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Forty Plus Golf Assoc. League Rules

Reviewed: 2/19/2026

(Subject to Change)

Forty Plus Golf Association

League Rules (With Just Enough Mercy)

Reviewed: 2/19/2026
(Subject to Change… usually after someone argues about it)

GENERAL

• Obey all local club rules (yes, even the ones you don’t like)
• Follow cart restrictions (the sign that says “Cart Path Only” is not a suggestion)
• Repair ball marks & fill divots (we’re golfers, not livestock)
• Dress code enforced (if it looks like mowing attire, it probably is)
• United States Golf Association Rules apply… unless we’ve improved them below

ONE CLUB LENGTH RULE

(Also known as “We’re Not on Tour” Rule)

• Move ball 1 club length, no closer to the hole
• Not allowed in hazards or on the green (you’re not that lucky)
• Cannot improve condition (rough → fairway, fairway → green, swamp → Augusta)
• Optional: Move into fairway = 1-stroke penalty
(If you need it that bad, you probably need the stroke.)

OB / LOST / UNPLAYABLE

(AKA “I Swear I Saw It Land Right There”)

• Drop 1 club length into fairway near entry or best estimate
• 1-stroke penalty (consider it a donation to the pride fund)
• No 14-club limit (we’re not counting your 25-year-old 7-iron anyway)
• Ball brand may change anytime
(Because suddenly you “don’t like that ball” anymore.)

PENALTY AREAS

(Formerly known as “Water. Lots of Water.”)

• Play it as it lies (yes, even if your shoes make that sound)
OR
• Drop outside area, no closer to hole
• 1-stroke penalty

You may ground the club.
You may remove loose impediments.
You may not blame the alligator.

BUNKERS

(Sand: Nature’s Humility Machine)

Option 1:
• Move 1 club length inside trap
• Rake & place ball
(We are civilized.)

Option 2:
• Drop outside trap (keep bunker between you & hole)
• 1-stroke penalty
(Sometimes dignity costs one.)​

​​

ROUGH

(Where Good Drives Go to Die)

• High rough → low rough allowed (1 club length)
• Cannot move rough → fairway
(Nice try.)

WRONG BALL

(Yes, It Happens Every Week)

• Replay correct ball
• 1-stroke penalty
(If your name isn’t on it… it’s not yours.)

WHIFF SWINGS

(We Saw Nothing)

• No contact = No penalty
• Ball must travel beyond the RED Tee Markers to count as a stroke

If it dribbles six inches and stays in front of the markers…
We will pretend it didn’t happen.
Once.

GIMME RULE

• NO GIMMES

If you can miss a 6-inch putt, you can make a 6-inch putt.
Finish it.

SCORING

• Maximum score: DOUBLE BOGEY

After that, pick it up.
We’re trying to finish before dark.

SCORE REPORTING

• Record scores at next tee
• Verify with scorer before submission

“If that was a 5, I’m a scratch golfer.”
Let’s be adults.

INTEGRITY

Cheating will be investigated.

Penalties may include:
• Friendly warning
• Public roasting
• Or expulsion

Remember:
We’re here for competition, camaraderie, and controlled denial.

POLITICS

10 Political Golf Humor Rules

(Because the only party we recognize on Sunday is the TEE party.)

1️⃣ The No Filibuster Rule

You get 30 seconds to line up a putt.
After that, we invoke cloture, and you’re putting.

2️⃣ The Bipartisan Breakfast Ball

Everyone gets one.
Because forgiveness should be universal… at least on Hole #1.

3️⃣ The Hot Air Penalty

If you say, “Here’s what’s wrong with this country…”
You’re hitting three off the tee.
No appeals. No recounts.

4️⃣ The Executive Order Mulligan

One mulligan per nine.
Must be declared loudly and dramatically.

5️⃣ The Budget Deficit Clause

Leave a putt short?
You’ve officially underfunded your effort.

6️⃣ The Lobbyist Water Hazard

If your ball finds water, you may blame:

  • Wind

  • Course design

  • Foreign interference
    But not your swing. 

7️⃣ The Unity Rule

Trash talk must be golf-related only.
Examples allowed:

  • “Nice layup, Senator.”

  • “That swing needs a bipartisan committee.”

  • “You negotiated that bunker beautifully.”

8️⃣ The Term Limits Provision

After three bad holes, you must:

  • Hydrate

  • Breathe

  • Stop giving swing advice

9️⃣ The Recount Rule

If a putt lips out, you may request one dramatic stare at the hole.
That is your recount. It will not change the outcome.

🔟 The Final Resolution

On the 19th hole, we pass the only bill that matters:
Loser buys the first round.

Because on a golf course, the only red and blue that matter are the flagsticks… and the scorecard ink.

Now please raise your right hand and swear to keep politics out of the foursome. 😄

NOTE: The "politics" rules are humorous and not meant to be taken literally

SUMMARY—ALL I'M TRYING TO SAY IS:

Let's all play together on a Sunday for a fun round of golf without discussing this bullshit. :)

GOOD LUCK! Have a fun round!!

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