This handbook is designed primarily for the tournament aspect.  All conduct policies pertain to all JPT affiliated events.   

Our geographic market includes primarily Florida and the United States, with participants visiting from as far away as Canada, Ireland, Venezuela, Switzerland and South America.

 Contact Information:

Junior Players’ Tour                                                                Renea Cowan, PGA
5765 West 1st Square S. W.                                                   Email: symbiogolf@aol.com
Vero Beach, Florida 32968                                                      Cell Phone: 954-234-6434

Richard Bowen: Phone/Fax 772-567-9589

Junior Players’ Tour Website:  www.jrpt.net 

 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

I.  ELIGIBILITY 

Participation is extended to juniors who have not reached their 19th birthday prior to the tournament or who are not enrolled in college.  A player’s age on the 2^nd day (or the last day) of the tournament, will determine the age division that the junior will play in.

II. JUNIOR PLAYERS’ TOUR MEMBERSHIP FEES AND BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

 Annual dues are $50 for all juniors, regardless of age.  If there are two or more juniors from the same family, the dues will be $50 for the first junior, and $20 for each additional family member. 

Membership does not include entry fees to any of the tournament events.   

Membership benefits will include the following: 

 

JPT bag tag & Cap

JPT tee packs     

 Discounted entry fees for all events

·                        JPT Membership

·       

Tournaments Are Ranked By The Junior Golf Scoreboard 

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION

I.  AGE CUT OFF DATE  A player’s age determined by his/her age the 2^nd day of the tournament. 

If for any reason a junior wants to play in the next age-up group, prior approval must be given by the JPT.   Once a player has moved to the next age-up division, any and all points accumulated will be pegged and remain in the age group accumulated.

II.  AGE DIVISIONS – BOYS and GIRLS

The tables below show the age divisions and the tee positions that are to be used in each event for young men and young women.

In order to provide for the best possible developmental experience for the players, the JPT will review and adjust the divisions as each season develops.  Each year provides different challenges and different players.   The board reserves the right to make changes during the season to the terms of competition if we feel that a greater number of players involved would benefit.  These include, but are not limited to, age divisions, number of holes played, tees used, and ability rankings.

NOTE:  Carting from Green to Tee is allowed (If Available not required) for Young Men 10-12 

Sample of  Age Divisions and  Yardage 

 III.  TOURNAMENT FEES 

The following fees will be payable for each event.  Payment should be made on line with credit card or check. If mailed made payable to the Junior Players' Tour.  Payment must accompany the entry form for the event.   

*Additional member Siblings Entry Fee $85.00 Each

IV.  ENTRY DEADLINES

IMPORTANT

Entry deadlines for tournaments will be 2 weeks (14 Days) prior to the event.  This deadline will be enforced.  Entries received after the deadline will be on a standby available basis.   

In order to have enough time to properly organize, coordinate, and run an event for 80-112 juniors, there must be a two-week deadline for entries.  JPT does not want to turn away a junior when a space in an event could be available, but we have decided that it is more important to place our emphasis on conducting the events in a manner that benefits the majority of entrants.  The logistics of assignment and notification on tee times, making arrangements, locating and assigning volunteers, and completion of numerous other small but important details all require a two week deadline.  Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.    

V.  ENTRY PRIORITIES 

If there is a full field, members priority in the JPT tournament will be determined by the date entry was received, accompanied by the entry fee.

 VI.  REFUND POLICY 

A full credit will be given if the JPT receives notice of withdrawal 14 days prior to the tournament.  This credit can be applied to entry for future tournaments.  $25.00 transaction charge if notice is given 14 days or less prior to event.  No refunds will be given if notice is received less than 7 days prior to the event without a doctor’s excuse or proof of a family emergency. 

 Any “No-Show” without prior notice will  forfeit their entire entry fee.  Entry fees will not be credited or refunded for any “No Show”.

 VII.  2004 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE 

VIII.  PERSONAL CONDUCT GUIDELINES

 A prime objective of the JPT is to instill in the junior golfer a sense of the traditions and integrity of the game.  An important part of this is conducting oneself in a manner that shows respect for fellow competitors, for your own self and for the golf course.  To promote these areas of concern, the following guidelines will apply.  Tournament officials will enforce these guidelines at all events.

CONDUCT CODE

1.      Any conduct that is detrimental to the JPT will not be tolerated.

2.      Alcoholic beverages, drugs and tobacco in any form are prohibited

3.      Gambling is not allowed

4.      Abusive language or profanity will not be tolerated.

5.      Displays of temper involving throwing or slamming bags, balls, clubs, or other equipment will not be tolerated.

6.      Cheating will not be tolerated

7.      Abuse of club facilities will not be tolerated.

8.      Poor etiquette is not acceptable.

9.  Use of golf carts is prohibited, unless the players are  being shuttled between holes, or at the official’s discretion to speed up play.

10. Players should strive to uphold and protect the traditions and values of the game.

11. The game will be played under the USGA rules, as  amended by local rules specified on the competition rule sheet. 

DRESS CODE

In keeping with the traditions of golf, and in order to help the juniors & spectators learn of this aspect of the game the following dress code has been put in place. 

SHIRTS:  The following types of shirts are not acceptable for boys or girls: All shirts must be tucked in.           

            T-Shirts                                   Tank Tops

            Open Mesh                            Midriff Top                   

Acceptable shirts for boys must have collars and sleeves. 

Acceptable shirts for girls are not required to have collars and sleeves, but must not fall in the categories listed above. 

SHORTS:  The following types of shorts are not acceptable for boys or girls: 

Tennis shorts Short Shorts               Gym Shorts   

Blue jeans/cutoffs 

Acceptable shorts for boys and girls must be golf type shorts that are hemmed and are approximately thumb length. 

SHOES:  The following types of shoes are not acceptable for boys or girls: 

            Golf shoes with metal spikes

Athletic shoes with large cleats

            Track or baseball shoes with spikes

 The only types of footwear allowed during events are golf or tennis shoes.  Golf shoes must be of a “Soft Spike “ design.  Steel spikes are not allowed. 

CAPS:  Caps must be worn with the bill facing forward. 

Music headsets and cell phones are not allowed. 

Any breach of the above guidelines on conduct or dress code will result in:   1^st offense - Verbal Warning, 2^nd offense -Disqualification from the event in which the incident occurs.  Continued violations will result in dismissal from the JPT and the player will not be allowed to enter future events. All conduct issues will be discussed and reviewed by the JPT Board of Advisors. 

RESPECT FOR THE GOLF COURSE

All players are expected to maintain the golf course by repairing ball marks, raking bunkers, replacing divots, picking up and disposing of trash, etc.  ANY ABUSE TO THE COURSE OR OTHER CLUB FACILITIES WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION.  All players and parents are also encouraged to thank the Host Golf Course staff and volunteers for their support of junior golf.

 IX.  RULES OF PLAY

 Events will be conducted according to the USGA Rules of Golf.  Supplemental rules will be provided at each event, if necessary.  It is important that juniors learn to review the sheets given to them at events, because it contains critical information of ground under repair, newly sodded areas, embedded ball rules, and other situations that could have an impact on the final score. JPT  local rules will supercede USGA rules under USGA RULE # 33-8.  Practice during a competition round is not allowed.

X.  SCOREKEEPING 

At each event, each player will serve as a marker (scorekeeper) for a fellow competitor.  He will keep score for a person in his group.  After play of each hole, the marker and the person that he is keeping score for should consult and make sure there is no misunderstanding as to what score should be entered for that hole.  Each player is responsible for making sure that the scorecard they turn in is correct, even though another person is entering the scores.  Again--it is the player’s responsibility to be sure that he turns in a correct scorecard. 

The USGA Rules of Golf Rule 6-6a states: 

“After each hole the marker should check the score with the competitor and record it.  On completion of the round the marker shall sign the card and hand it to the competitor.” 

Rule 6-6d states: 

“The competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score recorded for each hole on his card.  If he returns a score for any hole lower than actually taken, he shall be disqualified.  If he returns a score for any hole higher than actually taken, the score as returned shall stand.”

Upon completion of the round, the card must be signed by the marker and the player and turned in to the scorer’s tent.  Both parties must wait until the scorer has reviewed the card, verified the signatures, and the total.  Then, the players can leave the scorer’s area.   

The player is responsible for the correctness of the hole-by-hole score only.  The addition of the total score will be the responsibility of the scoring committee. 

The final decision on any scoring dispute in which a final agreement cannot be reached by the involved competitors will rest solely on the players’ word and honor.

XI.    CADDIES AND/OR CARTS 

Caddies are not allowed. Carting is allowed Only From Green To Tee (If Available, Not Required) for the Young Men 10-12. and at the discretion of an Official.

All players must walk the course.  No cart transportation is allowed, with the exception of tournament officials shuttling players between holes.  All players, at their option, may use pull carts or carry their clubs.

 XII.  SPECTATORS 

Parents and friends are welcome to accompany the players on the course.  In order to provide the best experience and to insure that a fair competition is taking place for your junior and for the other players, there are certain guidelines that you will need to remember and follow: 

1.      All players must take care of their own equipment.   

2.      A player who receives advice (USGA Rule #8.1)

from anyone but his or her caddy has violated a rule and will be penalized 2 strokes.   Do not put a junior in the position of having to take a penalty because of a well-meant comment.  This includes indicating to the player which club to use, which way the green breaks, whether to go for the green or lay up, and anything else that would influence a player’s stroke or strategy.    

3.      Maintain an adequate distance, generally 50 yards, between yourself and the players during play of a hole.  The JPT recommends that spectators remain on cart paths where provided and even with your group.  Stay up with your group, because the group following you could accidentally hit into you, or you will be slowing them down if you are in the way.   

4.      Avoid conversation with the players once play has started on the first hole.  This will avoid any appearance of providing assistance. If you believe that other spectators in the event are not following these guidelines, please contact an official at your first opportunity. 

5.      Promote sportsmanship by applauding the good shots of all competitors, not just the one that you are mainly interested in. 

6.      Do not get into discussions of the scoring with the players.  This is their responsibility.  Yes, mistakes will be made, but this is part of the learning process.  

7.      Never criticize or demean a player for a stroke or a score.  This whole purpose of this is to provide an opportunity to enjoy learning and playing golf in competition.  Once a player associates the game with criticism, the enjoyment is gone, and possibly the desire to play. That is not the goal of this organization. 

8.      All spectators must adhere to golf attire policies and respect each individual courses food and beverage policies. 

The primary concept that spectators should keep in mind is that they are invisible to the competitors.  They should do nothing that will affect the play of a hole or a shot in any manner. 

It is very important that you, as a parent or spectator understand and follow the above guidelines, which includes
NO CONVERSATION WITH THE PLAYERS ONCE PLAY HAS STARTED.    It is not fair to the other competitors when one player is getting advice, support, or even help with equipment issues.  Our goal is to give them the experience of playing in a tournament, and to help them learn that tournament golf is different than a casual round.  Learning how to make their own decisions, learning how to deal with the situations that arise, and taking responsibility for their own equipment and other needs is all a part of the learning process.  We believe that this will help the learning process for the player.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

XIII.  VOLUNTEERS 

Volunteers are needed for each tournament.  In order to provide quality events, we need your help in areas of scorekeeping,   event registration, player shuttles, water carts, practice range, setting up before, and cleaning up after on tournament days.  Most parents like to accompany juniors on the course during play, and this is totally supported.  However, there are things that can and need to be done both before and after an event that you can help out with.  All parents interested should contact the JPT either in person, or by phone and offer their services.  A volunteer coordinator will collect names so that assignments can be rotated. 
JPT depends heavily on volunteers. By helping out, you can receive the satisfaction of contributing to the ongoing success of the
JPT in its efforts to provide opportunities for juniors.

XIV.  TOURNAMENT POINTS and AWARDS 

Players will earn points in each event.  These points are accumulated during season and players are eligible for year-end awards based on total points earned.  Special awards and recognition are given to the following: 

1.      PLAYER OF THE YEAR is awarded to the player with the most points accumulated in each division.   

2.      LOW STROKE AVERAGE- one boy and one girl with the lowest stroke average on a per hole basis.  Player must play in 6 events in order to be eligible. 

3.      MOST IMPROVED PLAYER—one boy and one girl with the greatest improvement during the season will be selected. 

POINT ALLOCATIONS: 

            Points are earned in each division: 

                        VIEW WEB SITE FOR POINT FORMULA AND POINTS RACE STANDING

                        www.jrpt.net      

TROPHIES 

The following table will determine how many trophies are awarded in each division at a given tournament.   

 TIE BREAKERS

Ties for 1st place will be decided by a playoff on the course with the holes designated by the tournament director.

Ties for 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be determined by a chip & putt playoff .
In the event of darkness or weather conditions the following method will determine the winner
A scorecard playoff starting with the Number 1 handicap hole from the designated front nine holes played and proceeding until the tie is broken. Boys will use the men’s handicap holes and girls will use the women’s handicap holes.
Playoffs are for the awarding of trophies, points are determined as explained on the point index system. Ref. Web site www.jrpt.net

 WEATHER POLICY 

DISCONTINUING PLAY

The safety of the players is of the utmost concern.  Weather is monitored during an event, and if lightning is approaching, the event will be delayed until a decision is made to proceed or not.    

Two long horn blasts will signal suspension of play.  

Discontinue play immediately. 

If you continue to play, you will be subject to removal from the course for disregarding this most important safety rule.   

Mark your ball and proceed to the nearest shelter or the clubhouse, whichever is closer.  Carts will be dispatched to bring you in to the clubhouse.   

Play will be resumed at the discretion of the tournament director & committee, and players will be transported back to the course. 

If you are in a shelter on the course, and play is to be resumed, you will hear two short blasts on the air horn, repeated.  You may then find your ball mark and resume play. 

Parents and spectators must understand that the players will be taken care of first, and then we will make arrangements to get the parents in. 

SHORTENED EVENTS 

If the event has to be concluded before all players have completed their normal round, a round will be considered complete and finishes will be awarded based upon the following criteria: 

All Player’s in their age division have completed 9 holes.

The tournament committee will determine the resolution of other circumstances. 

If the minimum number of holes has not been completed, points will not be awarded.  Due to scheduling difficulties in getting rain dates, the tournament will be cancelled and will not be re-scheduled.  

No refunds can be given, because of the already incurred expenses of trophies, golf balls, associated cost, etc.

ETIQUETTE PRIMER 

If you look at the Official Rules of Golf that is published by the USGA, you would find that SECTION 1, ETIQUETTE, is the title of the very first page that you would read.  That should alert us to the fact that this aspect of the game has always been important for golfers to learn and observe.  

To some golfers, the word “etiquette” brings up visions of holding the left pinky out while drinking tea.  We need to realize that it is really about:

a.  Safety

b.  Consideration for other players

c.  Pace of play

d.  Care of the course 

As more and more people begin to take up the game, it is important that they become just as familiar with this part as any other.  

The following items are key elements of golf etiquette that should be learned and observed during play.  These are extracted straight from the Rules of Golf.  Additional comments are italicized. 

Safety 

Before you swing a club, make sure that the areas around you and in front of you are clear.

Everybody must be in tune on this.  Do not walk or stand close to a player who has a club in their hand.

Consideration for Other Players 

Do not move, talk, or stand close to or directly behind the ball or the hole while another player is addressing the ball or making a stroke. 

Unless you are tending the flag, you should be at least 10 feet from the hole while another is putting. 

Be aware that while you are looking for another tee in your bag, you are probably making noise that is distracting to the person playing. 

Do not play a stroke until the players or spectators in front of you are safely out of your way.

 Pace of Play 

Play without delay. 

First of all, walk briskly to your ball after you have hit. This will help the pace tremendously.  If you have ever been to a professional tournament, you may have noticed that it is sometimes hard to keep up with the players.  They are walking in an athletic manner, not as though it was a stroll to the ice cream store. 

Second, be ready to play when it is your turn.  Have your club selected and be set to go when it is your turn.  You can be reading the green while your competitors are putting.   

Third, when all players are on the green, the person closest to the hole should tend the flag first.  The first person to hole a putt should take over the flag and be the person to replace it when all players have holed out. 

When the last player has holed the putt, immediately leave the green. 

You have to confirm your score with the person keeping your card, but this should not be done on the green.

 You should leave your equipment on the side of the green that you will be using to exit for the next hole.  Don’t leave it at the front of the green, because you then have to walk down to the front, and then to the side or back before the players behind you can hit.   

If your group has lost pace with the group in front due to trouble, or time spent looking for a ball, have the group behind play through.  

Care of the Course 

Smooth over holes or footprints in bunkers. 

Replace, pour sand, or smooth out divots made from a stroke.  

Repair ball marks or damage from spikes made on the green.

It is always a good practice to repair your ball mark and at least one other while you are on the green. 

Use care handling the flag while removing it, laying it down, or replacing it in the cup. 

Do not lean on your putter or place your bags on the green. 

This includes pull carts. 

Avoid taking divots during practice swings. 

Miscellaneous Items Not Covered in the USGA Rule Book, But Still Falls Under the Etiquette Heading

 1.  Leave the course as you found it, or better.  Clean up after yourselves. Pick up any paper, trash or cans you see and put in the trashcan. 

2. Don’t leave your equipment or the flag where it will be a distraction to other players, forcing them to ask you to move it so that they can play their shot without a chance of incurring a penalty. 

3.   Don’t spit on the greens.  This is something that we are seeing more of when we watch tournaments on TV, but that does not make it all right to do. Somebody is going to have to putt over that spot, and then pick up his or her ball.  Nobody wants to do that. 

4.    Be careful not to step on the line that your opponent will be putting on.  When you are at the hole to pick up your ball, don’t step too close to the hole – just close enough to be able to pick up your ball.

RULES PRIMER

One of the primary aspects of learning the game of golf is to learn about the Rules of Golf.  This can be a daunting task for anyone, let alone juniors who are first being exposed to the game.  The official USGA Rules of Golf is 136 pages long, and the official book explaining the various interpretations and decisions made on the rules of golf is 600 pages long.   

We are going to try to cover some of the rules that are most often broken, or not understood.  The official rule number is referenced, and a brief synopsis is given below. These rules are only for individual stroke play situations. 

1.      Dangerous Situations – Rule 1 

If the ball or stance position creates a dangerous situation for the player, he is entitled to a free drop far enough away to eliminate the danger. 

This is used in the case of FIRE ANTS, snakes, or alligators. 

2.      Number of Clubs, Lost or Damaged Clubs – Rule 4 

You can only carry 14 clubs.  If you start with less than 14, you can have clubs added to bring the total to 14.

 You cannot share clubs with another player.  This includes sharing a putter on the green because you left yours in your bag, or trying out a friend’s new driver on the tee. 

If you damage a club while playing, you can have it replaced.  If it is damaged while throwing or slamming it, you cannot replace it. 

If you lose a club, you cannot have it replaced. 

You cannot have any club replaced with a club from anyone playing on the course. 

If you find a club on the course and put it in your bag, but do not play with it, and then turn it in to the pro shop, there is no penalty. 

Penalty for Breach:  Two strokes for each hole, with a maximum of four strokes.   

3.      Ball Played – Rule 15 

You must finish a hole with the ball you started with.  You cannot use a different ball to putt with, or change a ball unless it was damaged in play. 

4.      Showing Up On Time – Rule 6 

The player must be on the first tee at the appointed starting time or risk disqualification.   Players need to understand that they must be at the tee at the right time.  Not the putting green, or the driving range.  We tell players to be at the tee 10 minutes prior so that the starter can review any special conditions of the competition with them.  Therefore, if they are not on the tee at their time, they are 10 minutes late, not 1 minute.   

The JPT has decided to adopt a local rule to govern this situation.  If all of the players in a group have hit their first shot, and have moved off of the tee, a player showing up late will be assessed a two stroke penalty, but will be allowed to play up to his group.  If all of the players in the group have taken their second shot before the late player hits his first shot, the player is disqualified from the event.  The player may play if space allows, but not for points or trophy. 

5.      Receiving or Giving Advice – Rule 8- Advice 

A player can not receive advice from ANYONE.  This includes hand signals, head motions, or any other type of communication. 

Penalty for breach of rule – 2 strokes per incident. 

Asking for information about rules is not the same as asking for advice on how to play a shot.  This is permitted.                 

6.      Marking Ball on the Green – Rule 20 

On the putting green, the ball should be marked with a small coin or a ball marker by placing it behind the ball.  Do not use other objects, like a tee. 

7.      Identifying Your Ball – Rule 27 

You’re responsible for marking your ball with a special mark that allows you to identify it as yours.  If you cannot identify your ball, it is a lost ball.

Example:  You and a competitor both hit the ball in the fairway, but you cannot see the balls from the tee.  You are both playing the same kind of ball, but neither one had been marked before play.  You get to the balls, and they are 2 feet apart.  You can’t be sure which one is which.  Unfortunately, both balls are considered to be lost, and you both have to take the one stroke penalty and then return to the tee to hit again.  This would be your third stroke. 

Get in the habit of making sure that all of your golf balls are marked so that you can always identify it. 

8.      Ball Hits Another Ball or the Flagstick on the Green – Rule 17, Rule 19  

If you are off of the green and hit your ball onto the green, and it hits a competitor’s ball or the flagstick, there is no penalty.  Play your ball as it lies, and your competitor gets to put their ball back on the original spot. 

If you are on the green and you hit another ball on the green or the flagstick with yours, you are penalized two strokes.  The other ball is replaced with no penalty. 

It is important that you mark your ball or go ahead and putt out if you are near the hole.  It is important that the person tending the flagstick knows how to take it out in time.  

9.      Ball Hits Your Equipment or A Competitor’s Equipment –Rule 19 

If your ball hits your equipment, or yourself, it is a two-stroke penalty.  If it hits a competitor’s equipment,  or the competitor, there is no penalty, and ball is played where it stops. 

Always make sure that your bag is behind you when you are making a shot.  On the green, make sure that your clubs or towels are completely out of the way.  A sculled chip shot can roll completely across the green and hit your bag if it is in the line. 

10. When You Are in a Hazard – Rule 13, Rule 20, Rule 26 

Water hazards are marked with red stakes or red lines on the ground in the absence of red line the water’s edge defines the margin of the hazard  water hazards are played as lateral hazards.  A sand bunker is also a hazard, but it does not have red stakes or lines. When
your ball lands in a hazard you have to be careful not to ground your club, or place it on the ground, and not to touch any sticks, branches, rocks, or other items inside the hazard.  If you do, you will be penalized two strokes.  You can take a practice swing and brush against high growing weeds, but you cannot hit the turf or ground.     

If you are in a lateral water hazard, there are 5 things that you can do:     

a.      Hit the ball from the hazard with no penalty,

b.      Go back to the place where you made the original shot, and hit another ball – 1 stroke penalty.

c.      Determine the spot where the ball crossed the hazard line, and you can go back as far as you want keeping that spot directly between you and the hole.  Then you can drop and play another ball – 1 stoke penalty.

d.      Determine the spot where the ball crossed the hazard line; drop a new ball within two club lengths of that spot not nearer the hole and play –  1 stroke penalty.

e.      Find a place on the other side of the hazard that is equidistant from the green, drop a new ball within two club lengths not nearer the hole and play – 1 stroke penalty. 

When you drop a ball, the proper procedure is as follows:

a.      Place a tee on the hazard line where the ball last crossed.

b.      Measure two club lengths from the marked tee by laying the club down on the ground twice.  Place a tee at the end of the two club lengths.

c.      Stand at the second tee and with your arm fully extended; drop the ball into play within the two club lengths. It must land and stop within this area, between the two tees, no closer to the hole. 

If you follow this procedure, there is nothing that prevents you from looking for the most desirable place to drop the ball.  But it still must be dropped, and not placed, from shoulder height within the specified area. 

It is important to know that the key in this rule is determining the place that the ball crossed the hazard line.  This is not the same thing as dropping the ball at a right angle from where it was found.  This could mean walking back 50 yards to drop if the ball crossed the hazard line back there. 

11.   Unplayable Lie – Rule 28 

Except in a hazard, you can say that your ball is not playable anywhere on the golf course.  For example, if it lands in a bush and you can see it, but not hit it, or if it lands next to a tree and you can’t hit it, you can call it unplayable.   

You can then do one of three things:

a.    Go back to the place where you made the original shot and hit another ball – 1 stroke penalty.

b.    Go backwards as far as you want, keeping that spot directly between you and the hole.  Then you can drop and play another ball – 1 stroke penalty.

c.     Measure two club lengths from the ball, no closer to the hole, and drop another ball – 1 stroke penalty.

 12. Casual Water, Ground Under Repair and Cart Paths-Rule 24, Rule 25  

Ground under repair is part of the course that is not normal, and is marked by white lines. 

Cart paths are the paved areas adjacent to the hole. 

Casual water is any temporary accumulation of water that affects a player’s stance or ball position. 

If your ball lies in or on any of these areas, you can hit the ball where its lies, or

a.    Determine the point on the course closest to where the ball stopped that meets the following requirements: It is not nearer the hole, there is no more interference from the condition, and it is not in a hazard or on the putting green. 

b.    Then you mark that spot, drop within one club length, and play with no penalty.

The first key on this is that you must be totally clear of the condition.  For example, your stance and ball must be totally out of the ground under repair, or off of the cart path. 

Second, the closest spot on the course from the unplayable lie that meets this condition must be determined.  This may force you to drop sideways into the rough, instead of backwards into a fairway.   It may require you to be dropping behind a tree instead of in the fairway.  But there is only one spot on the course that would meet the criteria of being the closest spot that provides relief.  It may not always be the one that you would like. 

TOURNAMENT DAY 

What is to be expected when you come to a tournament for the first time? 

-You will have received your starting time 3 days before the tournament day, so you need to be at the golf course at least 45 minutes to an hour before the starting time, because there are several things you have to do. 

-You must check in at the registration table.  Your parents cannot do this for you.  There, you will be given your scorecard for the day, the rule sheet for the tournament, and a ticket for practice balls on the driving range.  You will also confirm your starting time and the course that you will be reporting to. 

-The JPT may hand you a brief rules and etiquette questionnaire.  Please complete the questionnaire and return to the registration desk.  All players are required to carry and have a working knowledge of the USGA rules of golf and golf etiquette.  

-After looking at the rule sheet to see if there are any special rules for that day that you need to know about, you will go to the driving range and warm up, followed by a session on the putting green to get your stroke grooved.

During all of this time, you will be keeping an eye on the clocks that are on the driving range so that you can be sure to be at the tee 10 minutes before your starting time. 

-When it is time to go to your starting tee, you make one last check on your bag:

            -Water bottle filled

            -No more than 14 clubs in the bag

            -Plenty of balls, marked with your special mark

            -Rulebook in the bag

            -Ball mark repair tool 

-When you get to the starting tee, 10 minutes before your time, the starter will check your name, introduce you to the other players in your group, and review any special rules with you.  He will also make sure that you have marked your golf balls with your mark. 

-Each of you tees off, and then walks briskly to the ball for your next shot.  When it is your turn to hit, you are ready.  You take one last look at the green and make your shot. 

-When you get to the green, you are the closest to the hole.  You look for the ball mark where your ball landed, and repair the divot with your tool.  Then you walk to your ball, and mark it with a small coin.  Since you are closest, you tend the flag while others putt up.  When someone else is closer, or has holed out, they take the flag from you and you begin lining up your putt.   When it is your turn, you make your putt. 

-All players walk off of the green, picking up their bags that they placed to the side.  Start to walk to the next tee. Upon arriving at the next tee, make sure that you have the right score for the person that you are keeping score for, and that they have your correct score written down.  When you write the score in, you are as neat as possible, so that a “4” doesn’t look like a “9”, and a “3” doesn’t look like an “8”.  All of you go to the next hole and keep playing. 

-When you finish the last hole, check the scorecards one more time to make sure that the score for each hole is correct.  Then, you sign your card, and you sign the card for the player that you are scoring for.  You will then report to the scorer’s tent to turn in the cards.  While he is reviewing and re-adding the cards, you wait to see if there are any questions on the handwriting.   He will tell you when it is all clear.

-While the scores are being posted on the scoreboard, this is a chance to visit with other players and see how they played and hear of strange shots that happened on the course.  When all players in an age division are finished, the trophies are presented.  After offering and accepting congratulations for the winners, we head for home.