Friday, January 27, 2012

Know the Rules - Equipment

Scott R Chilcutt, Kerrville, TX (January 27, 2012)  While the eyes of golf are on the PGA Merchandise Show this week in Orlando we thought it would be appropriate to follow up our "KNOW the RULES" segments with "Equipment" and clothing.  We won't be getting into conforming clubs but simply some of the USGA rules we follow and some areas where the Am Tour may make exceptions.

LIMITATIONS OF GOLF BALL:   The one ball rule is not in effect with most AM Tour events unless otherwise stated on the Notice to Contestants, however a player must complete the hole playing the same type of ball.

Note Rule 16-1b, the Rule that allows the player to lift his ball from the putting green, does not permit the player to substitute another ball; this precludes the player from substituting a “putting ball.”

MAXIMUM 14 CLUBS: Rule 4-4 -  The player must not start a stipulated round with more than fourteen clubs. He is limited to the clubs thus selected for that round, except that if he started with fewer than fourteen clubs, he may add any number, provided his total number does not exceed fourteen.

Repacing (damage / broken) or adding clubs (if you've started with under 14 clubs) can only be done during the round if this process does not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7), and (3) none of the clubs  have been selected for play by any other person playing on the course.  In other words, you cannot borrow another players golf club as a replacement / addition.

Please note that training and/or weighted clubs are considered one of the 14 club maximum.

DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICE:  Rule 14-3 - USGA conforming DMD's are allowed at all local, Major and National Tournaments on the Am Tour.  Cell phones may also be used as DMD's providing it's USGA conforming as well.

Features that would include, SLOPE, WINDSPEED and DIRECTION along with climate-based information such as TEMPATURE, HUMIDITY, etc.. render the device non conforming.

Such non-conforming features render use of the device contrary to the Rules, irrepective of whether or not the features can be swithced off or disenganged.

With PDA's there must be no other features or applications installed on the device that, if used, would be in breach of the Rules, whether or not they are actually used.

DRESS CODE:  While some golf courses may have further requirements, the Am Tour will strictly enforce a tournament dress code with no exceptions. Collared shirts/mock turtle necks are required, and no jeans, denims, jogging outfits, or sweat pants are permitted.


As always if you have questions, comments or need further assitance please let us know!

For more information:
Scott R Chilcutt
Tour Director

Dallas / Fort Worth - Hill Country - Oklahoma
Golf Channel Amateur Tour

405.513.1467 - 972.201.9478

schilcutt@gcamtour.com
www.gcamtour.com


Visit the Tour Blogs:

Friday, January 20, 2012

Know the Rules - 2012 Rule Changes

Scott R Chilcutt, Edmond, OK (January 20, 2012)  As we look forward to our kick off events of 2012 we wanted to make sure everyone is aware of the changes the USGA and the R&A have made to the rules of golf.  Following a four-year review of golf's 34 playing Rules, nine principal rules have been amended.   Two of the significant changes that can effect each of you:
  
Ball Moving After Address (Rule 18-2b). A new exception is added which exonerates the player from penalty if their ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that they did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position.

Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions (
Rule 13-4). Exception 2 to this Rule is amended to permit a player to smooth sand or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from that hazard, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 13-2 (improving lie, area of intended stance or swing or line of play) is not breached.
For more detail see the following pages at the USGA website -

Principal Changes To The Rules Of Golf

New Decisions

Revised Decisions


Next Up - Hill Country Tour tees it up at the Kerrville Championship at The Club @ Comanche Trace on February 11, 2012.  Dallas Tour resumes play at the Grand Prairie Classic on February 18, 2012.   Oklahoma Tour is off until 2012 at the ST. Patty's Day @ KickingBird event.  The first Major in the Central Region of the 2012 points year (another sell out) will be held at Horseshoe Bay for the Texas Open.  

For more information:


Scott R Chilcutt
Tour Director
Dallas / Fort Worth - Hill Country - Oklahoma
Golf Channel Amateur Tour

405.513.1467 - 972.201.9478

schilcutt@gcamtour.com
www.gcamtour.com


Visit the Tour Blogs: