League Playing Rules

All foursomes must be represented by at least 2 teams.

“Roll” Rule - - a ball lying in a divot in the fairway of the hole being played may be moved, with the club end only, up to six inches, but not nearer to the hole.

This is allowed ONLY in the fairway of the hole being played.                    Penalty = None

- Unplayable Lies

Natural Hazard: Ball may be dropped at the closest point of relief where the player has an unobstructed stance and swing but not nearer to the hole.

- Must have consent of all other players.                                                                          Penalty = One Stroke

Ground Under Repair: Standing Water, extremely soggy area, etc..

Ball may be dropped at the closest point of relief where the player has an unobstructed stance and swing, but not nearer to the hole.

Must have consent of other players.                                                                              Penalty = None

- Out of Bounds (**) - - Play ball from the spot where it went out of bounds at the closest point of relief, not nearer to the hole,     where the player has an unobstructed stance and swing.

Must have consent of all other players.                                                                Penalty = One Stroke

Example = if ball is hit out of bounds from the tee, the player will be shooting three from the point the ball went out of bounds, or the other option is to re-tee; shooting three.

•       Ball in Sand Trap

Sand must not be touched by club head at address or in practice swing and/or in process of taking swing.  Penalty = Two Strokes

Ball in a footprint or in poorly groomed trap may be lifted and placed within the sand trap, not nearer to the hole.  Loose impediments, sticks, stones, etc.. obstructing stance or swing may be removed.

Must have consent of other players.                                                         Penalty = None

•       Ball in Water Hazard (red stake penalty area)

Drop ball at the nearest point where the ball entered the plane of water at the closest point of relief, not nearer to the hole, where the player has an unobstructed stance and swing. Ball may be placed in fairway; but not nearer to the hole.

Must have consent of other players.                                                    Penalty = One Stroke

Ball in Red and/or Yellow Penalty Areas

Ball may be played as it lies from the penalty area without penalty.

Club head may be grounded and practice swings are allowed.                      Penalty = None

If a ball in a Red / Yellow Penalty area is deemed unplayable, a ball may be dropped at nearest point of relief from where ball entered the Penalty Area, not nearer to the hole.     Penalty = One Stroke

Ball along the fence:  if the ball is still in bounds, the ball may be moved two club lengths, but not nearer to the hole.

Penalty = None

Lost Ball Search

- Time limit to search for lost ball is 3 minutes.

Flagstick on Green

- For pace of play, players are encouraged to leave the flagstick in the hole while putting.

Changing Balls

- It is permissible to change balls on the green, but only on the green.

All additional playing rules on back of scorecard apply or any permanent or temporary local rules established by the Golf Course.

To speed up play, the first player to putt should continue to putt out unless doing so would disturb another Player's line.

•       All balls on green must be holed out. There should be NO liberal “gimmes”.

Under any circumstance, if a player hits or kicks his ball away from cup without holing out, the penalty is One Stoke plus Loss of Hole.

(**) 2022 rule change: Players turning 65 in a current season, regardless of when their birthday is, may play from the RED tees. This must be declared prior to their 1st match.  Wherever the player tee’s off from in their 1st match, is where they will play from for the entire season.  Prior rule stated the player must have turned 65 already to move up.

Have Fun

Keep Pace with group ahead of you

Respect other Players and the Course

Since 1963, VVMGL represents the example others play by