2025 Vets' Playing Rules

2025 WINGHAM LOCAL VET PLAYING RULE REMINDERS :

1. BALL MOVEMENT DURING A COMPETITION EVENT:

 

1. Always 30cm (or Ambrose = 1 club) thru. the green.

2. Movement due to unplayable lies and hazards come with a penalty;

GUR, embedded ball, staked trees & pathways with NO penalty.

1. Relief from dirt patches allowed. Nearest point, ball only, then 30cm rule may be applied.

2. Tees or lifting grass as an artificial tee, thru. the green, is NOT allowed.

3. ANY BALL MOVEMENT OTHER THAN WITHIN THE RULES (as stated above )WILL INCUR A PENALTY ( usually stroke ) CONTINUED INFRINGEMENT AN OFFICIAL WARNING & FURTHER PENALTIES ( disqualification from the event ).

 

 

2. NO BALL TO BE TOUCHED IN A BUNKER. RAKE OUT SAND BUNKERS AFTER USE:

 

    All bunkers must be raked out after use, and the rake placed back in the bunker stand.

 

 

3. HOLES 8/17:

    ALL PLAYERS may hit from the White or Blue markers ,as usual OR they may choose to hit from

    the very FRONT TEE on the dam wall under penalty ( ie. Hitting 2nd shot ).

 

    HOLE 14:

    OBE’s; 36+handicappers: May hit from WHITE TEES WITH NO PENALTY

 

 

4. ANY player hitting the METAL HAND RAILS on holes 4 & 13 or 8 & 17 MAY HAVE A                                

   SECOND TEE SHOT, NO PENALTY.

 

 

5. HOLES 8 & 17 ‘ DROP ZONE ‘ NOW APPLIES: ANY PLAYER hitting a ball into the dam MAY:

               Either           1. Hit their 3rd shot from the original tee,

                    Or             2. Hit their 3rd shot form the ‘DROP ZONE’ ( FRONT LADIES TEES, with the ball  

                                         dropped from knee height and 30cm rule still applies; no tee should be used).

 

 

6. CART SIGNS ( ONLY IF PLACED ON THE FAIRWAY ) interfering with your shot to the pin. You may move your ball to obtain clear line NO PENALTY. Cart signs must not be moved.

 

 

7.  FOR A MEMBER TO QUALIFY FOR THE VETERANS’ CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS:  

     They must play a minimum 6 competition events prior and in the same year.

 

 

8 READY GOLF RULES APPLY AT ALL TIMES IN ORDER TO SPEED UP PLAY

      SUMMARY:

It is every playing group’s responsibility to stay up with playing group in front.

Players should watch where their partners balls go. Maximum 3min ball search.

Can putt with the flag in. Maximum of 40 seconds per shot ( tee to green ).

As a player putts out; they should move on to the next tee. Don’t wait.

Walk to your ball rather than wait to be driven.

 

 

• WET WEATHER RULES ( when they apply, check Local Rule variations ):

      Carts maybe asked to stay on paths at ALL times and players MUST walk to their ball.

      Generally ‘Cart 90° rule’ applies for balls on opposite side of fairway. Check Local notice boards first.

      Common sense MUST apply at ALL times to MINIMISE COURSE DAMAGE .

 

• CART RULES:

Use paths or rough at all times moving forward (NOT FAIRWAYS)

‘90º RULE’ applies at all times.

Use common sense on a wet course, as to where to cross a fairway.

 

1. MAT GOLF RULES ( when they apply, check Local Rule variations ):

Mats must be used at all times through the green, except when using a putter. Players may choose their own mat.

      There is NO BALL MOVEMENT, except to lift your ball, place your mat and return your ball to  

      its general original position.

      Mats must NOT be folded to create an artificial tee.

      NO MATS to be used in HAZARDS. A player can take hazard relief ( with a penalty ), then a   

      mat may be used.

 

• FULL 2019 READY GOLF RULES NOW APPLIED:

1. Drops - knee (NOT shoulder height)

2. Drop length - measure with longest club (NOT putter)

3. Drop relief – no closer to hole.

4. Lost ball search – 3 minutes (NOT 5 min.)

5. Accidental ball movement – replace NO penalty

6. Double hit – single shot, NO penalty.

7. Accidental hitting of you or your equipment after shot – NO penalty

8. On green - hitting flagstick while in hole – No penalty

9. On green - spike and shoe damage – can be repaired.

10. On green - ball accidentally moves – replace, NO penalty.

11. Putting, ball moved by wind – replace, NO penalty.

12. Hazards – can ground club, practice swing and remove loose objects – NO penalty.

13. Bunkers – can remove loose impediments.NO penalty.

14. Bunkers – cannot touch sand or with practice swings.

15. Bunkers – unplayable ball, can drop outside bunker – 2 shot penalty.

16. Embedded ball (at least part below ground) – on fairways or in rough – free relief.

17. Out of Bounds – replay shot – 2 shot penalty.

18. Maximum 40 seconds per shot

 

Members should understand that these rules are designed to allow every player to compete on a level playing field, without any person/s gaining an unfair advantage. Enjoy a fast, friendly, honest game with your mates !

NB. If you are unhappy with a rule you MUST go through your CAPTAIN to request a change. DO NOT TAKE IT UPON YOURSELF TO MAKE UP YOUR OWN RULES !

 

                                    By order Wingham Vet Committee (Last Amended 22/1/25)\