LVSGC Local Rules
The following represent the adopted local rules for play for the LVSGC and include those currently adopted by the LVMGC and LVWGC.
Out-of-Bounds is defined by the inside edges at ground level of:
White stakes along the left side of holes #1 and #2 fairways
All perimeter fence posts
Driving range fence posts
Declared Immovable Obstructions: White stakes defining the out-of-bounds on hole #1 are declared to be immovable obstructions while playing any hole other than hole #1 when they are considered out-of-bounds markers. The stakes must not be moved. The player gets relief without penalty for stance and swing, only when playing #18.
Edging Grooves: If a ball lies on an edging groove around a putting green, the player may without penalty, lift the ball, clean it and place it out of the groove within 6 inches to where it lay, whether on or off the putting green, which is not nearer the hole.
Aeration Holes: Through the Green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped, as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole. On the putting green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be placed at the nearest spot not nearer the hole that avoids the situation.
Distance Measuring Devices: that measure distance only are allowed for all play in Los Verdes Seniors Tournaments per USGA Rule 4.3. (Not allowed - measuring elevation changes)
Winter Rules: Winter Rules shall be in effect when declared by the Tournament Chairmen. A ball may be lifted cleaned and placed within 6 inches no nearer the hole.
Hole # 11: When the upper tee is in use and climbing presents a physical hardship, players may tee off from the lower tees at the permanent marker.
8. 10 shot max rule: (Not currently adopted by the LVMC). For the sake of Pace of Play a player may, at any time, on any hole, concede the hole and pick-up, taking a score of 10. All players after taking 10 shots on any hole are mandated to pick up their ball. They will NOT be disqualified from the team or low net competition as a result, but are expected to post their score in accord with the ESC (equitable stroke control) policy of the USGA/SCGA for handicapping purposes.
9. Sprinklers: Sprinkler heads located within 2 club lengths of the green and on the putting line of a ball within 2 club lengths of the sprinkler heads, constitute an immovable obstruction. Players are entitled a free drop at the nearest relief, no closer to the hole. The ball is to be dropped from knee height within one club length of the nearest relief.
10. Lost ball and OB: Players who hit a ball OB or into an area in which the ball may be easily lost are encouraged to hit a provisional ball from that location immediately. Should a provisional ball not be played and the ball is determined to be lost or OB, players are then mandated to take relief under a 2 stroke penalty, dropping a new ball in the area comprised by 2 club lengths from where the ball was deemed to have crossed the margin and a point 2 club lengths into the fairway equal distance from the hole. In the case of a lost ball the same rule applies from the area where the lost ball is best estimated to have been lost.
11. Drainage ditches: (Not currently adopted by the LVMC). Drainage ditches are considered immovable obstructions and already allow for complete relief when they interfere with either stroke or stance. The committee has expanded that rule to allow a similar drop at the estimated point of entry into the ditch IF the ball is virtually certain to be lost because it rolled along the ditch and cannot be found IF THE BALL IS NOT FOUND AND IS NOT VIRTUALLY CERTAIN TO HAVE ROLLED DOWN THE DITCH, IT MUST BE TREATED AS A LOST BALL AND THE ABOVE RULE APPLIED.
12. Wire Grass (smut grass): (Adopted by LVMC but not LVWC) Any player whose ball lies close to smut grass, in a position where the swing movement of the clubface is obstructed, is allowed free relief by first marking the spot and then lifting and placing the ball within 1 club length of the original position, no closer to the hole. There is no relief for stance but the ball can be cleaned on lifting. (Relief in a large patch of smut grass is still restricted to one club length from the original position)
13. Exposed Tree Roots: If a players ball is in play and there is interference with the lie of the ball or the area of the intended swing from exposed tree roots that are part of the general area of the course, the tree roots are treated as ground under repair. The player may take free relief under rule 16.1b. Find the nearest point of relief that is not closer to the hole and the ball must be dropped within one club length and come to rest in the relief area. Interference does not exist if the tree roots only interfere with the players stance.
14. Disturbed area within sand traps: Balls which come to rest in a disturbed area of a bunker (foot print, stroke splash, or area that should have been raked) may be lifted and placed in the nearest spot that avoids the disturbed area, no closer to the hole. Please rake and smooth the bunker upon completion of your shot and IF TIME PERMITS correct any other nearby disturbed areas.
Any player participating in a simultaneous men’s or women’s club tournament during a seniors club event, must play in accordance with their respective clubs rules and cannot include seniors local rules unless also adopted by their respective clubs.