FPGA 2025 League Rules
Revised 4/9/25
F.P.G.A. Tournament Format
Individual Stroke Play / Stableford Point System
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One Club Length Rule: The One Club Length Rule allows a golfer to move their ball up to one club length from its original position without advancing it toward the hole, except in designated areas like hazards or on the green; however, significant changes in lie, such as relocating a ball from rough to fairway, incur a one-stroke penalty, reinforcing the rule's focus on fairness while accommodating players facing difficult conditions.
Lift, Clean, and Place: During the Lift, Clean, and Place procedure, players are permitted to lift their ball, clean it, and then place it back in play, while also dropping it from knee height instead of shoulder height, which simplifies the dropping process.
Sand Traps: In a sand trap, you can either improve your lie by moving the ball one club length within the trap, raking the sand, and placing the ball, or incur a one-stroke penalty to drop the ball outside the trap while keeping the trap between you and the hole. Additionally, you are permitted to remove loose impediments from the sand to help improve your situation.
In Tree Well or Behind Tree or on Roots: When a ball comes to rest in a tree well, behind a tree, or on roots, a golfer can take relief by moving the ball within two club lengths of the original position, but not closer to the hole. This allows players to play from a more manageable position without penalty or moving the ball to a potentially more advantageous spot.
(Provisional) Out of Bounds: A provisional ball in golf is actually hit in case the ball may be lost or out of bounds, but it's only played if the original ball is indeed lost or out of bounds. The primary purpose of a provisional ball is to avoid delaying play by searching for a lost ball in a difficult to reach or wooded area. If the original ball is found in bounds or on a more accessible area where there's no time loss, the provisional ball is discarded and play continues with the original ball.
Lost Ball: If a player loses a ball in the woods or an unplayable area, they can drop a new ball within two club lengths into the nearest fairway from where the original ball was believed to be, incurring a one-stroke penalty.
Ball in Rough: In this scenario, players can move their ball from high rough to low rough within a one club length, ensuring it remains not closer to the hole, while also allowing for lifting, cleaning, and placing the ball as necessary; they may also seek relief from bare spots by relocating to the nearest grassy area, but cannot move their ball between different turf types, such as rough to fairway or fairway to green.
Whiff Swings (No ball Contact): They don't count as a stroke because we're just old and shit happens.
Bad Tee Shots: (Ball Contact) for a tee shot to be considered a valid stroke, the ball must land beyond the most forward tee box, often marked by red, regardless of the golfer's ability. If a player fails to achieve this distance with their tee shot, it is deemed an invalid stroke, and they must re-tee the ball to take another shot.
Gimme Putt Rule: a "gimme" is a putt that can be considered automatic due to its short distance, The Ball must be within 12 inches of the hole. You can use your putter grip to measure, if the ball falls within that distance, you can take the gimme, but remember to add an extra stroke to your score.
Maximum score: Double Bogey is the maximum score.
Reporting scores: To ensure accurate scoring, players should proceed to the next tee box before recording their scores, clearly communicating their score and number of putts to the scorer so everyone is aware. After completing the round, players should drive away from the last hole to tally their scores, verifying their individual scores with the scorer before submitting it to the Committee to maintain accuracy and transparency in the scoring process.
Loud and Vulgar Language: While we all make mistakes on the course, it's important to be mindful of our language both on and off the green. Using loud and vulgar language can create an uncomfortable atmosphere for others, and it reflects on our league as a whole. Let's aim to uphold a respectful and positive environment for everyone involved.
Bluetooth Music Devices: When using Bluetooth music devices in a shared space, it's essential to maintain a reasonable volume to avoid disturbing others. Be mindful of your surroundings and regularly check in with your group to ensure everyone is comfortable with the sound level. This way, you can enjoy your listening experience while being considerate of those around you.
Provisional: if you believe your tee shot is lost or out of bounds, you have the option to either re-tee and take a penalty stroke or hit a provisional ball while searching for the original ball. If the original is not found, the provisional ball becomes your third shot. This rule allows players to save time and continue play without having to go back to the tee again if the original ball is confirmed lost or out of bounds.
Search time: When searching for a lost ball, it's essential to efficiently manage your time by focusing on probable locations and involving teammates to expedite the search. If the ball remains unfound after two minutes, declare it lost and take a penalty stroke to maintain the game's pace.
Side Bets: any bets or wagers made among players are considered personal agreements and are the exclusive responsibility of the individuals involved, without the involvement or liability of the organizing body or tournament officials. Players should ensure clear communication and mutual consent regarding any gambling activities to avoid disputes.
Hazards: The proposed rule offers golfers a more practical and less frustrating solution when encountering obstacles on the course, allowing them to either tee off again or drop the ball on the opposite side of the hazard with a one-stroke penalty, thereby promoting a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay experience by reducing potential delays and difficulties associated with navigating unyielding hazards.
Drop out or Forfeit after Tourney Begins: Players who withdraw after it has begun will forfeit any Contest Entry Fees and any chance of prize money, regardless of their circumstances. The sole exception to this rule is if the tournament is canceled by the Tournament Chairman due to unplayable conditions, in which case participants will receive a refund of any contest fees.
M&M ( Mandatory Mulligan ): Each player is required to purchase an M&M for $2.00, which can be used on any hole from the Tee box only. ( NOTE: Contest Holes Closest To Pin are not included ). When an M&M is utilized, the new shot becomes the official recorded shot while the original ball is disregarded.
This is a friendly reminder to all F.P.G.A. members that our golf events aim to create a welcoming environment centered on enjoyment and camaraderie. To maintain this spirit, we encourage everyone to refrain from discussing politics during our gatherings, enabling participants to bond over their love for the game and ensure a positive experience for all on the course.