Tournament Rules

INTRODUCTION

The Founders of the Desert Hunt Invitational have adopted The Rules of Golf as approved by The United States Golf Association and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland (effective January 1, 2006) as the official rules for our Match Play Golf Tournament.

The Founders want to insure that everybody enjoys the experience of the Tournament. This is especially true during the competitive golf matches. In the absence of committee, marshals, referees and observers, the Founders ask that the participants of the Desert Hunt Invitational take responsibility to assure that The Rules of Golf are followed and applied during matches.

Rule interpretation(s) may be required, from time to time, during the Tournament. If at all possible, refer to The Rules of Golf rule book to determine the correct ruling. In absence of The Rules of Golf rule book and in the event of the need for a ruling, at least one party from each competing team of that match must be in agreement as to the resolution of the circumstance and the ultimate ruling. THE MUTUALLY AGREED UPON RULING IS FINAL. There is no recourse if, at any later time, it is determined that ruling was inconsistent with the USGA Rules of Golf rule book.

Knowing the Rules of Golf is part of the game. It is trusted that sound judgment will lead to fair and equitable resolutions. It is suggested that the following practices be followed during competitive matches:

• Identify all the golf balls you will be using during a match with a unique marking. Notify your partner and opponent(s) of the nature of your unique marking.

 

• Do not touch your ball while it is in play. If you need to identify your ball, do so with permission and in the presence of a least one member of the competing team.

 

• In order to maintain Tournament pace of play, be aggressive in the use of the provisional ball rule. If there is a possibility that a ball may be lost or out of bounds, play a “Provisional Ball” (as prescribed in Rule 27).

 

• Carry The Rules of Golf rule book with you at all times. If at all in doubt on how to proceed, ask for a ruling from your opponents before proceeding.

 

• When interpreting a ruling on your ball or your partner’s ball, notify your opponent(s) before taking action.

The Desert Hunt Invitational Golf Tournament was founded to provide its participants with a fun and competitive experience. Sportsmanship and ethics must prevail to assure the integrity of the event. Please respect the game of golf and the Desert Hunt Invitational.

DHI TOURNAMENT RULES

1. A ball that comes to rest in a “Desert Area” (see definition below) and is identified. Players have the option to:
1. Play the ball as it lies. (no penalty)
2. Play the ball as a “Ball Unplayable”. See Rule 28. (penalty-one stroke)


2. A ball that is believed to come to rest in a “Desert Area” that is not found or identified (“Ball Lost”) will be played as if the “Desert Area” is a lateral water hazard. Players have the option to:
1. Take relief from the “Desert Area” by dropping a ball outside the “Desert Area” within two club lengths of and not nearer the hole than (1) the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the “Desert Area” or (2) a point on the opposite margin of the “Desert Area” equidistant from the hole. (penalty-one stroke)
2. Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played. (penalty-one stroke)
3. Play a “Provisional Ball”. See Rule 27.2. (penalty-stroke & distance)


3. A ball that is not found or identified outside of “Desert Areas” (“Ball Lost”) or is beyond the boundaries of the course (“Out of Bounds”), a player has the option to:
1. Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played. If from the teeing ground, the ball shall be played from anywhere within the teeing ground and may be teed. If from through the green or a hazard, the ball shall be dropped. If on the putting green, the ball shall be placed. (penalty-one stroke)
2. Play a “Provisional Ball”. See Rule 27.2. (penalty-stroke & distance)


4. An overall Tournament match which ends all square will be played off over three (3) holes by the Captains of each team. In the event that the play-off ends all square, then the match will continue to the next hole and become sudden death. The playoff will start on the first hole where the final day match began. Handicap strokes will be allowed.

"Desert Area" is defined as any non-mown area, including desert vegetation, sand dunes and rock formations.

The "DHI Tournament Rules" have been adopted by the Founders to assist in maintaining acceptable golf etiquette pertinent to pace of play and consideration for other players.