Future Stars
Tournament Rules

Notice to Competitors

The USGA Rules will govern play, the DGT Hard Card, the Conditions of the Competition, and this Notice to Players. Unless otherwise stated in the Rules of Golf, the general penalty for violating a local rule is the penalty

TEES TO PLAY

All play will be from the STITCH Golf tee markers.

OUT OF BOUNDS

Out of bounds is defined by white stakes; white lines; white split rail fences; the course side edge of the sidewalk behind #4 green; poles and netting on hole #13; tall construction fencing with UNC logos left of hole #18; and by the course-side of paved road edges/curbs and beyond, even if the ball comes to rest on another part of the course.

RED PENALTY AREAS

The areas left of hole #4 and left of hole #12 are red penalty areas, and NOT No Play Zones. Green tops on any penalty area stakes have no significance.

IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS CLOSE TO PUTTING GREEN

If the player’s ball lies off the putting green and an immovable obstruction within two club lengths of the putting green and within two club lengths of the ball intervenes on the line of play, the player may take relief under Rule 16.1. This only applies when both the ball and the obstruction are in the general area cut to fairway height or less. Model Local Rule F-5.2.

INTEGRAL OBJECTS

 The trail in the woods left of hole #8 is an integral object, not an obstruction. No free relief.

GROUND UNDER REPAIR

Unmarked ground up tree stumps and tire ruts may be played as ground under repair.

OBSTRUCTIONS

The following are obstructions:

  • Brown “Chapel Hill gravel paths” connected to paved cart paths are immovable obstructions and may be treated as an extension of the cart path.
  • Cart control posts and ropes adjacent to cart paths are deemed part of the obstruction.
  • Paved cart paths, French drains, drinking water stations, restroom buildings, and steps into bunkers are obstructions.
  • Waste containers and bird houses on the course are immovable obstructions from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1. Model Local Rule F-18.

IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS ON PUTTING GREENS (CUP COVER)

When a ball is lying on the putting green, and there is interference by a cup cover (immovable obstruction), the player may take free relief by placing the original ball or another ball on the spot of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole. The nearest point of relief must be either on the putting green or in the general area.

DROPPING ZONE

The following dropping zones may be used as an additional option:

– Hole #7, if a ball is known or virtually certain to rest in the penalty area, the player may drop the original ball or another ball in the dropping zone located near the cart path and stone steps. The dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3. Model Local Rule E-1.1
– Hole #18, if a ball is known or virtually certain to rest in the ground under repair area to the left of the putting green, the player has interference (stance or area of intended swing) from the ground under repair, or if the ball is outside of the ground under repair and the player has interference from the short silt fence (immovable obstruction) in the ground under repair, the player may drop the original ball or another ball in the dropping zone on the side of the blue stake to the left of the putting green. The dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3. Model Local Rule E-1.1

EDGING GROOVES NEAR PUTTING GREENS

The edging grooves around the aprons or fringes of putting greens are ground under repair. If a player’s ball lies in or touches a groove or a groove interferes with the area of intended swing:

(a) Ball in General Area. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b. (b) Ball on (including touching) the Putting Green. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1d. But interference does not exist if the edging groove only interferes with the line of play or with the player’s stance. Model Local Rule F-19

PACE OF PLAY

Groups out of position or over the allotted pace time will be warned that individuals in the group are being timed. Players timed and exceeding 40 seconds to play their next shot will result in a warning. A second violation will result in a one-stroke penalty. A third violation will result in the general penalty, followed by disqualification for a fourth violation. Penalties are applied to individuals, not to the group.

SCORING AREA

A digital scorecard is deemed returned when it has been attested by the marker and submitted by the player.