LOCAL RULES AND TERMS OF THE COMPETITION FOR ALL 2021 WMGA COMPETITIONS
The Rules of Golf as approved by the United States Golf Association and The R&A govern play. These Local Rules and Terms of the Competition are in effect at all WMGA championships, tournaments, and qualifying rounds. See applicable championship, tournament, or qualifying round Notice to Players and Entry Application for modifications or additions to these Local Rules and Terms of the Competition. Complete text of the Rules and Local Rules may be found in the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, effective January 2019.
Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for breach of a Local Rule is the general penalty.
LOCAL RULES
Out of Bounds — Defined by the line between the course-side points of white stakes and fence posts at ground level.
Penalty Areas — When a penalty area is defined on only one side, it extends to infinity. When a penalty area is connected to the out-of-bounds edge, the penalty area extends to and coincides with out of bounds.
Ground Under Repair — Defined by white lines. French drains are ground under repair. For grass-covered trenching, see Temporary Power Lines and Cables.
Ground under repair may include areas of unusual damage, including areas where spectators or other traffic has combined with wet conditions to affect materially the ground surface, but only when so declared by an authorized member of the Committee. When immediately adjacent to an immovable obstruction, such an area is part of that obstruction.
Relief from Seams of Cut Turf — Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule F-7.
Immovable Obstructions — Include plastic bumpers on roads and paths, and mats secured to the ground with spikes when the bumpers or mats cover cables.
White-Lined Areas Tying Into Artificially Surfaced Roads and Paths — White-lined areas of ground under repair and the artificially surfaced roads, paths or other identified obstructions that they are connected to are a single abnormal course condition when taking relief under Rule 16.1.
Wood Chips and Mulch — Are loose impediments.
Integral Objects — Include cables, rods, wires and wrappings when closely attached to trees, and artificial walls and pilings when located in penalty areas or in or adjacent to bunkers and bunkers liners. No free relief is available.
Bunker Liners — An exposed bunker liner may be treated as ground under repair, but interference does not exist if the liner interferes only with the player’s stance
Temporary Power Lines and Cables — Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule F-22.
Temporary Immovable Obstructions — Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule F-23.
Pace of Play — Players shall play without undue delay. See separate memorandum to players for pace of play policy, when applicable.
Stopping and Resuming Play — Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule J-1.
All practice areas are closed during an immediate suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open. Players who practice on closed practice areas will be asked to stop practicing; failure to stop practicing might result in disqualification.
An immediate suspension will be signaled by one prolonged air horn note, and players must immediately suspend play. All other types of suspension will be signaled by three consecutive air horn notes. Resumption of play will be signaled by two short air horn notes.
Practice — Prior to and after a round in stroke play, a player may practice on the designated practice areas. Rule 5.2b covering practice in stroke play is modified in this way: A player may not practice on the competition course before or between rounds. Penalty for breach of Local Rule, see Rule 5.2.
Relief On Opposite Side of Red Penalty Area — When the edge of a Red Penalty Area coincides with the boundary of the course, opposite side relief is available as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures. Model Local Rule B-2.1 is in effect, as amended by Model Local Rule B-2.
Decorative Flower Beds and Turf Nurseries — Are No Play Zones and treated as Ground Under Repair. Player must proceed under Rule 16.1.
Aeration Holes — Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule E-4.
Stakes and Cables Supporting Trees — (but not the trees themselves) Are Immovable Obstructions. Relief is available under Rule 16.1.
Landscaped or Garden Areas Completely Encircled by an Obstruction — Is treated as a single Abnormal Course Condition.
Ball Deflected by Overhead Power Line: Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule E-11 is in effect and modified as follows — If it is known or virtually certain that a player’s ball hit a power line in bounds, the stroke does not count. The player must play a ball without penalty from where the previous stroke was made in accordance with Rule 14.6.
Spiked Golf Shoes: Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Model Local Rule G-7 — Spikes of any design that are entirely or partially made of metal, if such metal may come in contact with the course are prohibited. Shoes with other features that may cause undesirable damage are prohibited.
Limiting When Stroke Made From Putting Green Must Be Replayed Under Exception 2 to Rule 11.1b — Local Rule as prescribed in the Clarifications to the 2019 Rules of Golf is in effect. Model Local Rule D-7.
Score Card Collection — Immediately on completion of a round, the competitor shall return his or her card to the Committee. A score card is considered “returned” once the player has left the score card collection area.
TERMS OF THE COMPETITION
When Competition is Final — The competition is final when the trophy has been presented to the winner or, in the absence of a prize ceremony, when all scores have been approved by the Committee.
Ties and Playoffs — Players are reminded of their responsibility to keep informed regarding the possibility of playoffs due to ties. The method for resolving ties will be posted on the Notice to Players, if applicable.
Dress Code — Proper golf attire must be worn at all WMGA events. Players must adhere to the dress code regulations of the host club. Players should review the Notice to Players or host club website for guest information. Members whose dress is deemed inappropriate by the WMGA or host club may be denied participation in the tournament.
Code of Conduct — Each member is expected to conduct herself in a manner that fosters good sportsmanship, good fellowship, and respect for individual dignity. Each member is likewise responsible for the integrity of the venues at which we conduct our competitions and our business, and pledges by becoming a member to actively promote the best interests and traditions of the game of golf and the welfare of this Association.
Any conduct on the part of a member which is considered detrimental to the best interests of the game, the welfare of the WMGA, or is in contradiction to the objectives, Bylaws, rules, or other policies of the WMGA or the host club may subject the member to disciplinary action, including revocation of entry from a tournament.
Cell Phone Policy — Electronic communication devices MUST be turned off. They may not be used anywhere on club grounds, except in a player’s car. If the club policy is more restrictive, all players and spectators MUST comply.
Players are reminded that when a club graciously agrees to host a WMGA event, their members are often inconvenienced, and the club incurs increased staffing expenses to extend full hospitality to WMGA participants. Proper courtesy suggests that players be mindful and appreciative of the fact that we are guests.