All Coot play is generally governed by standard USGA playing rules. However, after more than 40 years of experience, there have been a few exceptions created.
COOT BROWN GOLF LEAGUE PLAYING RULES
- BALL OUT OF BOUNDS. When a ball is hit out of bounds, the next ball may be hit from a spot that is within two (2) club lengths of where the ball crossed the boundary line to go out of bounds (not from where it landed) and no nearer to the hole from that point. The opposing team should be consulted for acceptance of the resulting ball placement before the shot it taken. Player should take a one (1) stroke penalty.
- BALL UNPLAYABLE. When a ball is hit into a hazard and/or is deemed “unplayable,” the next ball may be hit from a spot that is within two (2) club lengths of where the ball crossed the hazard or into the “unplayable” area (not from where it landed) and no nearer to the hole from that point. The opposing team should be consulted for acceptance of the resulting ball placement before the shot it taken. Player should take a one (1) stroke penalty.
- BALL AGAINST THE ROCKS. When a ball lands up against the rocks in a sand trap, the ball should be deemed unplayable and handled as outlined in #2 above. Player should take a one (1) stroke penalty.
- IMPROVING LIE. Players may bump the ball to improve the lie of the ball anywhere on the course, except in hazards, without moving the ball nearer to the hole.
- NATURAL OBSTRUCTIONS. If a player’s ball lands near trees, berm, or other natural obstructions on the course, the player may move the ball to a spot that is within two (2) club lengths of where the ball landed, without moving it nearer to the hole. No penalty stroke results.
- UNMARKED HAZARDS. The above rule exceptions were established in the past at another course. That course was meticulously maintained, and all the hazards were clearly marked. This is not exactly the case at Tapawingo National Golf Club and seems to be the source of some discrepancies with current Coot Brown members. From this day forward any area of the course, such as tall grass or timber, not regularly maintained by the course will be deemed a hazard and rule #2 shall apply.
- PACE OF PLAY. The most common complaint and central theme received by the Rat Pack is pace of play. If during your round you notice an open hole in front of you, please make an effort to improve the pace of play for your foursome. At the end of the day the goal of the rat pack is to ensure everyone has an enjoyable round of golf. If you have any questions or concerns about the interpretation of the above rules, please reach out to any member of the Rat Pack.
- KEEP IT ON THE COURSE. Most important of all the rules is this: any interpretation of these or any other playing rules are to be discussed among the players involved in the match and a resolution agreed upon while in the moment on the course before moving on to the next hole. DO NOT bring any inquiries or debates back to the clubhouse!
If you have any questions or issues with these rules, please fill out this form.