a marker is down and the marker gets moved, the ball or marker must go back to the original spot before a shot is attempted. If the ball is played prior to going back to the original spot or without marking it again, the player will incur a one-stroke penalty. A player may move their marker in order for another person to putt granted they keep track of where they are moving the marker and they put the marker back in its original spot prior to making a putt. Failure to put the marker back will result in a one-stroke penalty. There is no penalty for accidentally moving another player’s marker. The marker just needs to be replaced back in its original spot or as close as possible.
Rule 10- Making a Stroke on the Golf Ball
10.1- What is a Stroke?-
A stroke is made when a player swings the club with the intent to hit the golf ball with the head of the club. If a player accidentally hits the ball twice with one swing, only one stroke will be counted. There is no penalty.
Rule 11- Putting
11.1- If a player is looking for a line or a teammate in team competition is going to help with a line, the players may point out their line with each other but must move back or move the object that has defined that line like a putter head or foot prior to the putt being made. Failure to do so will result in a one-stroke penalty. The flag stick can be taken out or remain in while putting from on or off the green. The flag stick can also be tended but the determination has to be made prior to the stroke being made. That goes for determining whether it is left in or not as well. The flag also has to rest in the center of the cup if it is left in. If this rule is violated to create an advantage for a golfer, there will be a one-stroke penalty associated with it. Be cognizant of what the other players in your group would like and communicate with each other prior to the putts being made.
11.2- Ball Resting Against the Flagstick-
If a ball is resting against the flagstick while the flagstick is in the hole and any part of the ball is below the putting surface in the hole, the ball is considered in the hole.
11.3- Not Holed out
If none of the ball is below the putting surface and it is not in the hole, it is not holed out. The ball must be played where it lies and if the ball moves when the flag is taken out, there is no penalty and the ball shall be placed on the lip of the cup. This includes whether the ball falls into the cup or moves away from it while pulling the flagstick out. 11.4- Overhanging Ball-
If a ball is overhanging on the edge of the cup, the player will have 12 seconds from the time the ball stops to see if it will fall in. If the ball falls into the hole within the time frame, the player will have holed out with the putt. After this time frame the ball must be putted in with the stroke of the additional putt counting. No jumping shall occur while waiting to see if ball falls. If a player taps the putt in prior to the wait time, the additional putt will count and the wait time will be null and void. If another player deliberately moves an overhanging ball or touches it while waiting, they will be assessed a two-stroke penalty and the ball will be placed back on the lip of the cup.
Rule 12- Physical Help or Protection
12.1- Players may not make a shot while getting physical help from someone else or while being shielded or protected from the outdoor elements or any other elements. Prior to the stroke these are ok but once the player is going to make the stroke, they are not. A player may however, protect themselves if they choose so by wearing protective clothing or holding an umbrella over their own head.
Rule 13- Caddies
13.1- There are no caddies allowed for any players. They may get assistance from their partner when playing in the team competition.
Rule 14- Ball in Motion
14.1- If a ball is hit and it hits a person, object, or animal the ball will be played from where it lands. If it is in the fairway you get to clean and place the ball in the same area no closer to the hole. If a ball hits another ball on the green, the ball in motion will be marked where it comes to rest and the ball that was struck will be placed back where it was. If both balls are on the green and one ball strikes another ball, the person putting will be assessed a one-stroke penalty for hitting another ball on the green. Once balls are on the green, they should be marked and the ball should be picked up. No two players shall be putting at the same time. If they do and they hit each other’s ball, they will go back to original spot to putt again and will both incur a one-stroke penalty.
14.2- Balls in motion shall not be stopped by any players on the course. If they do stop a ball in motion, the player that stopped the ball will incur a two-stroke penalty. If you stop a ball in motion for your teammate you both will incur a two-stroke penalty. If a ball is deflected or stopped, the ball must be dropped in the area where the ball is suspected to have ended up had it not been touched. If the ball would have gone out of bounds, the out of bounds rules apply.
Rule 15- Bunkers
Rule 15.1- You are not allowed to ground your club in the bunker in either division. The ball may not be moved in the bunker. You must play it as it lies. If you move the ball in the process of taking a practice swing, a one-stroke penalty will occur and the ball will be played from where it lands. If the ball is unplayable in the bunker, the player may take a stroke and place the ball within one club length of the original spot still within the bunker no closer to the hole. The ball will then be dropped following the shoulder height, arm straight out technique. Rake the bunkers once you are out of them. If there is standing water in the bunker you may get relief from the water and play the ball in the bunker where there is not water, no closer to the hole. This relief goes for all divisions. The ball must be dropped with arm straight out from shoulder height. If the whole bunker is full of water, the ball will be placed in an area where there is not standing water no closer to the hole with the same drop technique. There will be no penalty in this instance.
Rule 16- Putting Greens
You may mark, lift, and clean your ball while on the putting green. If a ball or marker gets moved or hit accidentally, they may be placed back in its original spot without penalty. If the spot isn’t exactly known, it may be estimated. The ball however must be marked prior to being picked up. If the ball is picked up without being marked, there is a one-stroke penalty. A ball is considered on the green if any part of the ball is touching the putting surface. Any divots or loose impediments may be moved or fixed prior to putting. If the ball moves while in the middle of the putting stroke, the ball will be played as is. If a ball is on the green but needs to be chipped in order to get to the hole, it is permitted to do so.
Rule 16.1- Ball Lifted and Replaced- If a ball has already been lifted and placed and the ball moves from natural forces, the ball goes back to its original spot.
Ball Not Lifted and Replaced- If the ball has not been lifted or marked and the ball moves from natural forces, the ball will be played from its new resting spot.
Rule 16.2- No Testing of Greens-
A player may not attempt practice putts or roll the ball on a green during competition. If a player attempts it, they will be given a one-stroke penalty. If a teammate does it to benefit their teammate in two-man best ball to help get a read, they will both be given two-stroke penalties.
Rule 16.3- Playing off Green of Another Hole-
If a ball lands on the green of a different hole you are playing, the player will get relief of one club length no closer to the hole, off of the green to be able to hit to the correct green while not having to swing a club on the green.
Rule 17- Abnormal Course Conditions-
Abnormal course conditions consist of animal holes, grounds under repair, or temporary water. If these conditions occur during the round of play, you shall get free relief from these. A club length is granted but if the ground under repair or temporary water is bigger than a club length, the player shall remove themselves from the abnormal condition no closer to the hole and take the free drop from there. However they need to stay in the same cut. For example, if the ball is in the fairway stay in the fairway, if the ball is in the rough, the ball needs to be dropped in the rough.
Rule 18- Local Course Rules
Local course rules such as where grounds under repair are, or if greens have bad spots will be addressed by the course putting on the tournament. The local rules or modifications will make the play consistent and fair to all golfers. These local rules will be addressed by the course prior to the start of the tournament. If you need clarification on a specific ruling based on the course you are playing, it is your responsibility to get the clarification prior to starting your round.
Rule 19- Video Release and Photography- By paying your membership or an entry into a JPGS qualifying event or Finale, golfers grant permission to the rights of their image, likeness and sound of their voices as recorded on audio or video tape without payment or any other notice or consideration. These images may be copied, edited, published, exhibited, or distributed and golfers waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein their likenesses appears. Golfers also waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of an image or recording. Material may be used for diverse promotional and educational purposes within an unrestricted geographical area.
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