VSWGA State Days are guided by the USGA Rules of Golf as well as Local Rules issued by host courses. The spirit of friendly competition and compliance with rules of the game create fair and fun events throughout Vermont each week of the season. All players are encouraged to download the USGA Rules App to their phones for study as well as quick and easy access to rules as needed during play.
Local Rules and Conditions
Courses hosting State Day events are expected to provide copies of their Local Rules when players arrive at the course to check in. Local rules typically reference things like description of out of bounds areas, ground under repair, and drop zones. Local rules may allow players to take relief in certain situations not otherwise allowed by the USGA Rules of Golf.
These exceptions are designed to speed up the pace of play during State Days. For example, if a player hits off the tee twice into a water hazard, Local Rules may dictate that the player must then drop a ball in a designated drop zone. In such a case, the player must add to her score each stroke and penalty stroke taken before advancing to the drop zone (four, in this case).
Playing a Second Ball When a Rule is Unknown
Should an unresolvable rules question arise during the course of play, a player has the option to either call the pro shop to resolve the issue or play a second ball from that point. When playing a second ball, the player would play both the original ball (under one ruling) and the second ball (under the other ruling), until holing out both balls on that specific hole. The issue would then be resolved at the end of the round through clarification by the course pro.
Scoring & Results
All State Day scores will be posted to GHIN using the World Handicapping System maximum strokes per hole of net double bogey, and designate each with “A” for an away event. The score will be marked as away even if the State Day was at your home course.
The exact number of strokes for each hole must be recorded on the scorecard. Players must hole out on each hole, including the very short putts! DO NOT adjust for the maximum number of strokes allowed for your handicap (i.e. net double bogey), the GHIN system calculates automatically.
State Day participants will receive email notification of results, including Closest to the Pin winners, the evening of the conclusion of the event. Results will also be available in Schedule & Results.
Scorecards
Players must report to the scoring table IMMEDIATELY upon completion of their round. Players should then complete their group scorecard by:
- recording the start time of the round AND the conclusion time of the round on the card;
- verifying scores (Golf Genius will total each);
- signing the scorecard;
- returning completed scorecard for their group to the scoring table.
All players must sign the scorecard indicating their score or other designation regardless of whether they finish playing the full round. Players always have the option of “No Carding” or medically withdrawing from a round.
No Card Option
Option for a player that has played according to the Rules of Golf but has not completed their round OR does not want their score included in the results. Write “NC” beside the golfer’s name on the scorecard to be submitted at the conclusion of the round. The VSWGA will not post the score, nor will it appear in tournament results. No VSWGA penalty will be assessed. The player should post their own score in Golf Genius marking an “X” for the hole at which they picked up or stopped playing and enter scores for all holes played following USGA Rules. Golf Genius will calculate a score in this situation.
Medical Withdrawal
When a player experiences a medical problem that prevents them from continuing to play, indicate “MW” beside the player’s name on the scorecard. No score is posted and no VSWGA penalty will be assessed.
Disqualification
A player who makes a serious rules violation will be disqualified from the event. For example, a player hits her ball out of bounds and does not proceed under stroke and distance but instead takes a drop near where the ball went out of bounds, holes out, and tees off on the next hole. Indicate “DQ” beside the player’s name on the scorecard. No score will be posted by the VSWGA (or the golfer). No VSWGA penalty will be assessed.
Penalties
Penalties are assessed for repeated violations of rules or procedures, and only after a thorough review by the VSWGA. Penalties are also issued when a player does not participate in a State Day for which they were registered and confirmed, and did not follow the VSWGA Cancellation Procedures. Repeat infractions are cause for warning letters and possible disqualification from play for the balance of the season.
Code of Conduct
Proper etiquette is expected of all players. In the event of improper behavior by a player during a State Day event, the Club Rep should be notified following completion of play. The Club Rep will then file a written complaint with the VSWGA for further investigation. All such complaints will be confidential.
VSWGA Electronics and Distance Measuring Devices
Listening to or viewing content of any nature on a personal audio or video device during VSWGA events is prohibited. Distance measuring devices are permitted as long as they do not measure gradient, slope, wind speed or wind direction. These features must be turned off during play. Phones should be turned off or silenced during the entire round, including when in use as a distance measuring device.
Cancellations
Cancellations will be accepted in the Golf Genius system until 7:00 AM on the day prior to State Day events.
For Cancellations after 7:00 AM on the day prior to the event: Registrants for State Days must phone the specific pro shop to inform them of cancellation. Players can be held responsible for cart fees in the case of improper cancellation notification. Registrants must also notify the VSWGA via email of their post-deadline cancellation at vswgaquestions@gmail.com.
