POPSTROKES RULES OF PLAY

Complete 2023 version

 

This book contains all pertinent information concerning the Rules of play for PopStroke events.  Even if the R&A, based in St Andrews, Scotland and the USGA, based in Liberty Corner, New Jersey govern the game of golf worldwide, they will not give any decisions on any matters regarding PopStroke Events because of the nature of PopStroke events.

 

The USGA Rules of Golf is the reference for all golf tournaments in the USA. For PopStroke competitions, some rules were modified to fit our putting contests. In each of the following chapters, we took into consideration the specific nature of a putting course.

 

It is important to note that these two governing bodies (USGA and R&A) have decided that the putting contests are not under the Rules of Amateur Status. There is no limit for amateur winnings in any of our events.

 

Questions regarding the equipment or ball will be under the USGA and R&A regulations

 

Note: The following rules are derived from the official USGA Rules of Golf as set up on January 1st, 2019; and as much as possible we kept the same rule numbers

 

 

1. The Game, Player Conduct, and the Rules

 

1. 1. The Game of Golf

 

PopStroke events are all played on a PopStroke course unless some qualifying events are held in another setting. Each hole starts with a stroke from the starting area and ends when the ball is holed.

Usually, the surface has 18 holes cut to the proper dimension: 4 ¼ inches (108 mm) in diameter.

 

1. 2. Standards of Player Conduct

 

1. 1. 1. Conduct Expected of all Players

 

All players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by:

 

• Acting with integrity – for example, by following the Rules, applying all penalties, and being honest in all aspects of play.
• Showing consideration to others – for example, by playing at a prompt pace, looking out for the safety of others, and not distracting the play of another player.
  • Taking good care of the course –not causing unnecessary damage to the course.

 

There is no penalty under the Rules for failing to act in this way, except that the Committee may disqualify a player for acting contrary to the spirit of the game if it finds that the player has committed serious misconduct.

 

Penalties other than disqualification may be imposed for player misconduct only if those penalties are adopted as part of the PopStroke Code of Conduct under Rule 1.2b.

 

1. 1. 2. Code of Conduct

 

The Committee may set its own standards of player conduct in a Code of Conduct adopted by a Local Rule.

• • The Code may include penalties for breach of its standards such as a one-stroke penalty or the general penalty.
  • The Committee may also disqualify a player for serious misconduct in failing to meet the Code’s Standards

 

 

1. 3. Playing by the Rules

 

1. 1. 1. Meaning of Rules; Terms of the Competition

 

The “Rules” means:

 

• • Rules 1-24 and the Definitions in these Rules of Golf, and
  • Any “Local Rules” the Committee adopts for the competition or the course.

Players are also responsible for complying with all “Terms of the Competition” adopted by the Committee (such as entry requirements, the form and dates of play, the number of rounds and the number and order of holes in a round).

 

1. 1. 2. Applying the Rules

 

1. Player Responsibility for applying the Rules

 

Players are responsible for applying the Rules to themselves.

• If a player knows that he or she has breached a Rule that involves a penalty and deliberately fails to apply the penalty, the player is disqualified
• If two or more players deliberately agree to ignore any Rule or penalty they know applies and any of those players have started the round, they are disqualified (even if they not yet acted on the agreement)

 

2. Accepting Player’s “Reasonable Judgment” in Determining a Location When Applying the Rules.

 

So long as the player does what can be reasonably expected under the circumstances to make an  accurate determination, the player’s reasonable judgment will be accepted even if, after the stroke is made, the determination is shown to be wrong by video evidence or other information.

• If a player becomes aware of a wrong determination before the stroke is made, it must be corrected (see Rule 14.5)

Because of the surface used by PopStroke, and the relatively small area of play, we expect all players to call a referee or official when they must play the next stroke in another place than where the ball lies.

 

1. 1. 3. Penalties

 

1. Actions Giving Rise to Penalties. A penalty applies when a breach of a Rule results from a player’s own actions

A penalty also applies when:

• • Another person takes an action that would breach the Rules if taken by the player and that person does so at the player’s request or while acting with the player’s authority, or
  • The player sees another person about to take an action concerning the player’s ball or equipment that he or she knows would breach the Rules if taken by the player and does not take reasonable steps to object or stop it from happening

 

2. Levels of Penalties. Penalties are meant to cancel out any potential advantage to the player. There are three main penalty levels:
   • One-Stroke Penalty. This penalty applies in both match play and stroke play under certain Rules where either (a) the potential advantage from a breach is minor or (b) a player takes penalty relief by playing a ball from a different place than where the original ball lies.
   • General Penalty (Loss of Hole in Match Play, Two-Stroke Penalty in Stroke Play). This penalty appliers for a breach of most rules, where the potential advantage is more significant than where only one penalty  stroke applies.
   • Disqualification. In both match play and stroke play, a player may be disqualified from the competition for certain actions or Rule breaches involving serious misconduct (see Rule 1.2) or where a potential advantage is too significant for the player’s score to be considered valid.

 

3. No Discretion to Vary Penalties

Penalties need to be applied only as provided in the Rules

• Neither a player nor the Committee has authority to apply penalties in a different way, and
  • A wrong application of a penalty or a failure to apply a penalty may stand only if it is too late to correct it (see Rules 20.1b(2)-(4), 20.2d and 20.2e).

In  Match Play, the player and opponent may agree how to decide a Rules issue so long as they do not deliberately agree to apply the Rules in the wrong way (see Rule 20.1b(1)).

 

4. Applying Penalties to Multiple Breaches of the Rules.

If a player breaches multiple Rules or the same Rule multiple times before an intervening event happens (such as making a stroke or becoming aware of the breach), the penalty that applies depends on what the player did.

 

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2. The Course

 

1. 1. Course Boundaries and Out of Bounds

 

PopStroke events are played on a putting green whose boundaries are set by the Committee. Areas not on the course are either out of bounds, penalty areas or No Play Zones (with or without penalties).

 

1. 2. Define Areas of the Course

 

The course is a Putting Green. In some cases, grass cut higher than the surface may be part of the putting green.

On a PopStroke Putting Green, we have up to 18 holes and up to 18 starting areas

Starting Area: This is the area defined by the Committee to start the play of a hole. The ball may be positioned in any way including with the head of the putter. The ball is not in play until a stroke is made at the ball.

The ball is considered out of the Starting Area if all the ball is completely outside the Area

 

1. 3. Objects or Conditions That can Interfere with Play

 

Certain situations may give free relief (relief with no penalty) from interference by certain defined objects or conditions, such as:

• • Lose impediments (Rule 15.1)
  • Movable Obstructions (Rule 15.2), and
  • Abnormal course conditions, which are ground under repair, immovable obstruction, and temporary water (Rule 16.1)
  • A position where a players can’t make a stroke with his putter (wall, fence, etc)

 

1. 4. No Play Zones

 

A No Play Zone is a defined part of an abnormal course condition (see Rule 16.1) or a penalty area (see Rule 17.1e) where play is not allowed.

A player must take relief when:

• His or her ball is in the no play zone, or
• A no play zone interferes with his or her area of intended stance or area of intended swing in playing a ball outside the no play zone (see Rules 16.1 and 17.1)

 

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3. The Competition

 

1. 1. Central Elements of Every Competition

 

1. 1. 1. Forms of Play: Match Play or Stroke Play

In Match Play, a player and an opponent compete against each other based on holes won, lost, or tied

In Stroke Play, all players compete with one another based on total scores.

 

1. 1. 2. How Players Compete: Playing as an Individual or as Partners

The Putting competitions are played either by individual players competing on their own or by partners competing together as a side.

 

1. 2. Match Play

 

An opponent may not concede a putt, but he may concede the hole. All putts must be made, unless the opponent concedes the hole, or the result of the hole is known.

 

1. 3. Stroke Play

 

1. 1. 1. Winner in Stroke Play

The player who completes all rounds in the fewest total strokes (including strokes made and penalty strokes) is the winner.

 

1. 1. 2. Scoring in Stroke Play

The player’s score is kept on his or her scorecard by the marker, who is either identified by the Committee or chosen by the player in a way approved by the Committee.

The player must use the same marker for the entire round unless the Committee   approves a change either before or after it happens.

Wrong score for a hole

If the player returns a signed scorecard with a wrong score for any hole:

• Returned Score Higher Than Actual Score. The higher returned score for the hole stands
• Returned Score Lower Than Actual Score or No Score Returned. The player is Disqualified

 

1. 1. 3. Failure to Hole Out

A player must hole out at each hole in a round. If the player fails to hole out at any hole:

• The player must correct that mistake before making a stroke to begin another hole or, for the final hole of the round, before returning the scorecard.
• If the mistake is not corrected in that time, the player is disqualified

 

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4. The Player’s Equipment

 

1. 1. Clubs Allowed in Making a stroke

 

• In making a stroke, a player must use a club that conforms to the requirements in the USGA Equipment Rules.
• If a conforming club is accidently damaged during a round or while play is stopped under Rule 5.7, the player may continue to play with the club and can replace it with another club, unless it was damaged because of anger.
• A player must not make a stroke with a club whose performance characteristics he or she deliberately changed during the round (including while play is stopped under Rule 5.7
• Players are allowed to use and carry only one club during the round.

 

NOTE: PopStroke officials are not equipped on site to give an immediate answer on a special club. When the Committee is in doubt, the club will be considered illegal. It is strongly suggested to have the club approved by the USGA prior the start of the competition.

Penalty for Making Stroke in Breach of Rule 4.1: Disqualification

 

1. 2. Balls

 

• In making a stroke, a player must use a ball that conforms to the requirements in the USGA Equipment Rules. In case of a doubt, the committee may keep a ball for further analysis.

Penalty for making a stroke in breach of Rule 4.2a: Disqualification

 

1. 3. Use of Equipment

 

A player may use equipment to help his or her play during a round, except that a player must not create a potential advantage by:

• Using equipment (other than a club or a ball) that artificially eliminates or reduces the need for a skill or judgment that is essential to the challenge of the game, or
• Using equipment (including a club or a ball) in an abnormal way in making a stroke. Abnormal way means a way that is fundamentally different than its intended use and is not normally recognized as part of playing the game.

The following equipment and material are not accepted during a round:

1. Viewing Video showing play of a hole
2. Level device
3. Listening to music or other audio to eliminate distractions or to help with tempo

For any reason, a player must not use earpieces during the round.

Penalty for first breach from single act or related acts: General penalty

Penalty for second breach unrelated to first breach: Disqualification.

This penalty applies even if the nature of the breach was entirely different than the breach resulting in the first penalty.

 

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5. Playing the Round

 

1. 1. Meaning of Round

 

A round is 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. When a round ends in a tie and play will go on until there is a winner.

• Tied Match Extended One Hole at a Time. This is the continuation of the same round, not a new round.
• Play-off is Stroke Play. This is a new round.

A player is playing his or her round from when it starts until it ends (see Rule 5.3), except while play is stopped under Rule 5.7

When a Rule refers to actions taken during a round, that does not include while play is stopped under Rule 5.7 unless the Rules says otherwise.

 

1. 2. Practising on Course Before or Between Rounds

 

Stroke Play and Match Play: It is not permitted to practise on the course before, and between rounds, unless expressly scheduled by the Committee.

Penalty for breach of Rule 5.2:

• Penalty for first breach: General penalty applied to the first hole
• Penalty for second breach: Disqualification

 

Note: Unless the facility is closed or the Committee rules otherwise, a player may practice on the course when the rounds are completed in a day. The arrangements must be made with the facility.

 

1. 3. Starting and Ending Round

 

1. 1. 1. When to start round

A player’s round starts when the player makes a stroke to start his or her first hole (see Rule 6.1)

The player must start at (and not before) his or her starting time:

• This means that the player must be ready to play at the starting time and starting point set by the Committee.
• A starting time set by the Committee is treated as an exact time (for example, 9 am means 9:00:00 am, not any time until 9:01 am).

If the starting time is delayed for any reason (such as weather, slow play of other groups or the need for a ruling by a referee), there is no breach of this Rule if the player is present and ready to play when the player’s group can start.

Penalty for breach of Rule 5.3a: Disqualification, except in these three cases:

Exception 1 – Players arrives at starting point, ready to play, no more than two minutes late: The Player gets a one-stroke penalty applied to his or her first hole.

Exception 2 – Players starts no more than two minutes early: The Player gets a one-stroke penalty applied to his or her first hole.

Exception 3 – Committee decides that exceptional circumstances prevented players from starting on time: There is no breach of this Rule and no penalty.

 

1. 1. 2. When round ends

The player’s round ends in Match Play when the result of the match is decided under Rule 3.2.

The player’s round ends in Stroke Play, when the player holes out at the final hole (including correction of a mistake, such as under 6.1 or 14.7)

 

1. 4. Playing in groups

 

1. 1. 1. Match Play

During a round, the player and opponent must play each hole in the same group.

 

1. 1. 2. Stroke Play

During a round, the player must remain in the group set by the Committee, unless the Committee approves a change either before or after it happens.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 5.4: Disqualification

 

1. 5. Practising During Round or While Play is Stopped

While playing a hole, a player must not make a practice stroke at any ball on or off the putting surface.

During a round and while play is stopped under Rule 5.7, a player must not deliberately take either of these actions to test the putting surface:

• Rub the surface, or
• Roll a ball

While play is suspended or otherwise stopped under Rule 5.7, a player must not make a practice stroke except:

• Anywhere outside the putting surface
• Anywhere on the course the Committee allows.

Match Play: When the result of the hole is known, a player may complete play of the hole

Penalty for Breach of Rule 5.5: General Penalty

Four-Ball: When the result of the hole is known or decided, a partner may make one stroke at his ball

 

• 6. Unreasonable Delay; Prompt Pace of Play
• The player should play at a prompt pace through the round
• It is not permitted to play out of turn (Ready golf is not in effect)
• To encourage and enforce prompt play, the Committee will adopt a Local Rule setting Pace of Play Policy.

Penalty for breach of Rule 5.6:

• First Breach: Warning
• Second Breach: One penalty Stroke
• Third Breach: General Penalty

 

1. 7. Stopping play; Resuming Play

 

1. 1. 1. When Players May or Must Stop Play

During a round, a player must not stop play except in these cases:

• All players must stop play if the Committee suspends play
• Players in a match may agree to stop play for any reason, except if doing so delays the competition. If they agree to stop play and then one player wants to resume play, the agreement has ended, and the other player must resume play.
• A player may stop play if he or she reasonably believes there is danger from lightning but must report to the Committee as soon as possible.

If a player stops play for any reason not allowed under this Rule or fails to report to the Committee when required to do so, the player is Disqualified

 

1. 1. 2. What players Must Do When Committee suspends Play

If a player made a stroke from the starting area, he must complete the play of the hole before leaving the area.

The other player does not have the obligation to play the hole

 

• 1. 3. What Players Must Do When Play Resumes
• The player must resume play from where he or she stopped play.
• The player must be present at the location and ready to play:
  • At the time set by the Committee for play to resume, and
  • The player must resume play at (and not before) that time

 

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6. Playing a Hole

 

1. 1. Starting Play of a Hole

 

• A player has started a hole when he or she makes a stroke to begin the hole.
• The hole has started even if the stroke was made from outside the starting area or the stroke was cancelled under a Rule
• A player must start each hole by playing a ball from anywhere inside the starting area
  • In Match Play if a player plays his stroke from outside the starting area, the opponent may ask to restart without penalty or let the stroke count
  • In Stroke Play If a player plays his stroke from outside the starting area, the player incurs the General penalty (2 strokes) and must correct the mistake by playing a ball inside the starting area.

If the player does not correct, he is Disqualified

 

• 2. Playing Ball from Starting Area
• A ball is in the Starting Area when any part of the ball touches or is above any part of the starting area. The ball is not in play until it is moved by a stroke
• The player may stand outside the starting area in making the stroke at a ball in the starting area
• No object of any kind may be placed near or under the ball
• A Ball is not in play until a Stroke is made

 

• 3. Ball used in Play of Hole
• A player may play any conforming ball when starting a hole from the starting area and may change balls between two holes
• When taking relief, a player must use the original ball
• Wrong Ball: A player must not make a stroke at a wrong ball

Penalty for playing a Wrong Ball: General Penalty

In Match Play, the player loses the hole

In Stroke Play, the player gets a penalty of 2 strokes and must play his ball and if the player does not correct the mistake before making a stroke on the next hole, he is disqualified

 

• 4. Order of Play When Playing Hole
• In all the PopStroke competitions the players or teams alternate at each hole.
• The Committee will decide which player or team will start on the first hole
• In Match Play, the opponent may ask the player to replay his shot in the proper order without penalty
• In Stroke Play, the stroke counts and there is no penalty if a player plays out of turn, except that if two or more players agree to play out of turn to give one of them an advantage, each of them gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes)

 

1. 5. Completing Play of a Hole

 

A player has completed a hole:

• In Match Play, when:
  • The player holes out
  • The result of the hole is decided
• In Stroke Play, when the player holes out under Rule 3.3

 

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7. Ball Search: Finding and Identifying Ball

 

• A ball must never be marked

If a player lifts his or her ball in play, the player gets a one stroke penalty and must replace the ball, unless the player needs to take a relief

 

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8. Course Played as it is Found

 

1. 1. Actions That are not Allowed

 

• A player may not move any immovable obstructions
• A player may not remove dew, frost or water.

 

• 2. Actions That are Allowed
• A player may remove loose impediments. This includes the removal of sand.
• A movable obstruction may be removed only with the Committee’s approval.
• It is permitted to ground the club lightly right in front or right behind the ball.

 

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9. Ball Played as it Lies; Ball at Rest Lifted or Moved

 

1. 1. Ball Played as it Lies

 

• A player’s ball at rest and in play must be played as it lies, except when the Rules require or allow a player to play a ball from another place.
• If a player’s ball at rest begins moving after the player has begun the stroke or the backswing for a stroke and the player goes to make the stroke, the ball must not be replaced, no matter what causes it to move, there is no penalty and the stroke counts.

Penalty for playing Ball from a Wrong Place in breach of Rule 9.1: General penalty

 

1. 2. Deciding Whether Ball Moved and What caused it to Move

 

1. 1. 1. Deciding whether Ball Moved

A player’s ball at rest is treated as having moved only if it is known or virtually certain that it did

 

1. 1. 2. Deciding What caused Ball to Move

The Rules recognize only four possible causes for a ball at rest that moves before the player makes a stroke:

• Natural Forces, such as wind or water
• The player
• The opponent in Match Play
• An outside influence, including any other player in Stroke Play

 

1. 3. Ball moved by Natural Forces

 

If Natural Forces (such as wind or water) cause a player’s ball at rest and in play to move there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new spot.

 

1. 4. Ball Lifted or Moved by Player

 

If the player moves the ball by accident, there is no penalty, and the ball must be replaced

If the player lifts or deliberately touches his ball in play, the player gets a one stroke penalty, and the ball must be replaced

 

1. 5. Ball Lifted or Moved by Opponent in Match Play

 

If the opponent moves the player’s ball by accident, there is no penalty, and the ball must be replaced

If the opponent lifts or deliberately touches the player’s ball in play, the opponent gets a one stroke penalty, except when the result of the hole is decided.

 

1. 6. Ball Lifted or Moved by outside Influence

If it is known or virtually certain that an outside influence (including another player in stroke play or another ball) lifted or moved the player’s ball:

• There is no penalty, and
• The ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated)

 

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10. Preparing for and making a Stroke; Advice and Help; Caddies

 

1. 1. Making a Stroke

 

1. 1. 1. Fairly Striking the Ball

In making a stroke:

• The player must fairly strike at the ball with the head of the club such that there is only momentary contact between the club and the ball and must not push, scrape, or scoop the ball.
• If the player’s club accidentally hits the ball more than once, there has been only one stroke and there is no penalty.
  1. 2. Anchoring the Club

In all PopStroke competition, a player may anchor the club

1. 1. 3.   Making Stroke While Standing Across or on the Line of Play

The player must not make a stroke from a stance with a foot deliberately placed on each side of, or with either foot deliberately touching, the line of play or an extension of that line behind the ball.

Exception – There is no penalty if Stance is Taken Accidentally or to Avoid Another Player’s Line of Play.

1. 1. 4. Playing Moving Ball

A player must not make a stroke at a moving ball:

• A ball is moving when it is not at rest on a spot
• If a ball that has come to rest is wobbling (sometimes referred as oscillating) but stays on or returns to its original spot, it is treated as being at rest and is not a moving ball.

Exception: If the ball begins to move only after the player begins the backswing for the stroke, there is no penalty under rule 9.1

Penalty for Breach of Rule 10.1: General Penalty.

 

1. 2. Advice and Other help

 

1. 1. 1. Advice

During a round, a player must not:

• Give advice to anyone in the competition who is playing on the course
• Ask anyone for advice, other than the player’s partner

This does not apply before a round, while play is stopped under rule 5.7 or between rounds in a competition.

1. 1. 2. Other help

Pointing Out Line of play for Ball on Putting Green: Before the stroke is made, only the player and his partner may point out the player’s line of play, but with these limitations:

• The player or partner may touch the putting surface with a hand, foot, or anything he or she is holding, but must not improve the conditions affecting the stroke in breach of rule 8.1, and
• The player or partner must not set an object down anywhere to show the line of play.
• The player must not take a stance for the stroke using an object that was set down by or for the player to help in lining up his or her feet or body, such as a club set down on the ground to show the line of play

If the player takes a stance in breach of this Rule, he cannot avoid penalty by backing away from the stance and removing the object unless he had not made any stroke to start a hole.

• The player must not make a stroke while getting physical help from his partner or any person like being positioned to give protection from sunlight, rain, wind, or other elements

This Rule does not prohibit the player from taking his or her own actions to protect against the elements while making a stroke, such as wearing protective clothing or holding an umbrella over his or her head.

Penalty for breach of Rule 10.2: General Penalty

 

1. 3. Caddies

In PopStroke events, it is not permitted to use a caddie

The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which he or she is helped by someone acting as a caddie.

If the breach happens or continues between two holes, the player gets the general penalty for the next hole. 

 

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11. Ball in Motion Accidentally Hits Person, Animal or Objects; Deliberate Actions to Affect Ball in Motion

 

1. 1. Ball in Motion Accidentally Hits Person or Outside Influence

 

No penalty to any player even if the ball hits the player, the partner, the opponent or any other player or any equipment

• If the ball was beyond the hole, the stroke counts and the ball is played from the estimated spot where the ball would have come to rest if not reflected or stopped.
• If the ball did not reach the hole when it was deflected, the stroke is cancelled, and the player must place the ball at its original spot

 

1. 2. Ball in Motion deliberately Deflected or Stopped by Person

 

A player gets the general penalty if he or she deliberately deflects or stops any ball in motion.

 

• If the ball was beyond the hole, the stroke counts and the ball is played from the estimated spot where the ball would have come to rest if not reflected or stopped.
• If the ball did not reach the hole when it was deflected, the stroke is cancelled, and the player must place the ball at its original spot

 

Exception – No penalty if an opponent’s ball in motion is deliberately deflected or stopped at a time when there is no reasonable chance it can be holed or when the result of the hole is decided.

 

1. 3. Deliberately Moving Objects or Altering Conditions to Affect Ball in Motion

When a ball is in motion, a player must not deliberately take any of these actions to affect where that ball (whether the player’s own ball or another player’s ball) might come to rest:

• Alter physical conditions by taking any of the actions listed in Rule 8.1 (such as pressing down a raised area of turf), or
• Lift or move a loose impediment or a movable obstruction

This rule does not prohibit a player from lifting or moving a ball or other equipment.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 11.3: General Penalty

 

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12. Bunkers

In the event a bunker was in play in a PopStroke competition it would be treated as a penalty area

 

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13. Putting Green

The total surface where PopStroke has its competition is considered the Putting Green

A ball in play must not be marked, lifted, and cleaned unless the Committee by local rules permits all or some of those actions

The player is allowed to remove sand and loose soil on the ground

The player may repair damage on the surface without penalty by taking reasonable actions to restore the surface as nearly as possible to its original condition, but only:

• By using his or her hand, foot or other part of the body or a normal ball-mark repair tool, club or similar item of normal equipment, and
• Without unreasonably delaying play

If a player improves the surface by taking actions that exceed what is reasonable to restore the surface to its original condition (such as by creating a pathway to the hole or by using an object that is not allowed), the player gets the General Penalty for breach of Rule 8.1

Damage on the surface does not include any damage or conditions that result from:

• Normal practices for maintaining the overall condition of the putting green (such as aeration holes and grooves from vertical mowing),
• Irrigation or rain or other natural forces,
• Surface imperfections (such as weeds or areas of bare, diseased, or uneven growth), or
• Natural wear of the surface

 

FLAGSTICK:  In all PopStroke events, no flagstick will be used unless the Committee decides to have one or a few flagsticks. A local rule will explain the different rules in effect

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14. Procedures for Ball; Marking, Lifting and Cleaning; Replacing on Spot; Dropping in relief Area; Playing from Wrong Place

 

The player must not deliberately touch his ball in play. (No marking and lifting of ball)

When a ball moved and must be replaced, the replacement can be done by the player or by the person that moved it. If the lie is altered and it can not be easily restored, the player may place the ball at the nearest spot with the lie most similar to the original position.

Penalty for touching deliberately the ball in play: One Stroke and the ball must be replaced

Playing from wrong place: After starting a hole, a player must make each stroke from where his or her ball comes to rest, except when the Rules require or allow the player to play a ball from another place

A player must not play his or her ball from a wrong place.

Penalty for playing a ball from a wrong place: General Penalty

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15. Relief from Loose Impediments and Movable Obstructions

 

Without penalty, a player may remove a loose impediment anywhere and may do so in any way (such as by using a hand or foot or a club or other equipment).

A player must not move any movable obstructions without the authorisation of a committee member

If the player’s removal of a loose impediment causes his or her ball to move:

• The ball must be replaced on its original spot
• There is no penalty, but if the ball is not replaced, the player gets a two strokes penalty if he makes a stroke from the wrong place.
• If a player moves a movable obstruction without authorization and makes a stroke, he will get a penalty of 2 strokes

 

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16. Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions (Including Immovable Obstructions)

 

If there is interference by an abnormal course condition, the player may take relief by placing the original ball or another ball on the spot of the nearest point of complete relief. If there is no such nearest point of complete relief, the player may still take this free relief by using the point of maximum available relief as the reference point.

As a general rule, line of play free relief is not available unless the Committee decides otherwise.

 

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17. Penalty Areas – No Play Zone

 

Unless otherwise decided by the Committee, all the Penalty Areas are considered No Play Zone

• The player may not play his or her ball from a No Play Zone
• If a Penalty Area could come in play at a PopStroke competition, the Committee will inform the players in a Local Rule how to take relief with a penalty of one stroke

 

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18. Stroke-and-Distance relief; Out of Bounds.

 

When an area is defined as an Out of Bounds, and the ball lies in that area, the player must play his next stroke from where the previous stroke was made, with a penalty of one stroke.

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19. Unplayable Ball

 

If a ball lies in play in an unplayable lie that is not in a penalty area, the player may take relief with a one stroke penalty, not closer to the hole and not more than two putter-head length from the position of the ball.

As an additional option, the player may use the Stroke-and-Distance relief.

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20. Resolving Rules Issues During Round; Ruling by Referee and Committee

 

1. 1. Resolving Rules Issues During Round

 

1. 1. 1. Players Must Avoid Unreasonable Delay

Players must not unreasonably delay play when seeking help with the Rules during a round:

• If a referee or the Committee is not available in a reasonable time to help with a Rules issue, the player must decide what to do and play on.

Penalty for playing from the wrong place (Rule 14): General penalty

 

1. 1. 2. Rules Issues in Match Play

During a round, the players in a match may agree how to decide a Rules issue:

• The agreed outcome is conclusive even if it turns out to have been wrong under the Rules, so long as the players did not deliberately agree to ignore any Rule or penalty they knew applied.
• In the absence of a referee, if the players do not agree or have doubt about how the Rules apply, either player may request a ruling
  • The player must notify the opponent
  • This must be done before the start of the next hole
• If the player does not make the request in time, a ruling will not be given by the referee or the Committee and the result of the hole (s) in question will stand even if the Rules were applied in the wrong way. Except if the facts were not known by the player.

 

1. 1. 3. Rules Issues in Stroke Play

In Stroke Play, the players don’t have the right to decide Rules Issues by Agreement

• Players should protect other players in the Competition
• If a player knows or believes that another player has breached or might have breached the Rules and that the other player does not recognize or is ignoring this, the player should tell the other player, the player’s marker, a referee, or the Committee.

If the player fails to do so, the Committee may disqualify the player under Rule 1.2 if it decides that this was a serious misconduct contrary to the spirit of the game.

Playing two balls: Unless specified by the Committee in a Local Rule, a player may not play two balls if he is not sure of the right decision to make. He must seek immediately help from a referee or a committee member.

• If no Committee member is available in a very short period of time, the player must continue play with one ball. If the player played from the wrong place, he gets a penalty of two strokes

 

1. 2. Rulings on issues Under the Rules

 

1. 1. 1. Rulings by Referee

A referee is an official named by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules.

A referee’s ruling on the facts or how the Rules apply must be followed by the player.

• A player has no right to appeal a referee’s ruling to the Committee.
• The referee may seek the Committee’s help before making a ruling or refer a ruling to the Committee for review but is not required to do so.

 

1. 1. 2. Rulings by Committee

The Committee’s decision is final

Because PopStroke made many changes to the Rules of Golf, USGA will not make any decision on matters relating to Rules in any PopStroke competitions.

 

1. 1. 3.  Applying Naked Eye Standard When Using Video Evidence

When the Committee is deciding questions of fact in making a ruling, the use of video evidence is limited by the naked eye standard:

• If the facts shown on the video could not reasonably have been seen with the naked eye, that video evidence will be disregarded even if it indicates a breach of the Rules.
• But even where video evidence is disregarded under the naked eye standard, a breach of the Rules will still be found if the player was otherwise aware of facts establishing a breach.

 

1. 1. 4. When Wrong Rulings Will be Corrected

If a ruling by a referee or the Committee is later found to be wrong:

• The ruling will be corrected, if possible, under the Rules
• If it is too late to do so, the wrong ruling stands.

If a player takes an action in breach of a Rule based on a reasonable misunderstanding of a referee’s or Committee’s instruction during a round or while play is stopped under 5.7 (such as lifting a ball in play when not allowed under the Rules), there is no penalty, and the instruction is treated like a wrong ruling.

 

1. 1. 5. Disqualifying Players After Result of Match or Competition is Final                          

MATCH PLAY: There is no time limit on disqualifying a player under Rule 1.2 (serious misconduct) or Rule 1.3 (deliberately ignoring a known breach or penalty or agreeing with another player to ignore any Rule or penalty they know applies).

This may be done even after the result of the match is final

 

STROKE PLAY: Normally, a penalty must not be added or corrected after a stroke play competition has closed, which is:

• When the result becomes final in the way set by the Committee or,
• In Stroke Play qualifying followed by Match Play, when the player has teed off to start his or her first match.

But a player must be disqualified even after the competition is closed if he or she:

• Returned a score for any hole lower than actually taken for any reason other than failing to include one or more penalty strokes that, before the competition closed, the player did not know about,
• Knew before the competition had closed that he or she was in breach of any other Rule with a penalty of disqualification,
• Deliberately agreed with another player to ignore any Rule or penalty they knew applied

The Committee may also disqualify a player under Rule 1.2 (serious misconduct) after the competition has closed

 

1. 3. Situation Not Covered by the Rules

 

Any situation not covered by the Rule should be decided by the Committee:

• Considering all the circumstances, and
• Treating the situation in a way that is reasonable, fair, and consistent with how similar situations are treated under the Rules

 

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21. Other Forms of Individual Stroke Play and Match Play

 

1. 1. Stableford

 

Stableford will never be used in PopStroke events

 

1. 2. Maximum Score

 

Maximum Score will never be used in PopStroke events.

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22. Foursomes (Also Known as Alternate Shot)

 

1. 1. Overview of Foursomes

 

Foursomes (also known as Alternate Shot) is a form of play involving partners (in either match play or stroke play) where two partners compete as a side by playing one ball in alternating order on each hole.

Rules 1-20 apply to this form of play (with one side playing one ball being treated in the same way as the individual player is treated), as modified by these specific Rules.

 

1. 2. Either Partner May Act for Side

 

A partner may help the other partner in any way, such as to give advice

Any action taken or breach of the Rules by either partner applies to the side.

In Stroke Play, only one of the partners needs to certify the side’s holes score on the scorecard

 

1. 3. Side Must Alternate in Making Strokes

 

On each hole, the partners must make each stroke for the side in alternating order:

• One partner must play first for the side from the starting area of all odd numbered holes, while the other partner must play first for the side from the starting area of all even numbered holes.
• After the side’s first stroke from the starting area of a hole, the partners must alternate strokes for the rest of the hole.
• If a stroke is cancelled or otherwise does not count under any Rule (except when a stroke is made in the wrong order in breach of this Rule), the same partner who made the stroke must make the next stroke for the side.

Any penalty strokes for the side do not affect the partner’s alternating order of play.

Penalty for Making a Stroke in a Wrong Order in Breach of Rule 22.3: General Penalty

In Stroke Play, the side must correct the mistake:

• The right partner must make a stroke from where the side made the first stroke in the wrong order.
• The stroke made in the wrong order and any more strokes before the mistake is corrected do not count
• If the side does not correct the mistake before making a stroke to begin another hole or, for the last hole, before returning its scorecard, the side is disqualified

 

1. 4. Starting the Round

 

The side may choose which partner will play from the first starting area in starting the round, unless the Terms of the Competition say which partner must play first.

The side’s round starts when that partner makes a stroke to start the side’s first hole.

The partner who will play first must be ready to play at the starting area and must start at (and not before) that time.

The partner who will play second must be present at the starting time either at the starting area or near where the ball played from the teeing area is expected to come to rest.

 

1. 5. Partners may use the same club

 

Rule 4.1 is modified to allow partners to share the putter, so long as the total number of clubs they have together is not more than 1.

 

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23. Four-Ball

 

1. 1. Overview of Four-Ball

 

Four-Ball is a form of play (in either match play or stroke play) involving partners where:

• Two partners compete together as a side, with each player playing his or her own ball, and
• A side’s score for the hole is the lowest score of the two partners on that hole.

Rules 1-20 apply to this form of play, as modified by these specific Rules.

 

1. 2. Scoring in Four-Ball

 

When both partners hole out or otherwise complete the hole under the Rules, the lower score is the side’s score for the hole.

Both players don’t need to complete the hole

• If neither partner holes out, the side loses the hole in Match Play or is disqualified in Stroke Play

The side score for each hole must be entered on the scorecard and each score should be identified as the score of the individual partner who made it.

Only one partner needs to certify the hole scores on the side’s scorecard

The Committee is responsible for deciding which score counts for the side on each hole:

• If only one score is entered for a hole, that score counts for the side
• If the scores of both partners are entered for a hole
  • If those scores are different, the lowest score for that hole counts for the side.
  • If both scores are the same, the Committee may count either score, if the score used is found to be wrong for any reason, the Committee will count the other score

 

1. 3. When round Starts and Ends, When Hole is Completed

 

A side’s round starts when one of the partners makes a stroke to start his or her first hole.

A side’s round ends:

• In Match Play, when either side has won the match
• In Stroke Play, when the side completes the final hole, either by both partners holing out or by one partner holing out on the final hole and the other partner choosing not to do so.

The hole is completed:

• In Match Play, a side has completed a hole when both partners have holed out or either side has conceded the hole.
• In Stroke Play, a side has completed a hole when one of the partners has holed out and the other partner has either holed out or chooses not to do so.

 

1. 4. One or Both partners May Represent the Side

 

The side may be represented by one partner during all or any part of a round. It is not necessary for both partners to be present and, if present, for both to play on each hole.

If a partner is absent and then arrives to play, that partner may start play for the side only between the play of two holes

• In Match Play, if the partner arrives only after any player on either side has started play of a hole, that partner is not allowed to play for the side until the next hole.
• In Stroke Play, if the partner arrives only after the other partner has started play of a hole, the arriving partner is not allowed to play for the side until the next hole.

An arriving partner who is not allowed to play a hole may still give advice or help the other partner and take other actions for the partner on that hole

 

1. 5. Player’s actions Affecting Partner’s Play

 

A player may take any action concerning the partner’s ball that the partner is allowed to take before making a stroke, such as position the ball in any way in the starting area.

Any action taken by the player concerning the partner’s ball or equipment is treated as having been taken by the partner.

If the player’s action would breach a Rule if taken by the partner:

• The partner is in breach of the Rule and gets the resulting penalty:
  • Improving the conditions affecting the stroke to be made by the partner
  • Lifting the ball in play

 

1. 6. Side’s order of Play

Partners may play in the order the side considers best.

 

1. 7. Partners May Share Clubs

 

Rule 4.1 is modified to allow partners to share clubs, so long as the total number of clubs they have together is not more than 1

 

1. 8. When Penalty Applies to One Partner Only or Applies to Both partners

 

1. 1. 1. Penalties Other Than Disqualification

 

When a player gets a penalty other than disqualification, that penalty normally applies only to the player and not also to his or her partner, except in the situations covered by the following:

• When the player breaches Rule 4.1b (Clubs): In Match Play, the side gets the penalty (adjustment of the match); in stroke play, the partner also gets the same penalty as the player
• When player’s breach helps partner’s play, in either match play or stroke play, the partner also gets the same penalty as the player
• In Match Play, when player’s breach hurts opponent’s play, the partner also gets the same penalty as the player

 

1. 1. 2. Disqualification Penalties

When Breach by One Partner Means Side is Disqualified:

A side is disqualified if either partner gets a penalty of disqualification under any of these Rules:

Rule 1.2                 Standard of Player Conduct

Rule 1.3                 Playing by the Rules

Rule 4.1                 Clubs

Rule 4.2                 Balls

Rule 4.3                 Use of Equipment

Rule 5.6                 Unreasonable Delay

Rule 5.7                 Stopping Play; Resuming Play

Stroke Play Only

Rule 3.3                 Scorecard

Rule 5.2                 Practising on Course Before or Between Rounds

Rule 23.2                               Scorecard

 

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24. TEAM COMPETITION

 

1. 1. Overview of Team Competitions

A team is a group of players who play as individuals or as sides to compete against other teams

 

1. 2. Terms of Team Competition

The Committee decides the form of play, how the team’s overall score is to be calculated and other Terms of the Competition, such as:

• In Match Play, the number of points awarded for winning or tying a match.
• In Stroke Play, the number of scores to count in each team’s total score.
• Whether the competition may end in a tie and, if not, how the tie will be decided.
  3. Team Captain

Each team may name a team captain to lead the team and make decisions for it, such as which players on the team will play in which rounds or matches, in what order they will play and who will play together as partners.

The team captain may be a player in the competition.

 

1. 4. Advice Allowed in Team Competition

 

1. 1. 1. Person Allowed to Give Advice to Team (Advice Giver)

The Committee may adopt a Local Rule allowing each team to name one person (an advice giver) who may give advice and other help as allowed in Rule 10.2 to players on the team during a round and who may be asked for advice by players on the team:

• The advice giver may be the team captain, a team coach or other person (including a team member playing the competition)
• The advice giver must be identified to the Committee before giving advice
• The Committee may allow a team’s advice giver to change during a round or during the competition.

 

1. 1. 2. Restriction on Advice Giver While Playing

If a team’s advice giver is a player on the team, he or she is not allowed to act in that role while playing a round in the competition

Except when playing a round, the advice giver is treated like any other playing team member for purposes of the restrictions on advice in Rule 10.2a.

 

1. 1. 3. No advice Between Team Members Other Than Partners

Except when playing together as partners on a side:

• A player must not ask for advice from or give advice to a member of his or her team playing on the course.
• This applies whether the team member is playing in the same group as the player or in another group on the course.

 

Penalty for Breach of Rule 24.4: General Penalty