FPGA 2025 League Rules
Revised 8/18/25
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 permits a golfer to move their ball up to one club length from its original spot without penalty, provided the move does not advance the ball toward the hole and is outside areas like hazards or on the green, thereby aiding in managing difficult lies while maintaining fairness; however, if the ball's lie is significantly altered, such as moving it from rough to fairway, a one-stroke penalty applies, emphasizing the rule's balance between flexibility and integrity of play.
Lift, Clean, and Place: In the Lift, Clean, and Place procedure, players are allowed to lift their ball, clean it, and then place it back in its original position, with the added option of dropping it from knee height rather than shoulder height, which makes the process easier and more straightforward, especially in conditions where cleaning the ball is necessary to ensure optimal play.
Sand Traps: In a sand trap, golfers have strategic options to improve their lie, including moving the ball within the trap by one club length, raking the sand, and placing the ball, or incurring a one-stroke penalty to drop outside the trap while maintaining the trap between themselves and the hole, which might be advantageous if the lie is particularly poor. Additionally, removing loose impediments from the sand is permitted to enhance the shot setup, helping to clear obstacles and improve control. These rules provide flexibility to manage difficult bunker situations effectively while adhering to the game’s regulations. .
In Tree Well or Behind Tree or on Roots: When a golf ball comes to rest in a tree well, behind a tree, or on roots, the golfer is permitted to take relief by dropping the ball within two club lengths of the original spot, not nearer the hole, under the Rules of Golf. This rule ensures players can continue play from a more accessible position without penalty or gaining an unfair advantage, provided the new spot is not closer to the hole and the relief is within the specified area.
(Provisional) Out of Bounds: A provisional ball in golf is a strategic shot used when there's a possibility that the original ball may be lost or out of bounds, helping to save time by avoiding prolonged searches, especially in difficult terrain. If the original ball is found in bounds or in an accessible area, the provisional ball is abandoned, and play resumes with the original ball, ensuring smooth and efficient play.
Lost Ball: when a player loses a ball in the woods or an unplayable area, they have the option to drop a new ball within two club lengths of the spot where the original ball was believed to be, but they must incur a one-stroke penalty, effectively adding one stroke to their score.
Ball in Rough: In the "Ball in Rough" scenario, players are permitted to move their ball from high rough to low rough within a one-club-length, provided it remains not closer to the hole, and they can lift, clean, and replace the ball as needed. Additionally, relief from bare spots allows them to relocate the ball to the nearest grassy area, but movement between different turf types, such as from rough to fairway or fairway to green, is prohibited. This rule helps maintain fair play by allowing some flexibility in difficult lies while upholding the integrity of the course layout and turf boundaries.
What is the unwritten rule in golf? Don't Walk in the Putting Line: Avoid stepping on the path between another player's ball and the hole on the green. Walking on this line can alter the grass and affect the ball's path. Always take a moment to consider your route across the green to avoid interfering with others' putts.
Whiff Swings (No ball Contact): a whiff swing, or a swing where no ball contact occurs, is generally not counted as a stroke, as it’s considered a mis-hit or a practice swing rather than an actual attempt to hit the ball. However, if the player makes a deliberate swing at the ball without contact, it’s typically recorded as a stroke, according to the official rules of golf by the USGA. The humorous note about "just old and shit happens" reflects that sometimes players might simply miss or flub their swings without penalty, emphasizing the sport’s casual, forgiving attitude toward such moments, especially among recreational players.
Bad Tee Shots: (Ball Contact) a tee shot is considered valid if the ball lands beyond the most forward tee box, typically marked by a red or yellow marker, regardless of the golfer's skill level. If the ball does not reach this designated area, the shot is deemed invalid, and the player must re-tee and retake the shot under the rules, ensuring the game maintains fairness and consistency.
Maximum score: the maximum score per hole is Double Bogey, meaning if you've already reached that score and haven't holed out yet, it's generally advised to pick up your ball and move on to keep the game flowing smoothly. This approach helps maintain pace of play and prevents unnecessary delays, allowing everyone to enjoy the game without prolonged frustrations over high scores.
Reporting scores: To ensure accurate and transparent scoring, players must proceed to the next tee before recording their scores, communicate their scores and putts clearly to the scorer, and verify their totals after the round before submitting them to the Committee. Group captains are responsible for ensuring their group's official scorecard is completed, readable, signed, and returned, with a secondary scorecard maintained for comparison in case of discrepancies. This process helps maintain integrity and clarity in the scoring process for all participants.
Loud and Vulgar Language: It's important to maintain respectful language on and off the golf course including the Clubhouse or Snack Bar to foster a positive and comfortable environment for everyone, including families and young children present in the community. Loud and vulgar language can disrupt the enjoyment of others and reflect poorly on our league. Please be mindful of your tone and words, remembering that voices carry easily on the course, and our goal is to uphold a respectful atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.
Bluetooth Music Devices: When using Bluetooth music devices in shared spaces, it's important to set a moderate volume to prevent disturbing others, being mindful of your environment, and regularly checking with your group to ensure the sound level remains comfortable for everyone.
Provisional: when a player believes their tee shot is lost or out of bounds, they can choose to hit a provisional ball by declaring it before playing the shot, which allows them to save time by potentially continuing play without returning to the tee. If the original ball is not found within the search time and is deemed lost or out of bounds, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play, with a one-stroke penalty, making it the player’s third shot. This rule helps maintain the pace of play while providing a fair option for players to proceed efficiently when their first shot is uncertain.
Search time: To optimize your search for a lost ball, quickly assess likely spots based on the ball's previous position and the terrain, and involve teammates to cover more ground efficiently. If after TWO minutes the ball isn't found, promptly declare it lost and proceed with a penalty stroke to keep the game moving smoothly and fairly.
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 aims to improve the golfing experience by providing players with a more practical and less frustrating option when facing obstacles, allowing them to either re-tea or drop on the opposite side of the hazard with a one-stroke penalty. This adjustment helps reduce delays and challenges caused by difficult hazards, promoting a smoother, more enjoyable game while maintaining fairness and strategic integrity.
Drop out or Forfeit after Tourney Begins: Once a tournament has started, players who drop out or forfeit will lose their entry fees and any chance of winning prize money, except if the tournament is canceled by the Tournament Chairman due to unplayable conditions, in which case they will be refunded their contest fees.
By entering any F.P.G.A. event, you are agreeing to possibly be photographed or filmed while practicing, playing or participating in any stage of the event. The F.P.G.A. reserves the right to use these materials for media content creation. i.e., Social Media, informational purposes, marketing, and such.
Assigned starting times: Pairings will be available on the F.P.G.A. website prior to the event, as well as emailed to all registered tournament players. Pairings are subject to change at any time prior to the event. If an individual starting time has been changed, the Tournament Director will notify that individual of the change via email, text, or phone.
All registered Tour players must check in for each event upon arrival. There will be a Check-In table usually located in the Snack Bar. Players are encouraged to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before their tee time and report to their designated tee off hole at least 5 minutes before their assigned tee time.
PLAYTHRU PHONE SCORING: There will be Phone Scoring for every event. NO APP TO DOWNLOAD! A designated player will be chosen a few days before the tournament to keep score on their phone via the link that will be posted on the TEE Sheet. It is mandatory to keep score on the phone so every player can have real time scores of each participant. There will be one designated playing group member that will enter the scores for their group after each hole is completed. Accuracy is Important. The entered score on the Leaderboard will be validated with the official attested Official scorecard for each player before the results are posted after the tournament ends. Usually that evening or the following day.
POLITICS : The F.P.G.A. is a RECREATIONAL Group, Not POLITICAL - NON Discussion of Politics is Advised. I'm sure we can all hang for 5 hours together for a fun round of golf without discussion this Topic.
Fostering a respectful and enjoyable atmosphere is essential for our community. By focusing on shared interests like golf and camaraderie, we can ensure that all members feel comfortable and valued during our events. Let's continue to promote positive interactions and uphold the welcoming spirit that makes our gatherings special.