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FPGA League Rules 
 

ELIGIBILITY

  • Open to amateur golfers age 40 and older

  • HDCP Max - 36

  • Players must complete an application before participation

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PACE OF PLAY

Players should keep pace with the group ahead at all times. Ready golf is encouraged except where safety or etiquette dictates otherwise.

SEASON STRUCTURE

  • The season consists of 12 events

  • Events are held on Sunday mornings (biweekly)

  • Tee times are assigned in advance (no shotgun starts, subject to change)

FORMAT OF PLAY

  • Individual Stroke Play

  • Double Bogey Maximum per hole

  • All play is governed by the USGA Rules of Golf, except where modified below

Our first rule is to obey all local club rules. Frequently, these will be the cart rules for the day or rules for a hole under repair. Please pay attention to signs prohibiting carts from approaching greens. Fix your ball marks. Replace or fill your divots depending on the type of grass. Honor all club dress rules. U.S.G.A. Rules of Golf apply with the following exceptions, most of which are intended to speed up play.

TEE BOX WHIFFERS

The tee shot must travel beyond the forward tee markers to be counted as a stroke. 

ONE CLUB LENGTH

 A player may move his ball one club length anywhere, except in a hazard or on the green, but not closer to the hole. Moving the ball does not allow a player to move his ball from one situation to another, such as from rough to fairway. The one-club length rule does not guarantee a clear shot. Optionally, the ball may be moved one club length into the fairway, no closer to the hole, with a 1-stroke penalty. 

Out of Bounds, Lost Ball, and Unplayable Lie.

FPGA local rule replaces stroke-and-distance relief for lost balls and out-of-bounds. One penalty stroke is assessed, and the ball may be dropped within one club length of the fairway nearest the estimated location.

Ball in Penalty Area:

This includes water hazards and areas staked or lined as a penalty area. If the ball is in an unmarked area that the majority of the foursome determines should be marked as a penalty area, it should be played as a penalty area. The ball must be played as it lies. You are allowed to remove loose impediments and ground your club. Or you can take a one-stroke penalty and drop out of the penalty area (no closer to the hole). Sand Traps: You are allowed to improve your lie in a sand trap by moving one club length inside the trap, no closer to the hole, and by raking the sand and placing your ball. Or you can take a one-stroke penalty and drop out of the trap (no closer to the hole). When dropping from a trap, drop outside the trap, keeping the trap between you and the hole. You are allowed to remove loose impediments and ground your club in the sand trap.

Ball in Rough:

We do not differentiate between high and low rough. If a ball is in high rough, it may be moved to low rough as long as it is not moved more than one club length and/or closer to the hole. You can’t move the ball from the rough to the fairway or from the fairway to the green.

Hitting the wrong ball:

Locate your ball from the previous shot and replay the shot taken in error. One stroke penalty. There is no penalty for double-hitting a ball during a stroke.

12-INCH Gimme Putt

Any putt measuring 12 inches or less from the nearest edge of the hole is considered holed. If there is any doubt, measure.

Maximum score:

 A double bogey is the maximum score. If a double bogey is inevitable, pick up. When you finish your last hole, drive away from the hole to add up the scores. Verify your score for the round with the scorer before he turns it in to the committee.

Cheating will not be tolerated:

Reports of out-and-out cheating will be investigated by the committee. The results of the investigation will determine the consequences for the offending member. Actions may include a simple warning but could result in the committee expelling a member. 

 

HANDICAPS: (F.P.G.A.)

  • Handicaps calculated using Fringe Golfers Program

  • 96% allowance applied

  • No GHIN required

  • Handicap adjustments may be made due to exceptional scoring performance, inaccurate scoring history, or other circumstances deemed necessary by the committee.

SCORING SYSTEM

Stroke Play

  • Gross and Net scores are recorded for all players

  • NET Stableford Points (Season Competition)

  • Albatross = 5 points

  • Eagle = 4 points

  • Birdie = 3 points

  • Par = 2 points

  • Bogey = 1 point

  • Double Bogey = 0 points

SEASON POINTS

Points are awarded based on finish position:

  • 1st Place 

  • 2nd Place 

  • 3rd Place ETC. ...

BEST OF / DROPS

  • Players count their best 10 finishes

  • Remaining scores are dropped automatically

SIDE GAMES (OPTIONAL)

  • Skins Game (Gross and/or Net)

  • Closest to the Pin (Two Par 3 holes)

  • The hole-in-One Pot increases till won and can only be won on a Par 3 Hole

  • Participation in side games is optional and paid separately. Disclaimer: Effective January 2026, all contest winnings not collected within 45 days of the winning date are forfeited and become the property of the Forty Plus Golf Association. Prizes may only be collected at a scheduled Forty Plus Golf Association event, or approved by the Tournament Chairman.

PLAYOFF / CHAMPIONSHIP

  • Top players qualify based on season points

  • Format: Stroke Play Finale

  • Ties in final standings may be broken by a putt-off

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Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the FPGA, fellow competitors, golf course staff, and guests.

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NOTE: Any situation not specifically covered by these rules shall be decided by the FPGA Committee, whose decision shall be final.

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