The East Bay Hackers are committed to holding tournaments all players can enjoy. When groups finish close together it creates the opportunity to hang out after, pass out awards, and enjoy socializing. To improve the pace of play for the tournaments the EBH board voted to institute a gap penalty and to keep the following rules:

  • Out of Bounds - if the OOB is not marked and no provisional ball was played, drop on fairway and take a 2 stroke penalty.

  • Maximum hits (non Championship tournaments) - if stroke count reaches double par for the hole, pick up and use that score

  • Gaps between groups - 20 minutes or more

    • 2 stroke penalty per player for the 4 some

    • Time assessed when the group arrives at the score table

Recent NCGA rules to assist with pace of play

  • No Penalty for Moving Ball on Putting Green - for accidentally moving your ball or ball-marker on the putting green.

  • Ball in Motion Accidentally Deflected - No penalty if your ball in motion is accidentally deflected by you, your equipment, or your caddie.

  • New Procedure for Dropping a Ball - Your ball must be let go from knee height and fall through the air without touching any part of your body or equipment.

  • Where a Ball Must Come to Rest - Your ball must come to rest in the relief area where it was dropped, or else it must be redropped.

  • Time for Search Before Ball is Lost - Your ball is lost if not found in three minutes (rather than the previous five minutes).

  • Ball Played from Green Hits Unattended Flagstick in Hole - No penalty if your ball played from the putting green (or anywhere else) hits the unattended flagstick in the hole.

  • Unplayable Ball in Bunker - Relief allowed outside a bunker for an unplayable ball for two penalty strokes.

  • Encouraging Prompt Pace of Play - It is recommended that you play “ready golf” and make each stroke in no more than 40 seconds.

    USGA - Golf's New Rules: Major Changes