Rules of play being considered for senior golf leagues in U.S.

LEISURE WORLD GOLF LEAGUE

In an attempt to assist seniors in keeping the pace of the game steady and uninterrupted, several new local rule modifications are being considered for use by various senior golf organizations. These suggestions can be implemented as part of the local course rules or incorporated into tournament play or both. Potential changes to local rules as listed below, as well as any new suggestions/modifications, should be reviewed and voted upon by rules committees. Some of these are already incorporated into Leisure World’s league play.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) Rules of Golf will always apply, with certain exceptions.

Foremost when playing is to obey local club rules, which are usually specified on the scorecard. Examples include:

• Pay attention to signs directing or prohibiting carts, or entering grounds under repair;

• Fix your ball marks;

• Replace or fill divots, depending on type of grass;

• Honor all course dress rules.

As a reminder, there is no longer a penalty for double hitting a ball during a stroke, and the flag no longer needs to be attended when putting on the green. Suggested Rules 1) One Club Length Rule: A player may move his ball one club length anywhere, except in a hazard or on the green, but never closer to the hole. Moving the ball does not allow a player to move his ball from one situation to another such as from rough to fairway. This rule does not guarantee a clear shot. Optionally, the ball may be moved one club length into the fairway no closer to the hole with a one-stroke penalty.

2) Out of Bounds, Club Limit, Ball Type, Putter Anchoring, Lost Ball and Unplayable Lie:

• A ball out of bounds may be played from one club length toward the fairway nearest to the point where the ball first crossed the out-of-bounds line (NOT from where the ball is found). One-shot penalty.

• No 14-club limit.

• May change ball at any time.

• Anchoring of putters is allowed while making a putting stroke.

• A lost ball, ball in the woods or in an unplayable area may be played from one club length into the fairway nearest to the point where the ball is found or the best guess location in the case of a lost ball. One-shot penalty.

3) Lift, Clean and Place: Since the ball may be lifted (see No. 1), the golfer may clean the ball prior to placing it back in play. You may now legally drop from the knee rather than the shoulder.

4) Ball in Penalty Area: This includes water hazards and areas staked or lined as a Penalty Area. If the ball is in an unmarked area that the majority of the foursome determines should be marked as a Penalty Area, it should be played as a Penalty Area. The ball may be played as it lies. Or you can take a one-stroke penalty and a drop out of the Penalty Area (no closer to the hole). Remember, you are allowed to remove loose impediments and ground your club.

5) Sand Traps: You are allowed to improve your lie in a sand trap by moving one club length inside the trap, no closer to the hole, and by raking the sand and placing your ball. Or you can take a one-stroke penalty and a drop out of the trap (no closer to the hole). When dropping from a trap, drop outside the trap, keeping the trap between you and the hole. You are allowed to remove loose impediments and ground your club in the sand trap.

6) In Tree Well or Behind Tree or on Roots: Ball may be moved as long as it is not moved more than two club lengths and/or closer to the hole. You can’t move the ball from rough to fairway or from fairway to green.

7) Gimmie Putt Rule: Concede a short putt you know the golfer should make. If necessary, use the length of a putter or the length of the gripped or un-gripped area on the putter as the standard for “gimmie or not.” Decide ahead of time.

8) Maximum score: Triple or quadruple bogey is the maximum score. If this is inevitable pick-up, take the triple with two putts, but record the actual number of putts taken if the final putt actually results in a multiple bogey.

9) Use or Forward or Senior Tees: The league/club/tournament may, at its discretion, allow all players to use the Forward/Senior Tees.

10) Hazards: If, from any regular tee location, a particular golfer’s drive cannot or is known not to be able to clear the obstacle (penalty area, water, sand trap, brush, or other hazard in front of him or her), then the golfer may optionally tee off or drop on the other side of the obstacle, taking a one-stroke penalty. A similar rule may be adopted if the same circumstances occur on the fairway.

—Dave LaCascia