Rules


League Rules

Fair Play. Consistent Standards.

At The Champions Club, we follow the rules and standards set by the United States Golf Association (USGA) to ensure fair and competitive play for all members.

In addition to USGA rules, we have implemented a few league-specific guidelines to improve pace of play and maintain fairness across all skill levels.

 

General Principles

Play the Ball as It Lies

Players are expected to play the ball as it lies, in accordance with USGA rules.

 

League Adjustment:

If your ball comes to rest in an unfavorable or unsafe lie (such as rocks, dirt patches, or similar conditions), you are allowed one grip length of relief:

  • Left, right, or directly behind the ball
  • No closer to the hole
  • Final decision may be agreed upon by your playing group

 

Play the Course as You Find It

  • Do not improve your lie, stance, or swing path
  • Respect course conditions at all times

 

Honesty & Integrity

All players are responsible for keeping accurate scores

  • Scorecards must be verified and signed by another league member
  • Sportsmanship is expected at all times

 

Scoring Format

Stroke Play

  • Total strokes determine your score
  • Lowest score wins

Net Scoring

  • Handicaps are used to create fair competition
  • Net Score = Gross Score – Handicap

Maximum Score

  • Maximum score per hole is +3 over par (Quadruple Bogey)
  • This helps maintain pace of play

 

Penalties & Key Rules

Wrong Ball

  • 2-stroke penalty
  • Player must return to the original position and replay the correct ball

Lost Ball / Out of Bounds

  • Stroke and distance penalty
  • Replay from original spot

Unplayable Ball

  • 1-stroke penalty
  • Relief options:
    • Replay from previous spot
    • Drop within 2 club-lengths
    • Drop back on line

 

Relief Situations

Free Relief

Allowed from:

  • Cart paths
  • Ground under repair
  • Temporary water

Procedure:

  • Find nearest point of relief
  • Drop within one club-length

 

Bunkers & Greens

Bunkers

  • Ball must be played as it lies
  • No grounding the club before the shot

Greens

  • Ball may be marked, lifted, and cleaned
  • Flagstick may remain in
  • Ball marks and spike marks may be repaired

Pace of Play

  • Keep pace with the group ahead
  • Limit ball searches to 3 minutes
  • Be ready to play when it’s your turn

 

League Enforcement

Any player found:

  • Cheating
  • Intentionally bending rules
  • Or manipulating scores (sandbagging)

Will be:

  • Disqualified immediately
  • Subject to review by the league committee for possible removal

 

Our Standard

The Champions Club is built on:

  • Fair competition
  • Respect for the game
  • Integrity among players

We expect every member to uphold these values both on and off the course.

 

 

 

 

The Champions Club

Making a Difference, One Round at a Time.